Inspiration + Colour + Placement = Balance
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So You Are Renovating – The Kitchen
This is the second of the expensive rooms, the bathroom being the other one. As with the bathroom, careful planning is required, you won't regret it! If you are ripping out the old kitchen and starting afresh, then you have a chance to search for whitegoods, fixtures and the whole look. If you are partially renovating, work out what you are prepared to keep and what you are really want to spend money on. That seems to be obvious however, I have seen people's budget blow out without proper research and planning especially around the classic triangle of the stove, sink
Feng Shui Basics – Mirrors
Mirror, mirror, on the wall - who is the fairest of them all? Mirrors and their placement need to be carefully used in Feng Shui practices. A mirror reflects and often doubles whatever is opposite. This can be of benefit but can also be a negative action. Right now, go and look at what your mirror is reflecting. It can reflect a garden, a positive image and also add space and light to an area. The mirror should have no cracks, rust and should ideally be enclosed. If you buy an antique mirror, really make sure there is no damage -
Feng Shui Basics – Art Work & Photos
Paintings, prints and photos are so personal. In the world of Feng Shui, they are statements and images of what is happening and possibly influencing your life. There are many stories of people looking for a partner and needing to replace art work of single people, flowers and sad images. Have a look at what the art work and ornaments are saying in your space. You may want to replace or move them around. Start with the Bagua map to see what colours and symbols match the specific sector and also their partners. Remember the five elements of Water, Earth, Wood, Fire
So You are Renovating – The Bathroom
This is one of the two most expensive rooms to renovate, the kitchen being the other. Space, lighting and functionality need to be carefully planned and balanced. It is a room with the potential for costly mistakes. Plan where the major areas are going to be, what lighting you will use, how to ventilate the room and even heat it. There are plenty of websites on how to renovate a bathroom yourself - I advise against it if possible. Let's focus on some basics first: How do you want to use the bathroom - is it the main or guest bathroom?
How To Plan Your Renovation Timeline
Let's be honest from the start, it is more than likely that the timeline set aside for a key renovation is going to take longer than planned or promised by your contractor. Even if you are doing it yourself there are possibilities with delays in ordering and delivering, discovering an issue once you pull down the wall, open up a space and so on. Put it down on paper, plan the timeline with the contractor, ask questions even if they seem stupid, talk to other friends who have renovated rooms or full places and finally - search the web, there is
How to Feng Shui European Apartments
With old buildings, styles of renovation and general architecture, many European apartments and houses represent a list of Feng Shui challenges! The ideal Feng Shui apartments are square in floor plan with no steep staircases, strange corners or floor plans. Having rented and owned a range of apartments in Europe, it is interesting to match Feng Shui practices with European structure. As with most issues, there is a Feng Shui solution. Front Door We would all love a meandering path to the front door but many of us have our key entrance on a street with no foyer area and
Renovations – Where to Start?
I keep saying that the last kitchen and bathroom renovation was IT! If it can't be painted, tiled or recycled, I am no longer interested. We have completely renovated a small 18th century French townhouse, two kitchens in different houses and a major bathroom renovation and all were stressful, had good moments and mistakes. But, we keep doing it! Key Tips to Start Decide on your budget and don't forget labour costs - ask yourself if it's a cosmetic makeover, a partial renovation or whether things need ripping out and stating again. Kitchens and bathrooms will always cost more than you
Feng Shui Basics – Plants
Plants and flowers are life energy in Feng Shui and connect with the Wood element of the Bagua map. I am useless with indoor plants and stick to flowers or a few outdoor annuals - more on that later. Let's point out the obvious; no dying or spiky plants and avoid dried flowers. According to the Bagua Map, plants are best placed in the Wood, Water and Fire sectors as Water helps wood to grow and Wood feeds fire. However; even in these sections you need to be cautious. Use the colours carefully to match the areas and to enhance the
