A conspiracy theory about living rooms

"In Western architecture, a living room or lounge room (informal: lounge) is a room in a residential house for relaxing and socializing.", that's how Wikipedia defines living room. But how much time do you actually have for socializing? How much time do you spent in your home if you don't count the time you sleep in?

Recently, I'm occupied thinking about the time we spent on work, in traffic, at home... It's because very soon I'll have to get back to work (I'm on maternity). So working eight hours a day (some of us even more), with all the overtime you do as normal and most common thing, do you actually have time to socialize and relax in your living room...  And when you do, beside watching TV, what are you doing than? Are you then in socializing mood or are you grumpy and once again analyzing your shit-of-.the-day situation from work? (If you do, please stop now, it's not worth it!)

If I go here with the conspiracy theory, I would say that there is a whole system that wants to destroy our families and to make our beautiful living rooms with all that nice furniture you work hard for, very sad. ;) Because when, you're working all day, you don't get to see you family. And then, by time, you get divorced. And people are more vulnerable when they are, or better say feel (because you are never actually alone), alone. Only good thing from that is for furniture companies, because at least one member will have to buy new furniture when he or she move out.

So what's the solution for that? Perhaps, what mafia did! Do you remember what was the system of mafia? They stick together, family is everything, together they are stronger. Adapted to a modern and non illegal living, this mean that you should really start to enjoy your living room with your family. Hang up with them, talk more, play more...

If you are one of those  who live far away from you loved ones, then at least frame they pictures in your living room, so you'll have feeling as they are here with you. And don't forget to call, write or visit them!

Love you, my other family!

Iva

Well known living room from The Friends, Monika's apartment, from www.williampaid.com

Walking room

I believe that our living space are streets, parks, office, everywhere we stay for a long time or use it frequently each day. So wouldn't be great if all those areas are nice and clean. Well, we are part of that, so it's up to us to take care of it.
This last few partly sunny days I spent my walks/strolls at my neighborhood and I just wanted to say I like my outdoor living area. Sometimes I even consider it as my second (living)walking room. And I'm wondering, am I the only one? What is your walking room, do we share the same? Let me know...

My walkingroom

Balcony

Do you use your balcony with it's full capacity? Or you never think about it as a potential living area? When you live in a small flat and have balcony, it becomes your secret garden. It's miracle how many faces can your balcony have just by using it properly. For example, my balcony has few purposes. First, it became storage when I bought shoe cabinet for hall that didn't fit (never buy furniture without measurement). Luckily, balcony was the right spot. Second, it's home for my plants. Because of that, atmosphere and decor here are connected with the change of seasons. And I love to feel that change so I made a really small but cozy and also useful chillin' area (third purpose). For bench I used a shelf that became surplus in our flat after we had to squeeze in a kinder bed. And because I wanted to make a intimate atmosphere where I decide when do I want to see my neighbors, I hang a cotton decorative curtain (instead of proper rods I used clothesline, it was easier to install).
So if you're lack with space you can turn it into multipurpose addition to your flat. Or if you have plenty of it, just enjoy the view!

My latest version; autumn 2012

I also use it to dry the plants for the tee I drink 

Hubby is having breakfast (summer)

Cherry tomatoes I grew

Summer mix 

I adore French balconies; there's always some flowers.

This balconies look like an artistic installation. I just love how French people take care about their balconies. (from my visit, June 2011.)

A great design by Christian Lessing. Suitable for small spaces