12 Pretty Tools for Dirty Household Jobs

featured on Martha Stewart

Relaxing in a clean home may feel rewarding, but there's no denying that getting your space in order isn't always fun. That's why it pays to have attractive cleaning tools around to help motivate you to get your housekeeping in order—in style. "You know how you buy yourself exciting workout clothes to get you an extra reason to work out? Well, same goes for cleaning," says Kadi Dulude, founder of Wizard of Homes, a New York City-based cleaning service company. "It's not a task a lot of us are looking forward to doing, and having cool tools to use may just be that one little push to get you off the couch and onto dusting." 

And design-savvy tools can do more than just inspire your next marathon cleaning session; they can make the job easier, too. As Anjie Cho, interior designer and author of Holistic Spaces: 108 Ways to Create a Mindful and Peaceful Home, explains: "Beautiful and thoughtfully designed tools make cleaning a joy not only because they are pretty to look at, but because there have been careful touches added to make the experience user-friendly." Even better, Cho adds: "Attractive tools that offer a balance of form and function, can become a part of your décor rather than an eyesore."

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If you’d like to learn more about feng shui check out the Mindful Design Feng Shui certification program. Laura Morris and I launched our program in September 2018. To get on the list about it, sign up at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com.

Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Our 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.


Q&A Sunday: Feng Shui Professionals

What should you look for when hiring a feng shui professional?

Jacqueline R., Cleveland, OH

Great question, Jacqueline! Finding the right feng shui consultant for your needs is a very important step in the adjustment process. The more harmony you have with your chosen professional, the more successful your adjustments will be.

Take some time to review the certifications that your prospective consultant may have. I took a three year certification program, the BTB Masters Program. I think feng shui and architecture, like many other professions, require lifetime study and apprenticeship to develop your craft. It takes decades to become a seasoned feng shui master or architect. I suggest you look for a certification and the length and quality of experience. If you want "Barnes and Noble" feng shui, just go buy and read a book! Also, look at who their teachers are. I still speak to and work with my mentors. I still go to them for a lot of support.

Most importantly, with a designer or feng shui professional, select someone you truly resonate with. Spend some time, ask some questions and see how you feel about the person. Go with your gut intuition and see who you connect with the most. Be sure to ask them about their processes and let them know what you want. Different consultants will be able to focus better on different needs.

Do you need someone who is more focused on energy flow? Do you need a designer who is more into the decorative aspects? Do you want to have someone who focuses on traditional feng shui or a more modern adaptation? Would it be helpful if they specialized in a specific area, such as children?

Naturally, there are many factors you should consider when hiring any professional, including your comfort level, whether the consultant sees your goals in the same way you do, recommendations, experience, certifications...the list goes on. These are just a few suggestions to consider when looking to hire a feng shui professional to help you create a holistic space you love!

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: Creating Wealth with Feng Shui

I would love to know how to utilize feng shui to create more wealth in my business.

Tonja L., Twin Falls, ID

Wealth and abundance is probably one of the most common issues for which people use feng shui. There is a corner of the feng shui bagua map that governs this area in our lives. I am pleased to share some feng shui adjustments that I have personally found to be very effective in creating wealth in my business. I hope they can help you, too!

Your Desk

First, make sure you have a dedicated area for your work with a desk. If you work from home, a dining room table does not count as a desk. Make some space and get a nice desk to work on. Your desk represents your career and business.

Also, be sure to make sure you are in the command position while sitting at your desk(s). This means in your home office and any other office space. If space is a concern, you can adjust an out-of-command desk with a mirror. Read here for more info about the command position.

Citrine for Wealth & Abundance

The Abundance area of the feng shui map is related to wealth, prosperity and self-worth. Citrine, a natural crystal, is particularly effective at generating and attracting the same things! This stone supports the abundance especially well when placed in the corresponding area of the bedroom or desk.

Natural citrine, a light, yellow-colored stone, is known for its qualities in promoting wealth and success in a variety of ways. Wearing or utilizing citrine crystals directly promotes success in business and abundance in all areas. In addition, citrine is known to strengthen and improve many internal traits that ultimately lead to success in various areas of life as well. According to healing crystal properties, citrine promotes positive self-esteem and vibrant energy, and carrying citrine crystals harnesses the power of the sun, providing new life and sunlight while clearing the mind and making space for new pursuits. This crystal also doesn’t hold onto negative energy; instead it disperses negative energy, thus serving as a protective stone.

Citrine is invigorating and promotes joy. You can also carry the stone with you in your wallet to attract more wealth. Better yet, place a stone in all three areas: the abundance area of your bedroom, of your desk, and in your wallet.


Dive deeper into feng shui to transform your life!

Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Create sacred spaces that support, and nourish.

visit us at mindfuldesignschool.com

Note: I have many questions in my “question of the month” queue, so I will be answering a few questions per month until I’m caught up! 


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!