Inspiration + Colour + Placement = Balance
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Feng Shui Basics – The Earth Element
What on earth is the Earth element? In Feng Shui, it is all about grounding, stabilising and nourishing the inner core of your space. In the 5 elements life cycle, when balanced, Earth is made from Fire and it is where Wood and life grow, it also creates and polishes Metal. If in a negative cycle, Earth can be weakened by too much Wood, depleting it of energy, and Water can muddy Earth. In the Bagua map, it is the key element for the Inner Knowledge and Relationships sectors. It is also the key element for the centre of the Bagua
Decorating with Jewel Colours
Let's talk about jewel colours - ruby, amethyst, aquamarine, emerald, sapphire, citrine and topaz. They add style and drama, often lacking in neutral tones, and in the right amount, can offer warmth and a deluxe hotel feel. These tones that are on trend at the moment, can be seen from the living room to the bedroom, offering elegance and making a real statement. If you choose to use one or more of these, you need to ask yourself, how much? Do you go big and bold or just accent? It does require planning and careful selection of colour and contrast. Consider
How to Store Your Stuff
There is one word that starts a New York conversation - 'storage'. It is still the city I have lived in that really gets it and has come up with a range of wardrobe, packing and lock-up solutions. Other cities need it as well as many of us live in smaller spaces whilst living in a shopping world that entices us with stuff. There is a reason that tiny houses are popular and books on minimalism are constantly being highlighted. Check out the Container Store, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Home Depot in the USA or if you are living in
Feng Shui Basics – De-Cluttering
Let it go! We are a society that loves our stuff, possessions and things. It is like a sugar fix. I buy something and for a short time, it makes me happy. Having moved countries, cities and apartments over the last 15 years, it is the people, community and connections that make a place. Being a lover of marketing and packaging, I can be enticed but over the years, de-cluttering has become a practice. It started in New York with a lack of space and where square metres cost money. All of us had storage units full of furniture and things
Renting – How Do I Decorate?
A young friend was missing her home. She was only in Berlin for a year and wasn't allowed to paint, knock a nail in the wall or make any apartment changes. She said she was feeling depressed wondering what she could do and it wasn't a particularly attractive space with a tiny separate kitchen and bathroom and a room for dining, living and sleeping. Always a challenge. I once lived for eight months in a shabby - not chic, small French apartment and understood how our living space impacts on our feelings. First Steps We discussed her taste, colours and style.
Feng Shui Basics – What Your Stuff is Saying
I had a depressed colleague who's office coffee mug stated - 'I am just a step away from madness'! I didn't have to comment but another colleague did, and also pointed out that her office art print was Dali's melting pocket watch! Images are powerful sub-conscious statements in the Feng Shui world. While I am not advocating lots of pictures and notes with positive affirmations, each to their own, but a bit much at times, look around and check out what your 'stuff'' is stating. What message are you sending to others and your inner self? A previous post talks about artwork
Feng Shui Basics – Turn on the Light
Lighting in any room is aligned with illumination and fire in Feng Shui practice. This includes the major overhead lights, pendants, sconces, lamps, fairy lights and candles and any other form. Common sense is also needed to make sure your space has enough natural light and accent or task lights for reading and to add a softer energy to the space. I love battery operated fairy lights in a big jar or tea lights as they offer a softer ambience. Check the Bagua map as well. Lights and candles are of the Fire element and will add activity to an
So You Are Renovating – The Bedroom
Philippe Starck once said, "If you are depressed, you put some bright yellow in and suddenly you are happy." I wasn't feeling depressed but wanted to add a touch of summer to our bedroom. I have realised for a long time that there is a whole market there for a good bedlinen designer! The choice is limited to hotel white, stripes or flowers. Not easy for a couple to choose and avoid looking too gender specific. I have run the gamut of hotel chic blanc, Chinese intense silks and have recently gone for an Art Deco look. A bedroom is one of
