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The living room is often the central hub of many homes and is an area where a range of activities from socializing to eating and relaxing occur. This can present some challenges in achieving a suitable environment that promotes good chi and offers a harmonious retreat. Nevertheless there are a few simple rules that can be applied to offer a good start to getting the balance right.

* The key to the living room is the arrangement of the seating within the room. Sofas, chairs or other seating furniture should take priority in the room and be given the command positions facing the main doorway, but not directly in line with it. It is best to arrange the seating in an octagonal or circular pattern so that all face each other. This will encourage conversation amongst guests and make all feel at ease in the room resulting in positive chi flowing from all who enter the room. There should be a "prime" position with a seat placed for honored guests which has a full and clear view of the doorway.

* Although the seating in the room should be the first consideration from a feng shui perspective, it should not necessarily be the focal point of the room. Instead it is better to have a fireplace or picture as the main focus. Fireplaces are particularly effective as they represent the fire element which creates warmth for this very social room and it also stimulates movement to help chi flow freely. A mirror placed above a fireplace will amplify it's effects and maximize the chi benefits of such a feature. Televisions should definitely not be the focal point of the room as they emit negative chi, instead it is best to hide them away along with other electrical equipment in a properly designed cabinet.

* Color can also be used to promote warmth within the room by maximizing fire colors such as red and orange, but care should be taken to not over stimulate the fire element and so there should be a balance of softer shades too. Ultimately the environment desired will be warm but relaxing and comfortable. Soft carpets and chairs can also help add to this effect.

* If you wish to place a table in the room, try to position it so that it is accessible from all chairs - round tables are particularly effective. Ensure the table is kept clean and tidy as it will represent health within the room, a vibrant plant placed on the table will help bring good health chi to the room.

* Any dark areas in the room should be given some attention to stop negative chi collecting. Lights, mirrors, plants and aquariums can be great at achieving a balanced impact on such areas. Fish in general are an excellent addition to the living room as they will promote good health and bring luck to those who live in the house.

* Finally, it is important to keep the living room clutter free to allow chi to flow freely. Old newspapers and magazines should also be thrown out to stop a backwards facing outlook.

Learn more about this author, Paul Linsell.
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