The flexible area where family and friends watch TV, play game and listen to music. The space may flow with out boundaries into the dining room and living room, forming a large great room which is the social center of the family.
While bedrooms and special purpose rooms may be custom-tailed to the particular needs of one or two persons, the living area must foster the well-being of an entire family, adapting to differing personalities and interests as varied requirements for physical comfort. In addition, the living area must accommodate a multitude of visitors, from drop-in neighbors to business associates to intimate friends. More than in any other room in the house, it’s important to avoid introducing elements that might cause unrest for some users. Ideally, the colors, lighting, fabrics, and floor plan will welcome and comfort all who enter and will also inspire sociability and a sense of cooperation.
Flexibility is the most all important. For an airy atmosphere, choose lightweight furnishings that can be easily rearranged to meet the needs of the moment. Bring rattan chairs and a folding chaise in from the patio. Add sectional couches that may be separated and regrouped. Instead of a single large table, choose small modular tables that can be placed together or used individually. Free up additional floor space by stowing frequently used items in racks or shelves along the walls. Adjacent to the dining area, hang ceramic mugs and copper soup ladles from decorative hooks and set serving platters on the top of low bookcase.
Because so many people use this space, ergonomic design becomes especially important. A healthy living area will provide for visitors whether they are short or tall, young or old. Include a few chairs that can be adjusted for height and for angle. A reclining chair and a footstool will prove more comfortable than a traditional sofa. Plump cushions may appear inviting, but overstuffed furnishings seldom offer enough lumbar support to be comfortable for extended sitting or reclining. Moreover, a bulky, immobile sofa will appear ponderous and oppressive in this relaxed, free-flowing space.
“ Pictures deface walls more often that they decorate them.” Frank Loyd Wright (1869-1959) U.S. architect, writer
For a light, airy atmosphere, choose pale colors in neutral tones. Barbara Richardson, director of color marketing at the Glidden paint company, suggests warm beiges and soothing grays for living areas that will be used by many people for many different purposes. Off-whites are relaxing and also adaptable. To add a splash of excitement, toss brightly colored pillows on the floor and focus accent lighting on a carefully chosen artifact.
Books, paintings, and decorative items bring warmth and personality into communal space. They express the interests and values of the family, evoke pleasant thoughts and memories, and stimulate conversation with visitors. However, as ancient Eastern philosophies suggest, these items should be displayed with restraint. Rather than crowd shelves with an entire collection, choose a few favorite items and change the exhibit every few weeks. To minimize dust and mold, enclose books in case with glass doors.
For many families, the living area has become a home theater with television and stereo equipment dominating the room. The presence of so many electronic devices can have a draining effect on all who enter. Even when the machinery is turned off, it will emit electromagnetic waves, which have been associated with a variety of health problems. Moreover, the silent presence of a large, gray glass screen creates an air of desolation and draws attention away from human-centered activities.
To minimize the effects of electromagnetic waves, choose equipment that is classified as low emission and make sure that the wiring is properly connected. Store the television inside a cabinet and place seating at least five feet away. Be sure to close the cabinet doors when the television is not in use.
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how many oscars can live healthy in a 75 gallon tank?i recently bought one with four oscars ranging from 6 to 9 inches. The people i bought them from said they have had no problems with them. But think they need a bigger tank?
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