Aga Artka Interior Design, LLC

Greeting the positive

June 8th, 2009 10:59 am

I grew up in a house where every piece of furniture, every paint color, every accessory was neatly selected and positioned. My mother’s advanced knowledge and belief in the power of Feng Shui, Chinese  art of placement, was the reason behind the decorating style of our home. I must say – it was a good home to be raised in. My early exposure to Feng Shui made it almost natural for me to think in those terms while arranging my first apartment, my current single-family home and the homes and business of my customers.  Although I specialize in designing interior spaces, I recognize the value of the curb appeal and most importantly the front door, the message it conveys about you (the home owner) and how you would like others to interact with you.

On the outside – condition

The size, quality and condition of the entrance reflects your social and financial status. Clean, freshly painted, dramatic front door is believed to attract abundance, prestige and happiness. Build out a single-width door with flower pots on either side, unique accessories and a prestigious looking and dominant number sign; large lettering and a reflective backer board (copper or bronze) will help to draw prominence to the house.

On the outside – color

If your house is finished with dark paneling or brick, the front door should provide some relief. On the other hand, if the house is pretty neutral in nature and subdued, the door should express energy and excitement. You do not have to paint the front door Chinese red to see a positive result. Real estate agents tend to promote that hue because it is in harmony with the marketing & sales industries. Other careers are represented as follows:

Yellow – counseling

Green – healing

Orange - service-oriented

Black – entertainment

Purple – computers

Brown – design

On the inside

The entrance plays a crucial role in transitioning the outside energy (yang) to the inside one (yin). If your front door opens right into the living room (which is the case in my home), consider putting up a half wall, a book shelf or a screen to separate the living area from the entryway. This is not only a Feng Shui, but also a common sense rule. In the colder and muddy months, you will appreciate having some storage, coat hanging solution and an area for those dirty boots to be taken of.

If the front door opens directly onto a staircase, apply solutions that will keep the fast moving energy in the house, slow it down and redirect it to the more auspicious areas of the house. If the foyer is big enough you may invite it to flow around by bringing in artwork in certain colorways, a large pot or a flower vase, or a specific piece of furniture. Incorporating softer and matte rather than sterile and high-polish elements may create a more comfortable feel therefore allow the positive energy to stay a while.

The main door is often called “The Mouth of Chi” as it is through the entrance that the house and its residents absorb the flowing in energy. The job of an interior designer or a Feng Shui consultant is to direct the chi (energy) inside and around the house to achieve the ultimate happiness and success.