Q&A Sunday: Making Space for Music and Love

Anjie Cho December 8, 2019

I'm about to start a new job, change states, and move into a townhouse where the master bedroom is a huge room and has high ceilings with an attached sitting area to the side of the bedroom. I was wondering - can I use this sitting area as a music practice space? My instrument is large and made primarily of beautiful rosewood with a little bit of metal (I play the marimba).

There is a spare bedroom, but it was smaller than expected. I had originally planned to use that as an office plus music space but after visiting the unit I realize it would be tight to put the instrument there as well as a desk (if the desk is to be in the command position), and I know I shouldn't put the office in the master bedroom. I'm not sure if having an instrument in the bedroom would disturb the peace or increase harmony. I'm hoping to start playing more as I stopped because of other life commitments. I also am single and want to be open to finding new romantic love.

Thank you!

Lin O., Los Angeles, CA

Hi Lin,

Thank you so much for your email! My husband is a musician; he plays clarinet! I asked him for his two cents on this too! First, congrats on the new job, the new move… the new home! All exciting stuff!

My intuition says that the instrument would be better for you in the living room, or in a spare bedroom. The instrument is large and is part of your work. It holds a big place in your life, and you want to create space for a partner. It’s better to keep both the office and the instrument out of the bedroom in your case. Is there room in the living room? I think it would be ideal there because you’d see it more often, and hopefully be inspired to play it. The living room represents the more outward social aspect of your home. I think it would be great to play music with friends or in your social space.

My husband also agrees, good to keep the musical instrument separate. He says music is social, so it’s great in the living room. Or dedicate a bedroom and just get a smaller desk and laptop.

If really the only space you have is in the master, perhaps you can separate it out with a partition, curtain or bookshelf. But I really love the idea of having a spacious and open master bedroom to help to invite a partner into your space and life. When your spaces are all filled up, the universe sees that you don’t have room for anything new. However you want to find a new romantic love! So give the universe the signal - loud and clear - with an open welcoming bedroom.

Be sure to also read the other posts on using feng shui for love, peach blossom luck and setting up a new home. These may all prove very helpful in getting comfortable in your new space! I look forward to hearing how you choose to design your holistic space, so please send photos once you're settled in!

by Anjie Cho

Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Our a unique training program takes an holistic approach to learning the art of feng shui design. Mindful design is about becoming aware, and attentive, to the energy around you: both inner and outer qi. It is about promoting a better way of living and creating sacred spaces that support, and nourish. Visit us at mindfuldesignschool.com.

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!

Q&A Sunday: Mirrors in an Office

Anjie Cho December 1, 2019

I follow you on Twitter and love your posts - very inspiring! I moved my office and have been working hard at setting up the new space in just the right way. I sketched out the Feng Shui mapping to determine where to place things and understand the space better. My large conference room still has a large blank wall because I need just the right "something" there.

I think I found it! It is the SE wall, so I think it's perfect for mirrors to build wealth and prosperity. It's the perfect size to fill the wall - 4.5 feet long and 2 feet tall - but they are Mercury mirrors - a bit antiqued looking. How should I consider this? Should I scrap the purchase because it's not a crystal clear reflection?

Suzanne A., Minnesota

Dear Suzanne,

Thank you for your email and kind words! I’m so happy to help another female entrepreneur!

Without a full consultation, where I see your floor plan and work with your specifics, the quick general answer is that for a feng shui cure, this is not a great mirror.

For a feng shui adjustment, a clear mirror that’s not mottled or disjointed is best. However, if you want as an art piece, that’s a different story. This is what I’m picking up from you. Not everything has to be a feng shui cure. This mirror can be there because you love it!

Secondly , I am not sure if a mirror is an appropriate feng shui adjustment for wealth, because, again, I would need to review your floor plan and specific concerns. In addition, I practice BTB Feng Shui, where the cardinal directions are less important than the mouth of qi (where the door is located).

Let us know what you end up doing! And congrats on your new office space!

UPDATE!

Suzanne wrote us back. She did end up getting the mirror.

Thank you for your response! I read it and it was just what I needed to hear. I'll send you a couple pics from my phone. It's already here and hung up in my space. It was meant to be but I was needing reassurance from you!

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!

Q&A Sunday: Choosing Winter Plants for Your Warm Apartment

Anjie Cho November 24, 2019

"When in doubt, add a plant," is a great life motto, but I have trouble finding plants that can survive the intense heat in my Pre-War apartment during the winter months. Do you have any suggestions?

Maya B., New York City, NY

Hi Maya,

This is a great question! I definitely agree with that motto, since houseplants are so beneficial on so many levels. They add vitality to a space and add more life energy. Not only can they improve feng shui when placed strategically and with intention, they're masters of helping clean the pollution we accidentally introduce into our homes every day.

But if your apartment pumps up the heat as we head into winter, it can be tough to keep just any houseplants alive. I've got a few suggestions, listed below, for plants that can survive higher temperatures and should generally still be low-maintenance and good feng shui. You can also try a realistic looking fake plant.

Golden Pothos

If you've read any of the other posts on the blog regarding plants, you may remember that the golden pothos was my first plant in my New York apartment. It's still alive and kicking today, throughout 12 winters! Golden pothos plants are tough and can handle forgetful waterers as well as high temperatures. In fact, they thrive between 75 and 90 degrees.

Succulents

Some types of succulents can survive higher temperatures, ranging from 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Chances are, even in a Pre-War building, it's not getting hotter than 90 degrees in your apartment, so these succulents will be a good bet. Just be sure to keep an eye on them, as they may need a bit more water than succulents typically require due to the heat. Also, opt for succulents with softer, rounder leaves, as these bring positive feng shui into your space.

Bonsai Natal Plum

A form of Bonsai tree, the Natal Plum is said to be able to survive almost any situation, short of freezing cold temperatures. That makes it an acceptable option for indoor growth, even in a controlled-heat apartment in winter. The catch? Invest in a small fan to reduce the potential for bug infestation at high temperatures.

Rubber Plant

If you and your space can handle a larger plant, the rubber tree plant is a great candidate for indoor growth, especially in warmer apartments, as it thrives at temperatures between 75-80 degrees. Just be sure to avoid drastic changes (that shouldn't be a problem with a controlled temperature) and keep in mind that rubber trees can grow up to 20 feet tall, even inside.

Medicine Plant

Otherwise known as Aloe Vera, these plants are very adaptable, even when low light and high temperatures are involved. Aloe vera prefers lower temperatures, a bit higher than about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, during winter, but it can flourish just as well in heat. Again, the key here is to keep the plant watered when it dries out.

As a note, feng shui principles shy away from plants with prickly leaves or anything pointy. It's fine to use as a plant, but not best as a feng shui adjustment. As the aloe plant does have pointy leaves, it may not be great feng shui, but remember, ultimately making a holistic space is about how your space makes you feel. If you love an aloe plant and the intention with which you bring it into your home is good, go for it!

Cactus

Cactus plants fall into the same category as the medicine plant. In feng shui, the prickly spines aren't ideal for feng shui uses, but if your heart is set on a cactus plant, go with your heart! These plants are almost impossible to kill and used to desert temperatures. Cacti are actually members of the succulent family, so they need similar growth conditions. With cacti, even in hotter temperatures, be sure not to overwater!

Hopefully some of these durable plants will be right for your space, as bringing the outdoors in during the colder months is always a great move. If you do spring for a plant, be sure to let us know what you go with and share a pic or two!

by Anjie Cho