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Saturday, February 27, 2016

Designing with Energy


Y'know when you just have a good feeling about a place?
It's that inexplicable thing that is there, that you want, but can't quite see.

Some people say that how a home is decorated can influence our emotional well-being far more than we realize. With the world moving faster every day, many people believe that the core of who we are has become compromised, which in turn disconnects us from our natural environment, and can make us feel out of balance with the world.

From a design perspective, this modern dilemma is one that can benefit from the ancient art of Feng Shui. Used far more often now, Feng Shui is no longer classified as a wacky trend that conjures up thoughts of burning sage and gibberish chants; it has become a respected avenue for many people who want their homes to be a nurturing part of their life.

I thought, for this week, I would share some simple ideas, based on Feng Shui, that can easily (and simply) improve the "happiness quotient" in any space.
  • Begin with the entrance to your home. Energy is attracted to curves. Use plants or garden ornaments to "soften" any angular paths that lead to your front door.
  • Encourage family and friends to stay by having intimate seating areas that are not too cluttered. Add accessories that represent life, warmth and/or movement (eg. mirrors, wind-chimes, pebbles, flowers etc).
  • Attract positive, natural energy by bringing in any of these five elements - Earth, Wood, Fire, Water and Metal. How you interpret them is up to you; no need for fancy waterfalls and sculpture's, a plant and a metal bracelet is a good start.
  • Open windows and doors as often as possible to circulate (and remove) stale air and refresh the energy in your home. 
  • Bring calm, space and abundance to your home with mirrors, positioning them in small or unexpected places.
  • Feel safe and secure by positioning your furniture (and beds) so that you can see anyone arriving or leaving.
When I first learned about Feng Shui, years ago, I was very skeptical about the whole thing, but as I went along, the premise of it started to make sense. This post is such a small interpretation of what it represents, but I hope it might be just enough to pique your interest ....

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Design Classes are Back!


Beginning in March, I will be lucky enough to be teaching more design classes at the Roxbury High School, in Succasunna, New Jersey. The details are listed below, and if you would like to register please click on the Anteater (or title of the class).
For more information, you can also email me.

Thank you!
- Wendy

HOW TO ORGANIZE AND DECLUTTER YOUR HOME

Let's get organized, and clear the clutter! Please bring all of your questions and photographs to this fun and interactive class. We will share lots of helpful tips, ideas, and give you a designer's perspective on how to control the chaos, save time, and find the easiest solutions for you and your home!

SESSION 1
DATE: Thursday, March 17, 2016
TIME: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

SESSION 2
DATE: Thursday, April 21, 2016
TIME: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

LOCATION: Roxbury High School, Room A102
COST: $20 per person per session

HOW TO SELL YOUR HOME - STAGING 101

Before you call the Realtor, let's talk! Did you know that a home that is prepared for sale will attract more buyers, sell more quickly, and yield a higher price? You can stage your own home; we will show you how to begin, where to save money, and what you must do to make the best, first impression!

SESSION 1
DATE: Tuesday, March 8, 2016
TIME: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

SESSION 2
DATE: Tuesday, April 12, 2016
TIME: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

LOCATION: Roxbury High School, Room A102
COST: $20 per person per session

HOW TO DECORATE YOUR OWN HOME

Do you love your home? You home should be your favorite place to be. Come to the class, and we'll share lots of designer secrets for making your home comfortable and beautiful. Bring your questions and photographs, so that we can chat about the best way to place furniture, display accessories, control clutter, use of colors and more!

SESSION 1
DATE: Tuesday, May 3, 2016
TIME: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

SESSION 2
DATE: Tuesday, May 24, 2016
TIME: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

LOCATION: Roxbury High School, Room A102
COST: $20 per person per session

Anteater photograph from: Home-Designing

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Selling your home = Pie vs Cake

Pie is a happy word. Isn't it funny; I actually prefer to eat cake, but the word pie makes me happier to say than the word cake.

I find that homes are the same way. A nook sounds far more welcoming than a small place to sit, and while we often laugh at creative descriptions, they do have the uncanny ability to paint us a picture to go with the story. And, if we can create a feeling, an emotional connection to something, we tend to like it more.

Homes are about creating emotional connections with the use of physical objects, but if the objects mean nothing, or were placed without care, then the connection is never made, and it all starts to feel quite hollow.

You see, it's a bit of smoke and mirrors, but if you're trying to sell your home, then you often need decorative words, even if they just live inside your own head. It makes the process so much easier, and while you're not out to fool anybody, it does make your home sound far more appealing.

No-one wants to move into a home that is described as small, dirty and near a busy railroad, but it could also be a cozy, well-loved family home that is close to public transportation.

The idea is to get their attention, invite them in, and then they can decide for themselves whether they want the pie or the cake.