The living room stands as the fulcrum of the entire abode, its essence transcending mere spatial confines. Amidst the endeavor of embellishing this sanctum, one must be attuned to the nuances of Feng Shui, for what intricacies do such practices entail in the realm of living room adornment? Let us delve into this discourse together.
**Considerations for Living Room Feng Shui:**
1. **Orientation:** Ideally, the living room should inhabit the anterior realm of the domicile, nestled proximate to the threshold, thus facilitating the unimpeded ingress of vital qi emanating from the entrance. Should passage through a corridor be requisite, its maintenance must be immaculate, with ample illumination to avert obstructing the flow of energy. In instances of duplex design, the living room ought to occupy the upper tier.
2. **Configuration:** The optimal configuration of the living room manifests as either square or rectangular, with seating arrangements steering clear of angular confrontations and sofas eschewing imposition upon structural beams. Where protruding corners emit sha qi, the strategic placement of bonsai or furnishings serves to assuage the discord. Should the living room assume an L-shaped layout, partitioning via furniture delineates two distinct spheres, akin to separate chambers. For instance, one area may serve as a parlor, while the other, a lounge. Alternatively, affixing mirrors upon the walls symbolically mends these angular lacunae, thereby rendering the space holistic in its composition.
3. **Adornment Adjustment:** Objects of sharp contour, such as blades, firearms, accolades, or taxidermy, find no place adorning the walls, their presence imbuing an aura of Yin and precipitating discord or aggression. Likewise, the display of lamps or decorum boasting acute angles is to be circumvented.
4. **Feng Shui Arrangement:** The disposition of furnishings within the living room hinges upon the inhabitants’ mode of living and aesthetic sensibilities, thereby endorsing an amalgamation of functionality and aesthetic allure.
In conclusion, the saga of living room embellishment unfolds as a narrative of harmony and resonance with the cosmic energies, where each artifact and arrangement coalesces in a symphony of serenity and prosperity. The placement of any Feng Shui auspicious ornaments should be based on the eight aspirations of life and the orientation of one’s personal birth hexagram. It is advisable to consult a professional Feng Shui master.
For the living room’s Feng Shui orientation in the west, representing the descendant’s fortune, silver hues symbolize the descendant’s luck. The element associated is metal, favoring colors such as white, gold, and silver. Metal sculptures, hollow metal wind chimes, televisions, and sound systems are all suitable for this area.
In the south, which governs reputation, arranging the Feng Shui appropriately can bring fame and recognition to the family, especially to the breadwinner. The south belongs to the fire element, favoring the color red. If a mirror must be placed in this position, it should be small because mirrors represent water, which can extinguish fire, adversely affecting reputation luck.
Check the arrangement of the living room’s north, representing career luck. The north signifies career prospects, belonging to the water element, favoring colors like blue or black. Placing water-related items in this direction, such as fish tanks, landscape paintings, or water features, can benefit the residents’ career luck.
In the northeast, which governs academic success, paying attention to the Feng Shui layout is advisable if there are children preparing for exams. This area belongs to the earth element, favoring colors like yellow and earthy tones. Ceramic vases and other earth-related items are suitable for enhancing the energy of this area.
Strengthening the energy of the northwest in the living room enhances academic luck and facilitates positive relationships with benefactors. This area belongs to the metal element, so it is suitable to place metal ornaments in white, gold, or silver hues, such as metal sculptures or lamps with white circular lampshades attached to metal bases. The southeast corner of the living room symbolizes the family’s wealth. As it belongs to the wood element, the auspicious color is green. Therefore, placing wooden items in this area can attract wealth, with circular-leaf green plants being the most effective. Avoid dried flowers here, as they carry too much yin energy. A fish tank is also suitable in this area, as water nourishes wood. However, ensure the fish tank’s size matches the living room space, as one that is too large or too small is not suitable. The southwest corner, representing love and marriage luck, is crucial for enhancing marital or romantic relationships. This area belongs to the earth element, and its activation methods are similar to those of the northeast corner. Placing a pendant lamp here can increase energy and promote harmony in the relationship, while natural crystals and family photos have similar effects.
When it comes to the interior decoration of the living room, there are five major Feng Shui taboos to avoid:
1. Low-grade floor tiles: In home decoration, floor tiles are a major expense and vary greatly in quality and price. Some cost hundreds of yuan, while others are only a few yuan per tile. To save money, many working-class people are reluctant to buy high-grade floor tiles. However, this is a big mistake. Firstly, floor tiles are prone to wear and tear. If they are too cheap, they will not be durable, and over time, footprints will be visible. Secondly, excessively cheap floor tiles are not non-slip, making it easy to slip and cause accidents. Therefore, when purchasing floor tiles, it is advisable to choose at least mid-range or above.
2. Do not skimp on buying wires and pipes: In the entire housing decoration process, electrical wires and pipes are also major expenditures. Some salaried individuals, when it comes to these expenditures, harbor frugal thoughts, often prioritizing price over quality. This is a significant misconception. Substandard electrical wires and pipes, if installed, can pose significant safety hazards post-decoration. Therefore, those in the salaried class, when purchasing electrical wires and pipes, should not compromise on standards; instead, they should opt for high-quality ones to ensure safety. Additionally, the design of the living room should not be cramped. Creating a sense of spaciousness is of utmost importance, regardless of the fixed space’s size in interior design. A feeling of spaciousness can bring about a relaxed mood and a joyful atmosphere. Furthermore, the living room’s height should not be low. The living room is the primary communal space in a home, and whether or not you install artificial ceilings, it is imperative to ensure spatial height. This height pertains to the fact that the living room should have the highest net height among all spaces in the home (excluding stairwells). This maximization of height involves various visual illusion techniques. Moreover, the living room’s aesthetics should not be cluttered. In interior design, it is crucial to ensure the beauty of the living room from every angle, including optimizing the view of outdoor scenery from the main viewpoint (the sofa area). The living room’s decoration should be the most beautiful or the most distinctive in the entire dwelling. Recommended reading: Feng Shui for Selecting Apartments in Low-rise Buildings.
