How to Create a Relaxing Space: A Color Guide for Homes

featured today on Streeteasy.com

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In New York City, we all lead hectic lives, full of traffic, crowds and congestion, so it’s important to create relaxing environments in our apartments and homes. Using color is a great way to create a peaceful feel in your space, but it’s important to understand how wall color and decorative accent color can affect the atmosphere of your home. 

Color can be used to harmonize and create your sought-after atmosphere and ambiance.  In feng shui, color is one of the 9 ways that you can shift your space and life.  People are overwhelmingly affected by what they see, so the appropriate use of color can truly help create a relaxing space.  Below are some color suggestions for creating a restful, healing and organic home.

I suggest you use color, not just with paint on your walls, but also with furniture and/or accents such as rugs, drapes, and art.  Be conscious of the quantity of colors that you use, especially for small spaces. Use one or two colors as an accent, rather than a smattering of bold colors.  It is a good idea to avoid loud patterns, especially sharp angular geometric shapes.  Stick with solids or subtle organically shaped designs.

The easiest way to approach the idea of relaxing colors, is to think of the natural world.  For instance, beach colors or forest colors.  Beach colors are muted and soft tones.  Forest colors are deeper tones, yet balancing and calming.  In both cases, cooler and warmer colors both work.  Below is my color guide for recommended soothing colors, and stimulating colors to avoid. 

Relaxing Colors:

The key is to use harmonious colors together rather than contrasting ones.  The colors below all work well together for a tranquil environment.

Dark or Pale Blues:  Think the pale sky or the deep blue ocean.  Blues give a quiet and settling feeling.  It creates a meditative feeling of exhaling, relaxing tensions and refreshing the body. They say that humans see cobalt blue in the womb, therefore blue can provide a sense of security and calm.

Try: Benjamin Moore, Province Blue 2135-40 or Benjamin Moore, Gossamer Blue 2123-40

Deep and Pale Greens:  Greens can represent tranquility and healthy supportive energy.  It’s a balancing color, and the color of nature and plants.  In feng shui, green represents life and renewing energy.  Greens can be extremely restorative.  Avoid bright fluorescent greens, which can be too stimulating.

Try: Farrow & Ball, Green Blue 84 or Benjamin Moore, Lush AF-475

Pale Browns and Neutral Tones:  Earthy tones of sand and soil are soothing hues, representing stability and the nurturing of mother earth.  Brown can be elegant and also symbolize the quiet steadiness of a tree.  Stay on the light end, but away from the flesh tones and yellow colors.

Try:  Benjamin Moore, Harmony AF-90 or Farrow & Ball, Dove Tale 267

Pale and Deep Violets:  Violets can be calming and balancing.  It’s the combination of fiery red with relaxing blue.  Therefore, this color can harmonize and create inner balance and peace. 

Try: Farrow & Ball, Brassica 271 or Farrow & Ball, Pelt 254

Colors to Avoid:

These colors are safe to use in small amounts, but best to avoid them if you can.

Red: Red is very stimulating.  Try to steer clear of too much of it.  It can be very active and while appropriate for many applications, it’s not suitable for relaxing environments.

Gray and Blacks: These colors are considered depressing and isolating.  Although Black can be contemplative, it can generate a dark look.  Gray is thought of as an ambiguous color, the “gray area."  Note: Grayish hues are okay for soothing spaces, just use them in combination with some of the suggested relaxing colors.

Yellow: Try to avoid yellow, especially bright yellow as it can be very hard on the eyes.  It puts pressure on people and is not appropriate for a relaxing environment.  It says “caution,” rather then “relax."  Also yellowish whites hold a murky and aged feeling that should be avoided.

White: White is great as a base, but avoid rooms that are entirely white.  White can be sharp and harsh on the eyes.  Imagine walking in a field of snow, it’s blinding and exhausting.  Choose off whites, and add in some of the relaxing colors to soften things up.  

Try:  Benjamin Moore, White Dove OC-17 or Benjamin Moore, Soft Chamois OC-13 

by Anjie Cho

Using Feng Shui to Create a Harmonious Living Space

featured in "Sales In The City" by Kelly Kreth in  
Residency New York this month

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Anjie Cho, a Feng Shui consultant and licensed architect who is also at work on a book to be called "108 Ways to Create Holistic Space:  Feng Shui and Green Design for Healing and Organic Homes," suggests:

  • "Because most New Yorkers are so career-oriented and short on space, look at the clutter on your desk.  If it is in the left-hand corner, you might have stuck energy in financial aspects of your life; if it is in the middle top, your reputation may be suffering and if it is the top-right corner, you need to open up your relationships."  Bottom line: clear that clutter--everywhere!
  • She continues, "not only is it important to keep your door and entrance tidy, but I once lived in a NYC apartment with a broken buzzer.  In feng shui your entry symbolizes opportunities to find you.  How will an amazing project find you if your door cannot be found?"  Greeting guests with a new doormat would also assist in inviting in energy.
  • Storage space is in high demand in NYC.  But in feng shui most things should not be stored under your bed.  Cho warns, "This can represent subconscious blocks in your relationships.  You spend many hours in a passive "yin" state while sleeping.  What is underneath you affects you.  If there is a box of old love letters lurking it may be the reason you are single. Store only soft items related to sleeping such as sheets or pillows."
  • Never work out of the bedroom; it should only be a place for rest and relaxation.

...read full article

by Anjie Cho

The Chinese Zodiac for 2013: Year of the Water Snake

Someone asked me a few days ago, how astrology and numerology factor into my architecture and interior design. I believe that nature follows patterns, for example the Golden Ratio.  Likewise, our lives and experiences follow patterns.  Analyzing my clients' astrology and numerology gives me some insight and awareness as to which of the Chinese Five Elements best supports them.

I know that Chinese New Year was a few months ago...But I was going through my notebook and saw my notes from a lecture I attended in January.  Yasha Jampolsky is a talented Four Pillars Astrologer and I've shared some of his suggestions for each animal in the 2013 Year of the Water Snake.  You should definitely contact him if you'd like an in-depth Chinese Zodiac analysis.  He focuses on the animal archetypes.

Yasha reminded us that the Snake year quietly appears, as opposed to the last year.  The Dragon year of 2012 was palpable, loud and aggressive.  In contrast, the Snake year of 2013 is about wisdom, and looking at the broader lessons with spiritual focus and intelligence.  Try to understand everyone and focus on meditation.

RAT 

02/18/1912-02/05/1913;  02/05/1924-01/23/1925;  01/24/1936-02/10/1937
02/10/1948-01/28/1949;  01/28/1960-02/14/1961;  02/15/1972-02/02/1973 
02/02/1984-02/19/1985;  02/19/1996-02/06/1997;  02/06/2008-01/25/2009

The Rat is a very clever and charming archetype.  In Chinese culture, Rats are incredibly smart and crafty.  They are experts at adaption and innovation.  At the same time, Rats can be manipulative and self-serving. 

Rats are in harmony with Dragons and Monkeys.  The Ox is their best friend.

For 2013:  The Rat is a favorable match with the Snake.  Both are very clever animals.  Yasha recommends to de-clutter and clear (as rats tend to hoard).  But otherwise it shall be a positive year.

OX

02/06/1913-01/25/1914;   01/24/1925-02/12/1926;   02/11/1937-01/30/1938
01/29/1949-02/16/1950;   02/15/1961-02/04/1962;   02/03/1973-01/22/1974 
02/20/1985-02/08/1986;   02/07/1997-01/27/1998;   01/26/2009-02/13/2010

The Ox is dependable, patient and steadfast.  When there's an Ox around, you don't need to worry. They will take care of things, and truly seek to support those around them.  Oxen are hard workers, sometimes to a fault. Take care to not let others take advantage of you. 

Oxen are in harmony with Roosters and Snakes.  The Rat is their best friend.

For 2013:  The Ox (with the Rooster) form a harmony with the snake, the three harmonies of metal.  Oxen will have a pleasant year in contrast to the possibly traumatic Dragon year in 2012.  Oxen love their work, and this year can be one of progress towards achieving a goal.

TIGER

01/26/1914-02/13/1915;   02/13/1926-02/01/1927;   01/31/1938-02/18/1939
02/17/1950-02/05/1951;   02/05/1962-01/24/1963;   01/23/1974-02/10/1975 
02/09/1986-01/28/1987;   01/28/1998-02/15/1999;   02/14/2010-02/02/2011

Tigers are a passionate archetype in the Chinese zodiac.  They are aggressive and strong, not afraid to fight.  The Tiger is a powerful and focused animal, but does tend to make rash decisions. 

Tigers are in harmony with Horses and Dogs.  The Pig is their best friend.

For 2013:  There is an “irritant relationship” between the Tiger and the Snake, so this might prove a challenging year.  Yasha suggests the Tiger look at this like a positive force that puts you into action.  If you are willing to align with the Snake by being more patient, relaxed and meditative, this can be a good year.

RABBIT

02/14/1915-02/02/1916;   02/02/1927-01/22/1928;   02/19/1939-02/08/1940
02/06/1951-01/26/1952;   01/25/1963-02/12/1964;   02/11/1975-01/30/1976 
01/29/1987-02/16/1988;   02/16/1999-02/04/2000;   02/03/2011-01/22/2012

Rabbits are very sensitive and sincere animals. They are thoughtful and kind to their friends.  In turn, their friends provide much security for them.

Rabbits are in harmony with Rams and Pigs.  The Dog is their best friend.

For 2013:  Snake and Rabbit share refined, gentle and subtle natures.  This year is good for studies and improvements in work and career, as well as social interaction.

DRAGON

02/03/1916-01/22/1917;   01/23/1928-02/09/1929;   02/09/1940-01/26/1941
01/27/1952-02/13/1953;   02/13/1964-02/01/1965;   01/31/1976-02/17/1977 
02/17/1988-02/05/1989;   02/05/2000-01/23/2001;   01/23/2012-02/09/2013

Dragons are rather energetic and egocentric animals.  They represent an aggressive energy.  But they also represent luck and auspiciousness in Chinese philosophy.  Dragons will always help those in need.

Dragons are in harmony with Rats and Monkeys.  The Rooster is their best friend.

For 2013:  Last year the Dragon had some challenges, but hopefully they developed a greater sensitivity, as they can be insensitive to others.  Dragons will find relief in this Snake year.  Dragon is in kinship with the snake.

SNAKE

01/23/1917-02/10/1918;   02/10/1929-01/29/1930;   01/27/1941-02/14/1942
02/14/1953-02/02/1954;   02/02/1965-01/20/1966;   02/18/1977-02/06/1978 
02/06/1989-01/26/1990;   01/24/2001-02/11/2002;   02/10/2013-01/30/2014

Snakes are the companion to Dragons, often called the "little dragon".  But Snakes are more subtle and contemplative than the aggressive Dragon.  They are smart and sometimes can be scandalous.

Snakes are in harmony with Oxen and Roosters.  The Monkey is their best friend.

For 2013:  Snakes should make themselves available for people that approach them for their counsel.  Snakes appreciate their privacy and can be reclusive, but this is not the time to hide or retreat. Instead, be around people and be out in the world so you can accomplish your goals.

HORSE

02/11/1918-01/31/1919;   01/30/1930-02/16/1931;   02/15/1942-02/04/1943
02/03/1954-01/23/1955;   01/21/1966-02/08/1967;   02/07/1978-01/27/1979 
01/27/1990-02/14/1991;   02/12/2002-01/31/2003;   01/31/2014-02/18/2015

Horses are friendly animals, they love to talk and socialize with their associates.  They have a cheerful outlook and are often sporty.

Horses are in harmony with Tigers and Dogs.  The Ram is their best friend.

For 2013:  Be sure to take time to smell the roses and fully integrate your experiences.  Horses have the tendency to keep going without taking the time to enjoy things.  It’s also better to stay close to home.

 

RAM

02/01/1919-02/19/1920;   02/17/1931-02/05/1932;   02/05/1943-01/24/1944 
01/24/1955-02/11/1956;   02/09/1967-01/29/1968;   01/28/1979-02/15/1980 
02/15/1991-02/03/1992;   02/01/2003-01/21/2004;   02/19/2015-02/07/2016

Rams are known for their selflessness and affection.  They trust and prefer to follow than lead.  Therefore, Rams are best when in the company of friends.

Rams are in harmony with Rabbits and Pigs.  The Horse is their best friend.

For 2013:  Dragon year was possibly intense and rough for the Ram.  They prefer it quieter and slower. The Snake year will be beneficial for the Ram, especially in regard to social activities.

MONKEY

02/20/1920-02/07/1921;    02/06/1932-01/25/1933;   01/25/1944-02/12/1945
02/12/1956-01/30/1957;    01/30/1968-02/16/1969;   02/16/1980-02/04/1981 
02/04/1992-01/22/1993;    01/22/2004-02/08/2005;   02/08/2016-01/27/2017

Monkeys are playful and clever animals.  They can maneuver their way through most situations.  Monkeys often get frustrated when they are not taken seriously.

Monkeys are in harmony with Rats and Dragons.  The Snake is their best friend.

For 2013:  Monkey and Snake form a strong alignment, we say they’re best friends in the zodiac.  Monkeys will do very well in the Snake year.  Playful Monkeys get easily distracted and tend to choose the indirect route. This year Yasha suggests you be direct and focused this year, while avoiding snap decisions.

ROOSTER

02/08/1921-01/27/1922;   01/26/1933-02/13/1934;   02/13/1945-02/01/1946
01/31/1957-02/17/1958;   02/17/1969-02/05/1970;   02/05/1981-01/24/1982 
01/23/1993-02/09/1994;   02/09/2005-01/28/2006;   01/28/2017-02/15/2018

Roosters are showy and flamboyant.  They love to show off their feathers and strut their stuff!  Sometimes they can border on abrasiveness, because of their egos.

Roosters are in harmony with Oxen and Snakes.  The Dragon is their best friend.

For 2013:  In harmony with the Snake and Ox, it’s going to be a good year for the Rooster.  Last year was also a great year, as the Rooster is best friends with the Dragon.  This year the Rooster will feel things lighten up in regard to complicated issues.

DOG

01/28/1922-02/15/1923;   02/14/1934-02/03/1935;   02/02/1946-01/21/1947
02/18/1958-02/07/1959;   02/06/1970-01/26/1971;   01/25/1982-02/12/1983 
02/10/1994-01/30/1995;   01/29/2006-02/17/2007;   02/16/2018-02/04/2019

Dogs are the most loyal and honest of the animals.  They are humorous and straightforward.  They are likeable and often hard workers.

Dogs are in harmony with Tigers and Horses.  The Rabbit is their best friend.

For 2013:  The Dragon year was unfavorable for the Dog, full of challenging and dissimilar energies. This year the Dog will feel some relief.  Be sure to align with the Snake year and cultivate your spiritual side. Meditation would be particularly helpful.

PIG

02/16/1923-02/04/1924;   02/04/1935-01/23/1936;   01/22/1947-02/09/1948
02/08/1959-01/27/1960;   01/27/1971-02/24/1972;   02/13/1983-02/01/1984 
01/31/1995-02/18/1996;   02/18/2007-02/06/2008;   02/05/2019-01/24/2020

Pigs represent comfort and sometimes overindulgence in the Chinese zodiac.  They are often diplomatic and easy going.  Pigs are generous and trusting.  They are especially fond of pleasure. 

Pigs are in harmony with Rabbits and Rams.  The Tiger is their best friend.

For 2013:  The Pig’s indulgent energy clashes with the Snake’s self-aware power this year.  Yasha suggests that the Pig look at how they can be more involved in the social order to align with the Snake.  In BTB Feng Shui, we also recommend Pigs to carry with them a three dimensional Monkey charm on their body at all times for protection.

by Anjie Cho

Yasha Jampolsky is a nationally recognized advisor, author and teacher of the Asian Art of Four Pillars. He has appeared on national Radio and Television and has been a contributing writer for local and national publications. His research and innovations have made Four Pillars more accessible to students and clients alike and allowed the possibility to use four Pillars as a powerful modern healing modality.

For more information about the Year of the Snake for your animal, visit: http://fourpillarshoroscope.com