Inspiration + Colour + Placement = Balance

Let's jump straight in. Feng Shui loves square rooms and simple shapes but we live in a world of either modern form or ancient use of space with places on top of each other. It is rare that we have a perfect shoe box area to work with which means we need solutions and to make choices. We are renovating and have discovered a range of old architecture including old painted ceilings and marks on the wall of children's heights. A sense of history that has been hidden by a depressing 1980s overuse of tiling and too many down lights. Feng

Fred Machetanz, a famous Alaskan painter stated that, "when you gaze on a bright white ground it is like looking through colour rather than at it – like looking through stained glass". I thought about this as I saw tables full of white on white and everything plain. It is tempting to go for a clean look but is it really just playing safe? In a world that is upside down at the moment across politics, economics, health and just plain good old fashioned manners, are we seeking security and what we thought we knew? Just this weekend, I bought old

We were in London for work and were catching buses, planes, taxis and trains. Included was an unexpected visit to Dublin in one day. No idea what it looks like but the taxi drivers were great. Two days of holiday were included but ended up being a hybrid of answering calls and attempts at taking time off. We could have bought concert tickets but were exhausted each day. That is when unexpected moments are so important. Two hours wandering in Hyde Park's autumn tones with dogs let loose to gallop at invisible life; The Serpentine lake in the park watching swans,

And so we start. We have found a builder/renovator we feel confident in and a kitchen design company that will work in tandem. It is with slight nervousness that the internal demolition will start this week and we are away for work! A friend is cat sitting and the builder has promised to send photos as he goes. Crossing our fingers that nothing major is discovered and that solutions are found. The previous owner had been in mourning for a long time and the apartment felt depressing and sad when we visited it. So many ornaments, awards and stuff. Dark curtains

I didn't have a clue as to what to write about this week as we are in the final stages of banks, signing, slow notaries and juggling finances. I just wanted to sit on the sofa and in doing that, I realised that other than the bed, this is where life happens. A sofa with two cats and a husband, cocktail at hand and criticising a poorly made crime movie. Doesn't everyone know not to go down to the basement and why don't they turn the lights on? Honestly! I digress. The sofa is probably the most important piece of furniture

We were lucky to have a friend get us free tickets in to the Cannes yachts and boats festival. A place where money meets toys. Aside from my personal opinion on this, it was interesting to talk to a salesman about Feng Shui and boat interiors. He pointed to a new design with sharp edges and decor, saying, "that will be dangerous on the water!' It was all poisoned arrows and angles and a lack of balance. His boat on the other hand was elegantly moulded wood paneling with soft corners echoing the Art Deco style. It seems that Feng Shui

We are finally here and have settled in to a rental apartment for the next three months along with two cats. The cats are proving to be even more adaptable than we are. They found a place in the sun - on top of the piano keyboard, next to the window and are fascinated by all the coming and going. The apartment has been Feng Shui-ed with mirrors and fully cleaned. Yes, there is a cleaner and no, it is not our place,  but here are some tips and tricks that have worked over the years. Just remember, it is a

The following week will be full of final moving logistics, a time when a stiff drink will be needed! Already, wonderful friends have rallied around, delivered goods, supported with food and generally kept us sane. Cocktails, top food and the Elvis movie one night with our Breakfast Club was a perfect end to days of managing processes both at work and home. We move to a rental apartment until our new apartment is renovated and, of course it will be checked out with Feng Shui practice!   Feng Shui First Even with short term rentals, use the Bagua map and check