Multiple Accents

A simple weekend project

photo: Thomas J. Story

Lose 10 pounds.....eat better.....get to sleep earlier.....spend more time with loved ones.....These are some usual new year's resolutions. Mine luckily is much easier - to paint an accent wall. I will take some of my own Feng Shui medicine and become my own weekend warrior! Our hallway wall is empty, sad and begging for some Feng Shui love. I know, most people are terrified to choose paint colors and can seem like a daunting task since there so many colors out there. But here's an alternative way to think about it, trembling commita-phobes. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a whole home or room, choose just one accent wall to paint.

A fun idea for a kid's room

photo: pennycarnival.typepad.com

As you can see, it doesn't have to be complicated. I am always asked if there are colors that pertain to Feng Shui sections in your life. As a Feng Shui consultant, my answer is yes but what is most important is to choose a color that makes you happy and feel uplifted when you see it. As a designer, I emphasize using color to emphasize what you want to "pop" and make what's less flattering recede. So go on, buy a can and splash on a new color. Worst case if you change your mind, do it all over again. It can be a very dramatic change in a space that is very wallet-friendly!

This wall is comprised of cork! Beautiful AND sustainable!!

 A great solution for slanted ceilings

top photo: www.thedesignfile.net, middle photo: www.reliableremodeler.com, 

bottom photo: odietamoblog.blogspot.com

An Ancient Wonderland

A wonderful client and entrepreneur, Hayko

photos courtesy of www.hayko.com

 

When I walked into Hayko Fine Rug and Tapestries on the Upper East Side this summer, I was transported instantly to Istanbul. Ok, I have never been there, but it's what I imagined it to be. I was honored to be called in for a feng shui consultation by Hayko Oltaci, owner of this magical store. Hayko and I discussed what he was trying to achieve and together we used this information and various feng shui adjustments to help enhance his business. 

Believe it or not, this respite is right in the middle of New York City!

Many people usually ask me, "Is it ok to have old things in my home?" My answer to will vary according to what the person is referring to. If the objects in question are things left over from exes that make you cringe each time you look at it, I'd say better to get rid of them! But, if it's something that is infused with beautiful energy and brings you joy each time you see it, like one of Hayko's rugs, I would say cherish it and if possible, highlight it by putting it somewhere in your space where you see it all the time. This way you'll lift your chi each time you see it.

Get a glimpse of this talented man and his exquisite products and services in this video:

Hayko Oltaci from mehmet demirci on Vimeo.

Glorious. That is all I can say about the results of his hard work. If you are in the market for a fine rug, a rug weaving class or just haven't had time to take a vacation, go visit Hayko's store and have a cup of hot tea with him in the cafe. You too will be transported and well-taken care of.

Hayko Fine Rug and Tapestries, 857 Lexington Avenue at 65th Street, 2nd Floor. New York, NY 10065. 212.717.5400

An Organic Chi Boost

An unexpected chi enhancer

Looking for a holiday gift for that special someone? Me too. Luckily, my friend Pamela has created a new luxury organic beauty product called The Vanity Pillow. These beautiful pillows are for those who want to look and feel fabulous. It's a simple organic way to prevent wrinkles and relieve pressure on existing wrinkles, by gently supporting your head while you sleep, eliminating facial compression. Sign me up!

You know the scenario, you curl up on your side or on your face (egads!) and in the morning you end up looking like you aged another 20 years. I'm a light sleeper and I think this pillow will help me sleep more comfortably on my back. Not only will that do wonders for my face but also for my chi since I'll sleep better and feel more rested in the am. Yay!

Most people think that Feng Shui is just about moving furniture which affects the energy of the space and eventually you. That is true. But it can also work in reverse - if you have good, strong chi or energy, your space will be infused with your good energy and you'll get more work done, have happier relationships and more energy to do all the things you want to do.

It's that easy to look and feel rested! Your chi will thank you!
photos: Beth Schneck Photography

Best thing of all is that The Vanity Pillow team is generously offering iheartfengshui readers a 15% discount! Thanks Pamela! Just go to www.vanitypillow.com. and use coupon Code: vpholidayheart at check out. Happy shopping and happy sleeping!!

Quality time with my Lonnymag

I love Lonnymag and I love this dressing room!

all photos: lonnymag.com

I had a wonderfully long Thanksgiving weekend filled with food, friends and family. I worked on my metal element energy and throat chakra by singing some karaoke (believe it or not, I am an amateur!) and I even had some relaxing time to thumb through some of my favorite magazines. A perfect weekend. One magazine that I absolutely love is Lonnymag. It's an online magazine but believe me, the absence of the pages under your fingers will be quickly forgotten once you view all the beautiful interiors and products they feature. 

In the Oct/Nov issue, interior designer Celerie Kemble invites us into her home and it is a dream. Her black and white dressing room shouts luxury, relaxation and command. Celerie will never be startled while she is primping since she has a beautiful mirror that allows her to see behind her so that she stays rested and calm. The rest of her home is equally beautiful and elegant and you can see from the photos.

In complete command of the living room

This photo and view speak for themselves

If you haven't checked Lonnymag.com yet, do so today. Yes, I do miss the tactile feel of my now "old-school" design magazines, but I will just have to imagine now that my magazine is tucked under my arm...in my laptop. Definitely worth the trade off!

Adventurous Advent Calendars

The calendar that sparked the idea!

photo: pottery barn

Ahh, the Advent Calendar. Regardless of religion, the concept of the advent calendar is thrilling for every child. Who wouldn't want to have a little surprise or chocolate for each of the 25 days until Christmas? I saw this calendar at Pottery Barn and was completely inspired. Why not integrate the idea of it into Feng Shui? And have some childlike fun while we're at it?

A whimsical calendar that can be made to match any decor

http://roomenvy.wordpress.com

In Feng Shui, we recommend if you perform a task for a specific result, that you do it for 27 days. The number 9 and multiples of it are most auspicious in Feng Shui as 9 is the number of completion. I realize that advent calendars are only for 25 days. So here is my inspired suggestion. Buy an advent calendar that you love – or better yet, make one. When you are buying or making it, keep the intention in your mind of why you are buying it – More money is coming to me or I am powerful and inspired or a healthy, loving relationship is forming. Depending on your intention, fill each pouch or container with a saying, a poem, or an actual object that supports your main intention. For example, if you want a new relationship, in each pouch put two matching objects such as two movie tickets that would signify a fun activity that you and your partner will share. Do that each day until you get to day 26. On days 26 and 27, put these last things on your desk or nightstand so that you will be able to see them everyday and remind you of your intention.

 

 Two easy to make advent calendars

Top: www.activityvillage.co.uk, bottom: www.thriftyfun.com

The purpose of this calendar is to not only beautify your space but to actively shift your qi around your issue and to remind yourself of the wonderful changes that are already happening around you. Most importantly have fun with this calendar!

Presto Wallpaper

Wallpaper that you can actually put up in no time!

Who doesn't love the look of modern wallpaper? It's an easy way to transform a room that needs a little TLC and a shift of qi and style.

One of my favorite motifs!

photos: Lolly Props

Enter Lolli Props. They created Tempaper which offers us the beauty of wall paper but without the headache of application and the fumes of dangerous chemicals. Their fun idea uses the ease of sticker technology for that instant gratification whether you are putting the paper up or changing it out. This is dangerous territory for me since I can see myself changing the paper every other week since it's so easy to do! See the video tutorial here and check out how simple it is to do: www.tempaperdesigns.com/video.nxg

Enhancing Your Knowledge Gua

Marrying two things that I love - books and jewelry

photos: www. littlefly.co.uk

Jewelry designer Jeremy Mays is my hero. In a time where most people are downloading ebooks to their ipads or Kindle, because of Jeremy I no longer have to fret over what will happen to the overabundance of printed books. He reincarnates books into beautiful objects that can continue to enhance our lives with his literary jewelry.

This shows how this ring was literally extracted from this book!

 

On the Feng Shui bagua, there is a section dedicated to skill, knowledge and wisdom (bottom left hand corner). Wearing one of these beautiful pieces of jewelry can help you enhance your knowledge gua where ever you may be.

 

Combining symbols of love, beauty, and wisdom