Room Redo

At the recent Color Marketing Group (CMG) conference, Editor Jan Jessup participated in forecasting workshops and the steering committee that puts together the new palette for consumer colors. The big news is the graying of colors. They complement the bevy of gray shades that are taking over on the neutral front, but are much more appealing than the corporate gray colors that seem a little cold or commercial. Here are a few new hues to watch for in the coming months:

Orange: A rich, sophisticated color that moves away from earthy shades to an optimistic orange seasoned with a touch of gray

Banana: A mustardy yellow that is comfortable and warm, perfect when paired with platinum and charcoal grays

Voodoo Blue: A saturated peacock blue with gray influences – rich without being too luxe.

Grape: A crossover color that lives between purple, brown and gray.

Are you ready for a new year full of fresh and new energy? Ideally, at the beginning of the year, you want to clean your home and let go of clutter to renew your energy and make room for new energy.
Space clearing with Feng Shui helps let go of any low and negative energy residues and brightens your home for better things to come. Feng Shui is all about energy – its flow (or the lack of it) and its reflection in the quality of your life.

How is the Feng Shui of your home at the beginning of New Year? Is your space ready to help you attract experiences/people/things you want the most? The best Feng Shui tip for a New Year is to have your home reflect your dreams and wishes. Have your home ready to receive all you want in the New Year.

In practical terms, good Feng Shui for the New Year means a clean home, a clutter-free home (including clutter-free closets!). Good Feng Shui means a home with a sense of beauty to it. You want a home that is inviting and comfortable and ready for you to celebrate all the good things to come. Be mindful of the quality of energy your home represents. If you are not happy with what is happening in your life, start by creating, or bringing the desired energy into your home.

Happy Chinese New Year!

If you are feeling like you want to lure that saucy little Cupid in this Valentine’s Day, then here are some design tips to get that little cherub working for you.

Hot pink and racy red are the colors du jour.  If you feel like your boudoir is a little blah then kick it up a notch by adding some luxurious accessories in lush fabrics like velvet and satin in pink and red hues.  A few fantastic pillows and a deliciously soft throw will add romance.  And since soft lighting is a girl’s best friend get all of those overhead lights on dimmers if possible and use lots of candles.

For a low-cost yet high romance evening, consider a fireplace picnic — get a warm fleece blanket and lay it down beside a fireplace, add a flower or two, chill some champagne and serve appetizers, dinner and/or dessert to soft music.

Another at-home treat is a Sweetheart’s Spa Night.  Fill a hot bath with rose petals. Have a glass of champagne or wine and chocolates or cheese to nibble.  Help your sweetie towel off and maybe even give a massage or foot rub.  Afterwards, light some candles and enjoy your favorite take out meal in bed, while you watch a romantic movie.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

Stressed out? Feel like your life is headed in the wrong direction? The art of Feng Shui, which originated 3,000 years ago in China, can help restore peace to crazy days. Whether you want to learn more or believe this is based on superstition, Feng Shui principles can give you more energy, harmonize your life and bring you a new sense of purpose.

It’s all about you! Feng Shui decorating is definitely not one-size-fits-all. Each person has unique qualities, and Feng Shui emphasizes creating positive energy in the way that’s most meaningful to you.

Take a look at the decorations you have around your home, from posters to knick-knacks to family photos. Each object anchors you to a memory. If it’s not supporting you, it shouldn’t be in your home.
So toss out that figurine from your loser ex and put out objects that you associate with a positive experience.

Personalize your home to work for you, and you’ll be amazed at the change in your energy level. After all, your home mirrors your being. When you’re trying to decide whether to keep an object, ask yourself these four questions: Do I need it? Do I use it? Do I love it? Does it make me happy and evoke a positive memory?

This is one of Feng Shui’s greatest strengths. Revamping your home in small ways can give you a more beautiful living space and also bring peace. This sense of control and fulfillment will improve many aspects of your life.