6 Design Trends to Tap into for 2016

Anjie Cho February 21, 2016

With New Year’s in the rear-view mirror and a bit of 2016 under our belts, it’s time to take a good look at what’s hot in interior design. Some of these trends require a long term commitment (you’re not going to update appliances every time style’s collective mind changes, after all.) Others are simple updates that can be swapped out when you tire of them.

Black stainless steel

From the telling activity level on Pinterest to the pages of design’s top magazines, there is one trend that consistently emerges: black stainless steel. Appliance manufacturers have created a finger-smudge resistant finish for this sleek new look, something anyone that’s tried to keep a stainless steel kitchen clean will appreciate. If the charcoal grey to outright ebony is too dark for your liking, take a look at bronze hues some brands offer. It’s a nice change from the traditional silver tones, yet not as dark as its black and grey cousins.

Rose Quartz and Serenity

Your home is your sanctuary. Pantone gets it, and that’s why they introduced paired Colors of the Year for 2016: Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue. The combo reflects “connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace,” says Pantone. You don’t need to repaint a room with one, the other or both of these calm and collected tones to tap into the trend. These hues work well in accessories like area rugs, pillows and throws.

Cozy nooks

After a long day, you want to come home, kick your shoes off and get comfy. Right? Creating a cozy nook is something we can all get behind! Whether you build out your own reading nook or dedicate a sacred space for meditation, the goal is to carve out at least a small space to relax and recharge.

What’s new is old

From reclaimed wood to distressed finishes, the look of aged material adds texture and interest to your space. Tap into your inner DIY guru and have fun with this trend. For example, a refinished dresser with new pulls might make a one-of-a-kind buffet for your dining room. Pallets can be broken down and turned into everything from wall art to end tables. Get creative.

Pendant lights

Big, beautiful chandeliers have their place, but this is the year of the pendant light. From modern to romantic these hanging gems are at home in the kitchen, as well as the bathroom, bedroom and any other space you want to dangle a little style from above.

Heated entry floors

Adding radiant heating to the floor is not entirely new. It’s become a popular bathroom splurge in recent years. The toe warming, chill shaking warmed floor is now finding its way into the entryways of your home. Just imagine pulling your snow covered boots or rain dampened shoes off on a toasty warm surface. Bliss!

by Anjie Cho

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Using Feng Shui to Create Sacred Space

Anjie Cho February 19, 2016

featured this week on Over the Moon

“You know what the issue is with this world? Everyone wants a magical solution to their problem, and everyone refuses to believe in magic. ”

— Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

I saw this quote recently and I just love it. Sadly, though, this is often the case in our modern, fast-paced world. We’ve really lost touch with nature and the magic in our everyday lives.

Many of us (myself included) hope for an easy fix, a magic potion of sorts. But even magical solutions take some work. First, there must be belief and trust in the process. Belief in the magic! Second, a seed (even of the magic sort) can be planted, but it needs fertile soil, sunlight, love, and cultivation to come to fruition.

I believe that feng shui and other spiritual philosophies and disciplines really are magic! Read on to learn how you can do your part to bring some magic into your everyday life and make your home a sacred space.

Create an Altar or Shrine

This doesn’t have to be religious, but it can be if you’d like. For instance, I am Buddhist, so I have a shrine with a Buddha, incense, a candle, and offerings of flowers, rice, and water. But you can also create a special place for some selected sacred objects, honoring a teacher in your life with a candle for light and a flower for life.

In feng shui, I’ve also prescribed altars for nature spirits. This would include a special, designated area inside or outside your home, with some water, liquor, rice, and a rock or small statue. The intent is to dedicate a small area to invite some magic to dwell in and enhance your home. You can literally ask the universe, or nature, to come visit your home. Thank them and offer this special space for them to enjoy.

Circumambulate

I first heard this term in architecture school when learning about the stupas, cathedrals, and temples of the ancient world. Almost all religions incorporated this ritual of circumambulation as a devotional practice by walking around the interior perimeter of a space. In my Buddhist practices, we also circumambulate during walking meditation.

Starting at your front door, walk clockwise around the interior perimeter of your home. While circumambulating, you can chant mantra, ring bells, burn incense, etc. In BTB feng shui, we circumambulate while chanting “Om Mani Padme Hum” during the orange peel space clearing, using orange essence or peels to clear the space. You can also do sage or palo santo space clearings in this manner to further sanctify the space.

Add Sound Vibration

Sounds, such as cymbals, bells, and even singing, create vibrations that create magic and transformation in your environment. Even the sound from the trickle of a water fountain can create this magic. It’s especially effective to use sound to expand into the dark, forgotten areas of your home, like the back corners of closets, above cabinets, behind the sofa, etc. Create some sound vibration magic and see what happens.

While the magic in our universe may not quite mirror the incredible events of Alice’s story, it is possible to bring a little wonder and magic into your life, if you’re willing to believe and do your part. If you’re seeking a change or life enhancement, or maybe even just a little magic, try one or more of these tips in your space to create an environment where that magic can flourish. Once you do, share your story with us!

by Anjie Cho