Q&A Sunday: Making Space for a Baby, But What About Storage?

In your post about pregnancy and feng shui, you mention making space as much as possible, but her closet is storage for our home too. Thoughts on how to handle?

Laurie E., Los Angeles, CA

Hi Laurie,

Thanks for reading our Q&A about pregnancy.

I actually do not suggest making as much space as possible in this post, nor would I necessarily recommend that. But maybe you read this post, where I suggest creating a space for a baby to come into your home. You don’t want it to be so full that there’s no room for the new little person.

However, it sounds like your situation is a little different. You do have a room for your baby, but you happen to have a storage closet in that room. Functionality is very important too when it comes to feng shui, as with most things in life. If that’s the storage closet and you have no other space for it, that’s totally okay. What you can do is make sure the closet is organized and what you do have stored there is necessary and in good condition. You can also use functional furniture that serves as storage as well!

I would also consider what sorts of things you have stored in the baby’s closet. Obviously things like knives and guns are not appropriate. If possible, store baby-related and soft things like pillows and linens. Do the best that you can and move things around if necessary. Just try to store objects with good energy around your new baby.

It would be wonderful if we could have completely separate spaces for each person in a home, but realistically that doesn't always happen. In this case, it seems you've definitely taken the time and intention to make some space for your new family member, so as long as you maintain a good, positive energy in her room, your feng shui should be fine. :)

by Anjie Cho

Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday".  We will be answering questions submitted by our readers. Click here to submit any Feng Shui or Green Design questions!

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Q&A Sunday: What If Door Mats Are Not Allowed?

You recommend a black welcome mat to encourage cash flow, but what if you live in an apartment building where you can't have door mats or hang anything on your front door?

Tracey T., Chicago, IL

Hi Tracey,

Thanks for your thoughtful question. It’s a good one. 

Even though your apartment building does not allow door mats or any sort of personal items on the outside of your front door, there is still feng shui hope!

As far as the door mat is concerned, you can place the mat on the inside of your apartment. The same guidelines apply as if it were outside the door. It’s preferable that the door mat is close in dimension to the width of the door (not too big, not too small). A black mat can welcome wealth and cash flow, as black is the color related to water. You an also energetically draw an invisible welcome mat in the front with the visualization that it’s there attracting abundance into your home.

Be sure to check out the other blog posts that discuss how to work with your entry area. Generally you want to keep the door and entry area clean, clutter free, and bright! 

A black mat is not the only way to welcome wealth and abundance to your space. There are many routes in BTB feng shui for attracting wealth, including activating the Knowledge area, practicing one good deed a day and mirroring the burners on your stove. Take a look at some of our previous posts, and hopefully you will find an adjustment that works for your building and space!

by Anjie Cho

Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday".  We will be answering questions submitted by our readers. Click here to submit any Feng Shui or Green Design questions!

Experts Give Decorating Tips for the Minimalist

featured on Homeclick

Much of current modern design has gone the direction of a minimalist style. To understand exactly what that means and how to achieve a sense of artistry within this style, we’ve sought the advice of several design experts who have the experience to guide us.

Architect Anjie Cho gives these tips related to building storage into a minimalist design: “It is best to have closed storage - minimize open shelving. Keeping things behind doors keeps the space clean, minimal and looking uncluttered. White storage against white walls, has the most minimal look. It's clean and sleek and blends into the wall.”

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