7 Easy Ways to Feng Shui Your Apartment

featured this week on 6sqft by Hannah Frishberg

As intangible a concept as feng shui may seem, it all comes down to the basic idea of having a space you’re happy to come home to because its energy is positive. “Feng shui is an ancient philosophy about how you can improve your life and create a space that supports and nurtures you,” explained Anjie Cho, a New York-based architect, author, and founder of online mindfulness design blog and shop Holistic Spaces. Indeed, adjusting your apartment in just a few small and informed ways can make all the difference in the look and feel of your unit and, resultantly, your own wellbeing. Ahead are some ideas you can apply to your space, straight from a pro.

1. The importance of a headboard

While having your mattress on the floor may seem very zen, or in some apartments may be a spatial necessity, the pros advise against it. “A headboard is really important in feng shui,” Anjie says, “it connects the partners.” Not having a headboard can enhance the temporary feeling of a unit. If you simply don’t have space, a good alternative is wallpaper or crafting mural on the wall behind you, or mounting a mirror.

2. The 36 inch rule

No doubt about it: space is a luxury in New York. Still, if at all possible, Anjie says 36 inches of clear space between pieces of furniture should be a goal. For Anjie, there is a grace zone, but less than 18 inches between items constitutes “very cramped.” So get rid of clutter, and if it does not spark joy, try your hardest to toss it.

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Good Vibrations: 6 Beginner Tips to Boost Your Home's Feng Shui

featured this month on realtor.com by Jamie Wiebe

Feng shui might seem like outdated superstition to nonbelievers, but here’s the reality: Most of it is really nothing more than good design sense. Long before we were blessed with HGTV, homeowners still had some ancient guidelines for making their home attractive, functional, and joyful. And we can all get behind that, right?

Here are some proven ways to play up your home’s feng shui—and show off your design savvy at the same time.

Tip No. 1: Choose a commanding position

Every room has a “commanding position”—and in feng shui, finding it is the key to happiness and good health. Look for the spot farthest from the door and facing the entrance (usually diagonal). That’s the best location for your bed, desk, or even TV.

“The commanding position aims to put each of us in control of our lives by ensuring that we see what’s coming at us, both literally and metaphorically, whenever possible,” says Anjie Cho, an architect and feng shui expert in New York City.

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9 Steps to a Beautiful and Functional Make-Up Corner

featured this month on Houzz by Melissa Cowan

Carving out a few spare moments in the morning or evening to do your make-up can be surprisingly relaxing. It’s either a marker of the day to come, or it adds to the excitement before a big night out. But if you always find yourself doing your friends’ make-up or trialling new looks on yourself in the bathroom, it may be time to create your own make-up corner to play in. It can be as simple or as glamorous as you want it to be, and can be adapted to fit the amount of space you have available. Here’s what you need to make a functional make-up corner.

1. Add multiple mirrors

Having more than one mirror is a priority; it’s best to have a combination of different magnifications to help with the finicky steps like applying liquid eyeliner. Double-sided mirrors can be an effective way to meet your magnification needs without taking up too much space.

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