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integrating spirituality and green design to find beauty in simplicity and balance. we design harmonious living and work spaces that resonates with clients from both the inside and out.
Anjie Cho integrates beauty, spirituality and green design. She creates and enhances balance and harmony by designing spaces with an understanding of sustainability and informed by the ancient practice of feng shui. Her focus is to create a nurturing and supportive environment for each of her clients, at whatever level they feel comfortable.
I really love gift-giving all year round, so the holidays are a fun time for me! It's not about how much you spend, but the thought that counts. I've included items at all different price points and even some DIY ideas. And of course each of the gift ideas can assist your loved ones in creating a holistic space and lifestyle, so that they can be happier and feel supported in their lives.
Yes, of course I just had to include some of my own products. In case you didn't know, I wrote a book and I have signed copies of my book available on the Holistic Spaces store.
This book is a great introduction to feng shui and holistic design principles.
Feng Shui can change your life -- but learning how to use it can feel overwhelming. Architect and feng shui practitioner, Anjie Cho clears the clutter and shows you how to apply feng shui and green design principles to support and enhance your life. From the bedroom to the home office, and from furniture placement to the use of color, these simple, straightforward tips will transform your home and workplace to improve the flow of energy through your life.
Receive Free Shipping on your purchases over $45 through December 31, 2015 with the code GIFTGUIDE
Available at: Holistic Spaces
The Moon Glass set was designed by Seoul's Tale Ltd (my peeps! the Koreans!). The moon is yin and is related to the feminine principle, intuition and introspection. We look to the moon often in feng shui to gain insight on what's happening on the inside.
This design is such a delightful and graceful reminder of all the phases of the moon. "Fill it up with a nice rice wine (or any other beverage of your choice) and watch as each sip you take brings the moon from full to three-quarters, half, and crescent. The trick is achieved by a slope inside of the cup and the sleek black glaze creates a fantastic contrast with opaque or cloudy beverages."
Available at: the Colossal Shop
Sashiko, "little stabs," is traditional Japanese embroidery and my newest obsession. While browsing Etsy for some sashiko supplies, I stumbled upon these beautiful little gems: Handmade sashiko cloths hand made by a Japanese grandmother!
Nina explains: "This is made by my grandma who is 97 years old now :) She is quite active and loves to embroider. Some stitches might be jumped but she is sticking with love. We would be happy if you feel love from Japan :)"
How cute, right?!?! I snatched one up right away!
Available at: Litre Japan on Etsy
The brainchild of "redesigner," Kelly Anderson, everything on the Refreshed Designs website is not only organic, it's created from repurposed wood that would otherwise go to waste. These cozy coasters are sliced from storm-fallen birch trees in Anderson's home area, New Brunswick.
Anderson shares the same love for green design as Holistic Spaces, and the Erthe Line is full of simple, warming items for desks, walls and tables in your space.
"Our philosophy is to return to nature to make our homes sustainable, functional and naturally appealing, thereby consuming less and connecting with our surroundings."
Available at: Refreshed Designs
Most of my readers know about the importance of locating your desk in the commanding position. If that's not possible, a lovely tabletop mirror such as this one is perfect to place you back in command.
I love the warm earthy color of the brass with the coolness of the clear mirror. The Michele Varian shop is one of my favorite stores in Soho.
Available at: Michele Varian Shop
Mandalas are sacred geometric art forms from the Vedic and Buddhist traditions. They are tools for centering and focus during meditation. As sacred art and as meditation objects, our mandalas graphically and energetically embody the intention you wish to manifest in your life and spaces. Each Holistic Spaces mandala is an original Vedic square design pattern, using traditional yantra symbology, and created while reciting mantra.
The recipient can use the Mandala Matchmaker to select the perfect mandala for them based on their numerology, intention or intuition.
With these gift cards your loved ones can choose for the mandala that they love.
Receive 10% off a Mandala Gift Card through December 31, 2015 with the code GIFTMANDALA
Available at: Holistic Spaces
I interviewed Barbara Jacques from Jacq's Organics earlier this year (read it here!), and I just love some of the products from her all-natural, organic beauty and home line.
These candles, La Lune and Le Soleil are made with fewer than 5 ingredients each, 100% soy wax and come in recyclable glass jars. The candles represent balance in the form of the sun and the moon ("Le Soleil" and "La Luna" in French, respectively) and go hand in hand with the feng shui principles of yin and yang energy.
Le Soleil includes notes of citrus, making it the perfect scent to provide an energetic boost or to start off your day, and La Luna was created to help you wind down, relax and welcome the yin energy of the moon.
Available at: Jacq's Organics
Last year I knit dozens of these vintage looking dishtowels from a pattern available from Purl Soho. Whether you're on a budget or love to craft, these lovely handmade items are wonderful gifts.
The stitching is easy enough for beginners, and giving never feels better than when it's made with love, so give it a try!
Purl Soho also has dozens of beautiful pre-assembled craft kits that come with everything you need to craft your own projects such as friendship bracelets (remember those?!) or a Cashmere Ombré Wrap Kit
I organize "crafternoons" with my girlfriends every few months. One of my friends thanked me for helping her be creative. A kit to do-it-yourself is not only fun, but empowering :)
Just one more thing from my store! The Lunar New Year is fast approaching, and Holistic Spaces now has customized kits to embrace the new year in style.
The upcoming year is the Year of the Monkey, so each kit includes a snake charm for good luck and prosperity. The snake is the best friend of the monkey, so keeping one nearby is good feng shui! Each kit also includes a Nine Star Ki aromastick for support based on your personal astrology and Holistic Spaces very own Happy Room Mist, perfect for space clearing for the new year!
Available at: Holistic Spaces
My good friend Amy T. Won, of Treespace Studio paints wonder filled scenes. One of my favorites is the "Journey Through the Seven Seas" series. This series conjures up thoughts of a magical wonderland under and above the ocean. Images of water inspire peace, calm and fascination for me.
Lucky for us, Amy has made her artwork available as beautiful cards that we can share or gift to others.
Available at: Treespace Studio
You are in love with your modern home, and rightfully so. If you want to add a personal twist to its decor, while adding in some extra warmth and comfort, incorporating a few elements from a specific design period is the way to go. Highlight your favorite design era with a few well-chosen pieces, or mix and match different styles for your own signature look. Get started by incorporating bits of your preferred style themes from the following list.
Art Deco debuted in France after World War 1. This throwback design theme blends bits of French, Egyptian and Mediterranean culture with clean lines, geometric patterns and vibrant colors. Think opulence and lavishness. You can incorporate elements of Art Deco into your home by selecting materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, inlaid wood and lacquer. Furniture with a mirrored or veneer finish is one option. Want a smaller whisper of style? Look for throw pillows and accent pieces featuring chevrons, sunbursts and bold colors.
Art Nouveau harkens back to the end of the 19th century and is known for its classy, sophisticated style. This era of design is nature-inspired, as demonstrated by its dynamic, undulating, flowing lines. Art Nouveau design is energetic; spiritual and lively. Look for pieces made of metal, ceramics and glass. Incorporate patterns and pieces with floral themes, as well as insects, birds and other elements of nature.
Baroque Style evokes memories of the very ornate, luxurious design of the 17th century. To achieve the look of pure opulence, search for items with elaborate ornamentation. You want to select pieces that include plenty of detail, curves and heavy carving. Incorporate items made of marble and dark hued woods. If you’re looking to pepper Baroque influences into your space, seek out furniture boasting curved legs, carved details and gilding. Large mirrors and crystal chandeliers will lend a Baroque influence as well.
Neoclassic is about elegance, luxury and romance. In terms of design, aim for hints of Roman and Greek architecture and sculpture. Symmetry and balance are key characteristics of this style. Look for pieces using light wood and upholstery items. If you want to introduce this style through accessories, then consider ornate vases, urns, statuary decorations and pottery.
Victorian style begins with lots of layers and builds with vibrant, rich colors. Something as simple as adding a chair or picture rail to your walls will introduce a bit of Victorian flare into your space. Pull in velvet, a Victorian staple, through pillows and upholstery and don’t shy away from fringe or patterns. Dark woods and marble are classic Victorian components, too.
Anjie Cho Architect is an architect and feng shui expert, founder of Holistic Spaces. Creating beautiful and nourishing spaces for living.
Anjie Cho Architect PLLC | 457 FDR Dr, New York, NY, 10002, United States