Design Free Bedroom (Before & After)

(after)

In its 'before' state, this bedroom had both some positive and negative elements according to feng shui. On the positive side, the bedroom was located in the southwest (sw) portion of the home. In feng shui sw is associated with the life area of love and marriage. Thus, it was auspicious for the couple that the bedroom was located in this area. In addition, the sw is enhanced by earth elements and earth colors such as yellow, beige and clay. Thus, the beige colored carpet, predominately beige bedspread and off-white walls with strong yellow undertone enhanced the chi of the space. The red accents (which represent the fire element) were also beneficial as fire produces earth in the feng shui creative cycle, therefore enhancing, even more, the chi of the space. Yet, there were elements that were creating negative chi in the space. First, there was some clutter, such as piles of dishes and toiletries. Clutter stagnates chi. Second, there were many items that detracted from the peacefulness of the bedroom, namely the tv, computer, printer and eating area. In addition, and perhaps, the most negative aspect, the head of the bed was placed under the slanted ceiling. In feng shui, this creates downward pressure on the sleepers, possibly causing headaches, sinus problems, restless sleep or pressure on the couple.

During the feng shui analysis and design implementation several changes were made to enhance the chi, and thus, the relationship and relaxation of the couple. First, because the couple strongly desired to keep the head of the bed on that specific wall for the sake of privacy, adjustments were made to symbolically lift the wall: two upward lighting lamps and two-upward growing plants were placed under the slanted ceiling. Second, all clutter and non-rest/non-romance related items were removed so that the couple would focus on each other and truly be able to rest. Elements of earth and fire (couple's collection of stone and beeswax candles) were added to enhance the chi. In addition, several items in pairs and items that represent couples were added to reinforce the relationship element: two matching lamps, a pair of buddha heads, yin and yang candle holders, a picture of an embracing couple on the wall opposite the bed. For purposes of green design, the carpet was removed even though it was fine for feng shui, because the underlying wood was a much healthier flooring option. It was refinished using AFM polyureseal, which is very low voc and the walls were touched up with Benjamin Moore Aura paint in the same off-white with strong yellow undertone. Beeswax candles replaced petroleum based candles and windows and shades were opened up to let in fresh air and light during the day. The couple chose a wooden platform bed with a solid wood headboard. All of the furniture except for the two shelves on either side of the bed (pine stair treads from Home Depot for nine dollars each) were free, obtained from items the couple already had.

Design Free Bathroom (Before and After)

In feng shui, bathrooms are often viewed as negative because they have the potential to deplete positive chi from the home due to the strong draining power of the toilet, shower/bath and sink. Thus, most feng shui practitioners recommend making the bathroom symbolically disappear (i.e. place a mirror on the outside of the door) and 'inactivating' the space by using a reducing or destroying element instead of an enhancing element.

In the case of this bathroom, it is located in the northwest area of the home, which represents helpful people, and is normally benefitted by the element of metal. However, because it is a bathroom, instead of enhancing the metal element, we want to minimize it. Unfortunately, in its before state, the items in the bathroom were signficantly enhancing metal. The metal vanity display, the white (metal) and off-white walls (earth which in feng shui produces metal), the metal and ceramic accessories all had the effect of enhancing metal.

To begin the redesign of the bathroom, I decided to use metal's reducing element, wood. Thus, I used a soft green paint for the walls and a deeper green for the base cabinet. (In feng shui, the color green represents wood). I replaced the metal vanity and accessories with wood shelving and accessories. I added three plants (which repesent wood in feng shui), putting one on top of the toilet to minimize its draining power. In addition, I added two candles which represent metal's destroying element, fire. To declutter, I suggested the occupants pare down on their toiletries so that they could fit them within the medicine cabinet. Finally, I reminded them to keep the bathroom door closed and toilet seat down as much as possible in order to divert positive chi from being drained from the home. In the future, the occupants should consider placing a large rock near the base of the toilet to decrease its draining power even more.

In terms of the green aspects of the design, I used Benjamin Moore Aura paint which is "certified under the GREENGUARD Standard for Low Emitting Products and the GREENGUARD for Children & SchoolsSM product certification programs." Water conservation devices were installed on the toilet, shower and sink faucet. In addition, a water filter was installed on the shower. I used organic cotton hand towels and toilet paper made from recycled products. To deordorize and detoxify the environment, I used baking soda with essential oil in a wooden bowl, 'clear head' soy candles with eucalyptus, rosemary and peppermint scent, and sea salt placed in a wooden bowl in the corner, as well as suggesting that the window be left open to let in fresh air and let out moisture. In addition, all of the cleaning products were replaced with Trader Joe's Cedarwood and Sage Multipurpose cleaner. Finally, once again many of the accessories were obtained from items the occupants already owned.

Design Free Livingroom