Feng Shui in the Living Room - The Purpose
Dr. Michael Oon
This room serves many purposes and is one of the most important rooms in the whole house. It can be called the heart of the home. It is also the public face of the family as guests are invited to this house.
- The Parlour Room
Historically, known as the Parlour Room. Parlour is derived from the French term Parler to speak. This was the place where you talk, converse or discuss or even debate.
- The Family Room
In the 16th to 18th Century English House, the Withdrawing room was where the owner, his wife or guests could withdraw to a room with more privacy.
However, the function of the drawing-room is similar to the family room, where the setting is more casual and laid back.
This is where the family can spend time in private doing things like bonding, talking, reading and spending time being a couch potato.
- The Art Gallery
Originally it was called the Front room or the Stateroom. It was often the best-decorated room where the best collection of furnishings, photographs and art was displayed. In this day, the living room has taken that function. Hence, the effort being directed in the décor of this room.
- The Entertainment Room
With the development of electronic technologies like the radio (wireless) in the 1930s onwards, TV, HiFi, and now electronic games, this was the room where the family can share the product of this entertainment. It can be called the entertainment hub.
- The Reception Area
This is the area where guests are received into the house. A place for celebrations, enjoyment and company.
- The Living Room
Original called the “Death Room”. At the end of the 1st world war and as a result of the Spanish Influenza epidemic (1918), the dead bodies were kept in the front room of the house for mourning before the funeral. But the epidemic disappeared as quickly as it appeared, this room was reused for the living. Hence the name Living Room.
The Living Room has evolved from various origins to serve as a beneficial and multipurpose room which is also the heart of the family.
From the Feng Shui point of view, it is pivotal to the good fortune and harmony of a household.
It is the centre of activity and a communications hub. A place for Relaxation – for the family to bond and enjoy their own company – talking, reading and watching TV, or just spending time there.
The living room is also the place for the family to entertain and bond with the family and friends.
The evolution of the living room continues. In the UK, many new properties, the living room merges with the dining room and the kitchen to become the living area for the family.
Links to Reviews of Various Feng Shui Topics
Feng Shui for Bedrooms (An Overview)
Feng Shui for Living Room (An Overview)
Feng Shui for Dining Room (An Overview)
