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Health & Fitness

Staging or Decorating your Home? Considered Feng Shui?

Feng shui has been around for thousands of years, and has recently become a popular way to rearrange one’s furniture in American homes. Feng shui is a Chinese system of orienting objects, from furniture to entire buildings and cities, based on traditional laws of energy, called qi (pronounced “chee”), that is found within all forms of life. There are many schools of feng shui, but they all seek to bring about good luck, fortune, and order within the lives of those who practice this art form. Whether you believe in the benefits of feng shui or not, you never know what sort of things potential buyers are looking for -- remember Northern Virginia is an incredibly diverse area, with so many people who hold different beliefs living in one place. Maybe the next person looking at your home will be impressed with the feng shui of your home, and who knows -- you might enjoy the new furniture arrangements as well!
 

·         Good feng shui habits in the home start with the air you breathe. Many practitioners fill their house with lush, green plants, particularly in rooms that will see lots of social activity, like the living or dining room. You can also leave windows or doors open to let fresh air in the house. This is meant to circulate energy throughout the house, as it will allow negative energy to pass and good energy to come.

 

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·         When looking into your home from the front door, imagine a flow of energy passing through your house, much like water. If this energy flow you envision could become trapped by excess furniture or clutter, you should clear this right away, as this will create an improper balance of energy throughout the rooms of the house.

 

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·         Try putting a small water fountain in your living room, preferably in the east, southeast, or north ends of the home, as the sounds of rolling water will create a relaxing environment while bringing the positive energy of water into the area; water in a feng shui symbol of wealth and prosperity, which will certainly bring good fortune in selling your home.

 

·         The kitchen is an incredibly important room for our health and happiness, and feng shui philosophy places emphasis on the kitchen acting as a heart to the home. Maintaining a healthy diet is an important aspect of feng shui, and it is advisable to keep fresh fruit and vegetables in large bowls around the kitchen. These items are meant to bring healing vibrations into the home and our bodies.

 

·         By placing pretty landscape paintings or framed photographs in your dining room, you will create an auspicious space that brings about positive thoughts and conversations.

 

·         When practicing feng shui in the bathroom, think of these spaces as a place of relaxation. Create a mini spa, especially in the master bedroom, with lots of subtly scented candles, rejuvenating bath salts, and fluffy towels. This will impress future buyers, as the bathroom is sometimes ignored in the home staging process. This will also be a treat for you – selling your home can be stressful, and what better way to clear your head than in your own at home spa.

 

·         Sometimes that extra bedroom we have is turned into a home office, and we all know how cluttered those can be! Bring feng shui into your home office by organizing everything into cabinets or drawers, thus bringing clarity and focus to your mind. This will also allow potential buyers to see the actual space of the room, just in case they want to use the room for something else.

 

·         The bedroom is meant to be a rejuvenating space, one where our senses are stimulated but in a calm and relaxing way. Include a soft blanket, thick carpet, or lots of pillows in the bedroom, to create a more sensuous energy. This will also relax potential homebuyers and make them want to move in right away; remember that the master bedroom can often make or break the sale.

 

You don’t need to believe in the spiritual aspects of feng shui in order for the philosophy to create positive changes in your life. By following some of these simple tips, you can turn your home into one that is organized, comfortable, and eye-catching.  You might not want to move after you make these changes to your home!

Contact me for all your Real Estate needs! 

Ellen Moyer, RE/MAX Allegiance   www.ellenmoyer.com

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