J.H. –New York

Cheryl: Here’s my answer. It sounds like you’ve placed your desk in the right position which is diagonal from the door, preferably with a wall behind you for support and in the command spot which is the place where you can see who’s coming in. This will keep your nervous system relaxed since no one will be able to sneak up on you. That translates into increased productivity. About your open and visible wires, you are absolutely right; It’s not very uplifting to see that mess as you step into your work space. My favorite solution is to measure the back of your desk (that open space where the wires are hanging out) and then go to your nearest fabric store to buy a piece of material. Try to find eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, flax or wool and with that you can create a skirt which looks beautiful and hides all your wires. My favorite way to attach the fabric to the back of the desk is with velcro. It works like magic. I think you’re going to love it. Let me know how it goes.

For more information on interior design, visit CherylJanisStyle.com.

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Question:

The reason I ask is because I want to purchase two matching bedside tables and it just so happens that these have antique mirror tops.

One of the tables would go into the Love & Marriage area of the bedroom. I don’t want to make a mistake that I’ll later regret.

Please advise.

–Deanna

Cheryl: Thank-you for your question. In Feng Shui, the Love and Marriage area of the Bagua reflect the earth element which translates in soft, nurturing, love and Mother Earth energy.

Mirrors in Feng Shui (depending on who you ask) represent the water element and therefore, when placed in the earth element of the Love and Marriage area will tend to water-log the element of earth and thus, decreasing its effect.

In this area, you would want to increase the element of earth and reflect love in your life with symbols that reflect your current or desired relationship. In addition, mirrors in the bedroom activate energy and have been known to cause disruptive sleep patterns.

I recommend going with another set of bedside tables without the mirrors. You can also purchase the bedside tables and simply remove the mirrors. Also, remember to check to see if your bedside tables have soft rounded corners (sharp corners cause agitation energy and can be harmful if you bump up against them) and most importantly, that you absolutely LOVE them.

For more info on Feng Shui, visit CherylJanisStyle.com.

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–E.W. Los Angeles, CA

CJ: Thank-you for your question.

First of all, congratulations for paying attention to this very important area of the home. Not only is it the place where we connect to our partners, it is also the place where we rest, relax and reconnect to ourselves.

If you want to bring love into your life, start by thinking in the number two. For example, make sure to place two bedside tables of equal height on each side of the bed. The symbology is giving equal sides to the relationship that you intend to manifest. Include two of your favorite table lamps.

Also choose a color for the wall that is soothing and relaxing and evokes a sense of peace. Stay away from extreme colors on the walls like bright red or cold blue.

Make your bedroom romantic and inviting by adding some warm colors, for example, in your duvet, or in your pillows and/or draperies. Choose soft and luscious items (earth friendly please) like eco-silk and/or organic cotton.

Before you begin, sit down for 15 minutes and visualize your dream space. What would it look it? What would your future partner like? Feel into that and then begin to create it. Most importantly, have fun.

Got a feng shui or design question, ask me at CherylJanisStyle.com.

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Question

S.L. –Norfolk, VA

CJ: Here’s my answer.

Yes, it is very good feng shui to have a running water feature in a strategic location in your home.  For example, a small water feature on your desk in your office symbolizes abundance and the flow of money into your life.

Water has properties that move stuck energy and helps to get things rolling. Make sure that the water is moving towards you or at 360 degrees (which is moving in all directions.) You don’t want the water moving away from you hence directing energy away.

Traditionally in Feng Shui, water is associated with wealth and abundance. In ancient times, the Shamans of the land in China and other countries understood that to live near water where crops grew and fish was abundant, translated to an abundant livelihood where their goods could be traded at market.

There are other areas in your home where placing a water fountain is good feng shui, like in your career and/or wealth areas. However, those areas should be determined by a professional Feng Shui Consultant.

For more help with the Feng Shui of your home, visit CherylJanisStyle.com.

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G.L. –Portland, Oregon

C.J.: Ah, I love this question. Thank-you for asking it.

Entryways serve as greeters each time we walk into our front door. It’s such an important area as it sets the tone for our experience inside, sending us secret messages. If the area is cluttered and ugly, well you can imagine how that will affect how we feel and contribute to lower energy levels. However, if the area is beautiful, for example set up with a beautiful vase of flowers on a special table or our favorite bold print is hanging on the wall, that will bring joy to our hearts even on the most challenging of days. For many of us, the entryway is an area where we leave our ’stuff’ like our purses, keys, umbrellas, etc. and can get cluttered. If this is the case, first get organized. Keep what you don’t need and get rid of the rest.

Think of this area as your personal welcoming station where you have that special bowl for your keys and a sweet mood light that draws you into the area.

Whatever you decide to place in your entryway, make it something you love, or a collection of things that bring peace and love into your heart.

For more design musings visit CherylJanisStyle.com.

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LS - Portland, OR

Cheryl: Here’s my answer. Traditionally, in Feng Shui, the door is painted red. Since the house in feng shui is sometimes seen as the body, the door is considered the tongue and when it sticks out, it’s like the red carpet at the Oscars; hot and fiery and where a lot of positive energy can find you. However, it’s not always pleasing to the eye to use red since it might not compliment the exterior palette. The door is the point of entry and in my opinion, it should be bright and happy, something that lifts your heart to the sky. Since I’m not a traditionalist and always consider how the heart feels, I would advise you to consider how a black door might feel to you. And if it feels right, go for it.

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What do you think about painting the ceiling in a room the same color as the walls?

Here’s my answer:

If you are dealing with a room with angled ceilings (like the one shown at left) I always suggest painting the entire room the same color. Angles can disrupt energy flow and cause an imbalance in the space. Painting the ceilings and the walls the same color (in this case) assist in creating balance and harmony, making it feel whole.

In other words, you don’t want to draw attention to this type of ceiling.  If the room is small and square with lower ceilings and you opt for a darker color on the walls, then I suggest painting the ceiling a lighter color which will lift the energy above you and suggest a higher ceiling. If the room is bigger and has a higher ceiling you might try painting the ceiling a darker color to (energetically) bring down. We humans like to get cozy and big rooms with high ceilings tend to feel more like museums and are a big off-putting for cozy living.

One last thing. Don’t be afraid to paint your ceilings the same color as your walls. Experiment and see how it feels. Remember you can always contact a professional color consultant in your area who can assist you.

Have more questions? Visit CherylJanisStyle.com (that’s me) for further assistance.

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