Home Improvement Editorial

Archive for the ‘Feng Shui’ Category

While it is sometimes hard to understand, the best feng shui position in the bedroom is called the command position. This command position dictates the best position and it doesn’t only include the bedroom, it encompasses business such as your office or building where you work. It is said in the guidelines that if you can’t see the door from your bed, that you avoid issues and can easily be overcome with stresses and life can easily stun you.

The greatest position is to place your bed so that it is in line with the entrance door to your room, as this will create a more positive atmosphere that has positive energies about it. It is also believed that this position can actually alleviate stresses, irritability and even health problems. Now if you can achieve all this through a simple repositioning of your bed, it is highly recommended that you at least try it. I mean what have you got to lose?

The best feng shui position for the bed is of high importance because in today’s society it isn’t uncommon to have a television in the bedroom and even a computer. According to the position guidelines, it clearly states that you should not have your office in the bedroom so remove those computers and rearrange it in a suitable position.

The idea behind this is that work and rest do not go hand in hand together and as such, creates negative energies that affect you and probably also the fact that unless you are independently wealthy, it’s likely don’t have that big of a bedroom that you can place both a computer and desk as well as a bed in the correct position.

Speaking of small bedrooms, it is a very common occurrence that it is difficult to even put the bed in the best position and could cause problems due to space limitations. It is important that you don’t place the bed on the same wall with the kitchen, bathroom, shower as well as any other ‘active’ items that might be on that wall. Use your finest interior decorating skills to arrange the furniture so you can receive optimal benefits even if it means taking the television out of your room!

The green-house effect is everywhere these days. You just can’t escape the news about how important it is to save energy with efficient appliances and a house that is well insulated-and that’s a good thing. But the simplest and most effective way to reduce a home’s energy usage in the long run is to reduce its size from the outset. A shrinking energy bill is just for starters: The need for fewer building materials, less land, and less maintenance is a significant by-product of building smaller houses.

More and more of my clients ask whether a small house can work for them. They’re concerned that it won’t have enough room for family and friends on holiday visits or that it will just seem cramped. The reality is that a small house doesn’t have to appear nor feel small. By using thoughtful and innovative design techniques, a small house can be made to seem larger and more gracious than its actual dimensions.

On these pages are ten guidelines that can be used to expand the perceived size of a small house. They comprise an overall approach that will yield a house that is both practical and excellent. To be successful, a small house also should be straightforward, with simple architectural forms and construction techniques, quality materials, and careful detailing. Quality feels better than quantity, while spirit and personality bring a house alive.

1. Design an outdoor room

What you build outside the house can have a major impact on the way your home feels inside, especially if you make a roomlike space and connect it properly to the house. This outdoor space should have a definite boundary such as a stone wall, a fence, shrubs, a deck railing, or adjacent structures. It needs to be easily accessible from inside the house and to be linked to the interior by consistent materials, floor patterns, overhangs, plantings, and large doors and/or windows. An element such as an outdoor fireplace or an arrangement of table and chairs also can give this space an interior connection.

The outdoor room should be a bit bigger than the largest room in the house. I typically like to use spaces that are about 11⁄4 to 11⁄2 times as big as the largest room. Ideally, the outdoor room should have an area that is hidden from view, creating a bit of mystery and tempting a visitor to explore. Leave guests with a sense that there is something more to discover.

2. Invest some space in transitions

By using transitions, you can emphasize distinct realms in a house. Transitions range from portions of the floor plan such as stairs, hallways, and balconies, to details such as thick thresholds, substantial columns, overhead beams, and lowered ceilings. You can use these architectural elements to create a sense of mystery and a process of controlled discovery, enhancing the sense that there is more to the house than immediately meets the eye.

Although it might be tempting to remove square footage from entry and circulation spaces, it is more important to be generous with these areas. Doing so will create the sense that you are living in a bigger house.

3. Use contrasts in light and color

Natural light is a wonderful way to enhance a sense of spaciousness. Bring light into the house by using large windows, skylights, and clerestories. Interior spaces without exterior walls can borrow light from other areas via transoms, French doors, or interior windows. I try to design every habitable room in a house to have enough natural light so that artificial light is unnecessary during the day.
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Starting from the entrance door to the living room, the kitchen would have left in the position of the dragon and the dip in the position of the tiger. Always giving light to each of the rooms through windows and terrace. And providing each with gadgets and appliances in use today. We have also located under the basic rules of Feng Shui and, of course, seeking the comfort of people. Regarding the building design, architects have here a good job to develop, allowing good light to all floors, either overlooking the street or an inner courtyard that has recreational areas (gardens and swimming pool). This should follow the rules of Feng Shui as regards external forms required (mountain and water) and thus further promote the energy of all homes. We will say that mountain is anything of equal or greater height than the building. Of course, what would be the most suitable natural mountains. On water, the most effective would be rivers, lakes, seas, pools, or, failing that, streets, transit of persons and vehicles or large spaces such as gardens and parks. This would be an exterior view of the house. Clearly, the furniture, colors, home appliances and other equipment will be according to the taste and needs of the people, always following the rules of Feng Shui and with a good decorator.

The dining room features a sofa leaning against the bedroom wall (good turtle) and always having in view the front door. In addition, we are in a comfortable position to view the television and will have good access to kitchen and bedroom. In the kitchen we have all the necessary appliances. That itself, located as we indicated to Feng Shui. A note: between the sink and stove would need to put furniture to make the work progress of harmonizing energy between fire and water. Should also be mindful not to spend too much time cooking with their backs to the door.

For the bedroom we have chosen the option of bed for a couple. Of course, the space should be replaced by twin beds. The bed would be available as described by Feng Shui and the bedroom would have enough space to store our clothes and other belongings. The bathroom has enough room to have shower with hydro massage (much more practical for the bath) and washing machine. We have reserved a reasonable space for placing a similar closet or we serve as storage. And best of all, this bathroom features natural lighting.