Q&A Sunday: Adding Plants to Your Bedroom

Anjie Cho October 13, 2019

I was wondering which plants I can use in a bedroom space that faces east but windows are on the north wall.

Cami H., Atlanta, GA

Hi Cami

Thanks for your email and question. I practice BTB feng shui, which is one of the many schools of feng shui. One of the major differentiating factors with the BTB school is that we focus on the direction of energy rather than the cardinal directions (like north, south, east, west). With that in mind, in a mundane sense, I would recommend placing the plants as close to the window as possible to ensure that they get enough light.

As far as best plants to use in the bedroom, it depends! If it’s for feng shui applications, such as to add more wood energy (as suggested in an early episode of our podcast), then it’s best to stick to plants that have round soft leaves rather than sharp pointy ones. These three plants are some of the best options to add for feng shui adjustments!

Practically, did you know there are many houseplants that are great for the bedroom because they release oxygen at night time? Snake plants, also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, are one of the best options for bedroom plants for this exact reason. You can also use Moth or Dendrobium Orchids, especially if you are looking for a stable relationship, Bromeliads, Aloe Vera or certain types of Cactus plants. Just keep in mind with the last two, if you're making a feng shui adjustment, avoid pointy leaves!

On another note, since your window is facing north, it won't likely get a lot of direct sunlight. To counteract this, aim for a plant that thrives in full or partial shade. Hosta, English Ivy and Hydrangeas are a few good choices!

I'm happy to hear that you're considering adding plants to your bedroom space. Living plants are such beautiful and meaningful additions to any space. We'd love to see photos of the plants and arrangements you decide. Send them along!

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.

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How to make the most of a spacious Greenwich Village apartment with windows on only one side

Anjie Cho October 9, 2019

featured on Brick Underground

Architect and Feng Shui expert Anjie Cho loves the high ceilings in this Greenwich Village fixer-upper, 808 Broadway, #4H, which, she says, make the already spacious apartment look even larger than it is. Other pros include its location and the fact that it was designed by architect James Renwick, Jr., who also designed nearby Grace Church and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Her beef with the unit, which is listed for $875,000, is that there are windows only at one end of the apartment, meaning that despite having “quite a bit of square footage, you can only have one legal bedroom in the space,” she says.

In this week’s Reno Ready, Cho explains what she’d do to update this apartment, including leveling the floors, gutting the bathroom, and integrating the kitchen into the living space.

Level the flooring in the living room

Floor: Cho can’t exactly tell what’s going on with the flooring from the photos, but she assumes it’s in bad shape like the rest of the unit. She’d replace it with herringbone- or chevron-patterned floors in a light-colored white oak, which will make the unit appear brighter.

…read full article

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.

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

Q&A Sunday: How Should I Lay Out My Therapy Office?

Anjie Cho October 6, 2019

I’ve just been assigned my first office, see attached floor plan with the current furniture layout. Help! How would you recommend I lay out this office, keeping in mind that I’m a psychiatrist and see patients here?

Stephanie C., Washington D.C.

Hi Stephanie!

Congrats on your new office! There are a few things to consider in laying out your office. Please see my suggested layout below.

Desk

Since this is your office, your desk is of the utmost importance, so we should try to locate it in the commanding position. Ideally, you would want it on the right back corner so that you’re not behind the swing of the door. However, I felt like the chairs in which you see patients are also important. The location on the left side is still OK. Because you’re in line with the door, you could place a feng shui crystal ball (available at the Holistic Spaces store here) in the line of qi, between the door and your desk.

Chairs

I mentioned earlier that because you are a psychiatrist and see patients in this office, it’s also important that you and your patients feel comfortable in this space. This is why I placed the chairs on the right side so they are not in the line of qi (in line with the door). But with the desk still further back in the office, spatially you’re still in the authoritative position near the back of the space.

Bookshelves

I put these in areas that you would easily be able to access and where there was room left. You could also consider that they’re located in the Knowledge and Relationship areas of the feng shui bagua map. In a sense, the books support your knowledge and skill to help your clients in their relationship with you and with the world.

Diplomas, Artwork, Plants

Diplomas above the desk area, placed in the Abundance area of the feng shui bagua map, support your wealth and self worth. The artwork can be placed so that both you and your patient have something lovely to look at while sitting in the chairs and at your desk. Plants all along the window sills can provide growth, support and kindness to support your prosperity, recognition and relationships.

Thanks again for this great question!

by Anjie Cho