We are ready to go! The European borders re-open tomorrow and we will be on our way to our real home in a few days. These moments often teach us so much, what do we really want in life, where should we be and who do we want by our sides?
We will be taking a bit of current Berlin furniture to our French apartment – furniture that has traveled the world with us and holds many memories. To some, it is a couple of arm chairs, some paintings and kitchen glasses. For us, it is about two chairs we found in a Nyon brocante with my previous boss, now a friend. Some Art Deco pieces we bought in New York, some paintings from Penang and four aqua glasses given in Australia. We are bringing everything home.
Decluttering
We are starting to let things go. Not easy but as a Feng Shui practitioner, this allows fresh energy into your life. Wardrobes, light fittings and a bed will be left behind. Nothing of emotional value even though all are elegant and chic. As a friend said, you don’t have cheap rubbish! Don’t forget the three areas, items to keep due to memories, items to sell and items to give away. Most of it is going to someone who will appreciate the quality and it is like we are passing it on.
What Do I Keep?!
Work first in rooms and zones and then colours. Work out what is the focal point for each room, what piece of furniture is not negotiable, it is going with you. If you move like we have, it may be worth keeping for a future place. See if you can repurpose, a cupboard can become a wardrobe, chop off the table legs off to make it a coffee space, re-paint and re-frame.
For us, our future dining room is easy. Our French farm table has had meals, drinks and is my office workspace. I love the old turned legs that have stood the test of time. Our Asian furniture will fit in with the tropical green and white theme. The lounge is soft coffee tones, ivory, brushed metal and a bit of blue. Our Louis XVI white, sand and blue chairs will add French elegance. A touch of pink in the pictures for the relationship corner but just some hints for Feng Shui balance. All of the Art Deco grey blends in with the bedroom and adds a New York memory for us. The kitchen will be an ivory retro feel with some fun blue touches to add a lighter note.
Feng Shui First
Before you furnish each room, here are some Feng Shui tips after you have used the Bagua map for balance:
- Put up the crystals and mirrors where you need balance and where you need to hold in energy such as the bathroom
- Go into each room and set an intention stating what each room will generate
- Some use sage but I like burning Frankincense in each room to clear out old energy
- Clean, clean, clean!
Then welcome the new space in to your life and your life in to the space.
