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Feng Shui and Art: Placing Art with Intention

by Julie Ann Segal

We place art in our spaces for many different reasons – because it’s beautiful, inspirational, or because it makes a statement about who we are or what we believe in.

With Feng Shui, the placement of art can go one step further, and actually support our intentions – to create a sense of harmony, attract more wealth, support us in our careers, or enhance a relationship, for example.

When I first moved into my apartment after getting divorced, I needed to use Feng Shui to boost my energy. I was starting a new life. I left with no furniture, and only my favorite art and accessories. Low on resources, and recovering emotionally, I knew art would inspire me in work and to be happy.

Red flower JA Segal

Hanging this brightly- colored piece of blooming flowers was one of the first things I did. I placed it in my Wealth area. It has a lot of good energy and movement, which is just what I needed in my own life. In just a short time, my business grew significantly, and I began to feel joy again.

Changes like these are what I have seen many times as a Feng Shui practitioner, in my own life and with my clients.

With Feng Shui, you have the power to create your own life experience according to your intentions.

Looking to boost your Wealth energy? 
Based on the Feng Shui bagua (or life map), the Wealth area is located in the back left corner of your home. First, make sure to fix anything that’s broken and clear any clutter. Then try adding art with one of the following:
* Color: something purple
* Element: flowing water

* Energy: something that feels vibrant

This two-section painting by Carole Hyder would work well in the Wealth area not only due to its color purple but also the message of “doubling” your money.

CaroleHyderpurpleflowers

Remember – Feng Shui works in metaphors. What will you change in your space, to change your life?

Julie Ann Segal is an Interior Designer, Certified Feng Shui Consultant, Art Specialist and President of Metro Interiors.  To design homes and businesses of client’s dreams, she infuses elements of Feng Shui into all design endeavors, revealing environments rich in comfort, beauty, balance, and harmony.

Security Design is Good Feng Shui

house exteriorBy Carol Martinson

The motivation for most people to integrate Feng Shui is because they want to feel good in their space. They want to feel an underlying order, a natural flow, a sense of beauty.

This all makes them feel empowered, confident and safe.  This last word, however, could have another meaning when it comes to protecting their home and themselves from intruders—–security.

In security design, there is a practice called Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED). It has three basic tenants:  1) Natural Access Control, 2) Natural Surveillance, and 3) Territorial Reinforcement. The concept is that you can make intentional changes to space and impact behavior and reduce crime.

Sound familiar? Feng Shui is all about making intentional changes to our space to impact our lives, and many of its basic tenants are strikingly similar to the concepts of CPTED:

  1. Natural access control focuses on creating a well-defined entrance for users of the space that is clean, clear, and approachable. A great way for the Chi to find the entrance.
  2. Natural surveillance emphasizes visibility – being able to see in and out of a space knowing that you can approach a new space safely. The landscaping is not overgrown and there are not barriers or other design features of a home or business that turn you away from the space.
  3. Territorial reinforcement clearly defines the ownership of a space often done through layers of landscaping, fencing, signage, or pavement. It begins at the street and goes to the front door and beyond into the space. It helps you control your space and tells people that this is a good place to live, work, learn, or do business.

Whether working with a business, home, or school design team, these concepts meld together to create a space where people feel comfortable, safe and secure, and serene.  This is becoming increasingly apparent in the design of schools since it is so critical to build a safe and secure school, but also one that is open and provides the ultimate learning experience.

Applying the concepts of Feng Shui in concert with CPTED enhances the design and ultimate feel of any space.

Carol A. Martinson (2)Carol Martinson is a Wind & Water School of Feng Shui Certified Graduate and Master, and the President of Intentional Security Design, Inc.

Contact Carol

Address

Minneapolis, MN
Phone: (612) 751-3828

info@windwaterschool.com