CAFE FENG SHUI

LET YOUR BOAT OF LIFE BE LIGHT

2012-02-23T04:57:00.000-08:00

A HISTORICAL COLONIAL IN THE HEART OF SINGAPORE

2012-02-20T11:29:00.000-08:00

Recently, I came across the home tour of Bebe and Adrian Zecha's residence in Singapore via Architectural Digest. It's a historical colonial, known as black and white, is amongst those originally built for senior officials in the British military between 1900 and 1940. “There are fewer than 250 left in Singapore,” notes Adrian Zecha.

I felt complete peace & harmony as I was going through the photos. Look at how the desk in the living area is in power position and the positioning of the seating area. Isn't it welcoming? Yin & yang is in full swing and there is a blend of different shapes like rounded and hard surfaces, dark and light, edges and corners, dark and light, high and low,...

photo: Russell MacMasters

The couple, who collect Asian art, placed a Ming jar in the living room.

photo: Russell MacMasters
The house is enclosed by walls of windows, which provide maximum ventilation.

photo: Russell MacMasters
Bebe Zecha, with Gin likes the house’s “utter simplicity.” Although the rooms offer a clean backdrop for art, “we’ve never displayed our pieces in a formal way,” she says. “We’ve always scattered them throughout our houses.”

photo: Russell MacMasters
A circa 1930s painting of birds and foliage from the modern Beijing School dominates the dining room. The hall painting is 18th-century Chinese. The blue-and-white porcelain box is a Qing-period ice bucket used to cool rooms in the summer.

photo: Russell MacMasters
In the hall, a bamboo table holds a range of objects, including an old wood Chinese mask.

photo: Russell MacMasters
Books and Buddha sculptures, as well as a 17th-century Tibetan bronze dancing demon guardian, fill the built-in shelves that envelop the library.

photo: Russell MacMasters
A 17th-century Tibetan bronze dancing demon guardian.

photo: Russell MacMasters
A rare early-20th-century Thai painting of Buddha and two disciples hangs above the bed in the master bedroom. A pair of Korean cherrywood étagères showcase collections of Burmese silver bowls and antique wood vessels made for holding calligraphy brushes.
I would advise a stronger and wider headboard from a Feng Shui perspective. And if you really want to hang up a painting or any other decorative item make sure that it's securely drilled and fixed. Otherwise avoid hanging heavy items over the headboard.

A RED FRONT DOOR

2012-02-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

In Feng Shui, a red front door means “welcome.” Interestingly, in early American tradition, it meant the very same thing. In fact, if a home had a red front door, tired travelers who might be traveling by horse and buggy would know the home was a place where they would be welcomed to stop and spend the night or rest.
Here are some of my favourite red doors...

photo: google.com

Which is your favourite?

NOW HOW DO WE BALANCE THIS ROOM?

2012-02-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

Looks like there's a lot of water element in here! Now how do we balance this room?

Photo: I don't know the real source of the photo. But definitely excellent photoshop skills...

Well, it's challenging! But there's always something we can do:)

FENG SHUI BEDROOM DESIGN IDEAS

2012-02-07T11:35:00.000-08:00

I recently came across with the article about Feng Shui bedroom ideas on www.housetohome.uk

And thought it would be nice to share as we spent one third of our lives sleeping. You better take care of it!

As your bedroom should be a haven from the outside world, where better place to start applying the art of feng shui. Here's how...

photo: Dominic Blackmore

Align bedroom furniture

The positioning of your bedroom furniture is important to allow energy to flow through the room. You should be able to see the door clearly from your bed, but it shouldn't be aligned directly with it. This is also the case with cupboard doors. Close all doors at night as open ones will allow energy to flow out. Also avoid placing the bed under a window for the same reason.

photo: Dominic Blackmore

Choose your colours carefully

Feng shui colours relate to 5 different elements; water, fire, earth, metal and wood. What colour you choose in your bedroom relates to what energy and element you want to promote in your life.

Water: Freshness and ease - blue and black
Fire: Passion and high energy - red, bold yellow, orange, purple and pink
Earth: Nourishment and stability - light yellow and brown
Metal: Clarity and preciseness - white and grey
Wood: Health and vitality - green and brown

photo: Dominic Blackmore

Light and ventilation

It's vitally important in the practice of feng shui to bring natural light and fresh air into your bedroom. Large windows are ideal, and make sure that you open your curtains and window as much as possible to let the light and air in.

Some Feng shui experts believe that when you have large windows Ch'i is flowing too fast in and out which is not favorable.

photo: Dominic Blackmore

Make your bedroom comfortable

It may seem obvious, but it's essential for good feng shui to have a comfortable bed and bedlinen. A good quality mattress as well as soft and soothing bedlinen will help your body repair from the days slog. Choosing furniture and accessories with curved angles, particuaraly near your bed, is also helpful as sharp corners will promote sharp and unpleasant energy.

photo: Dominic Blackmore

Feng shui bedroom candles

Candles are a fire feng shui element that is associated with purity and inspiration. Burning them in your bedroom can heat up the energy and increase its beneficial properties. Be careful of what colour you go for though, as well as the type of wax you are burning; soy is generally better for you than paraffin.

photo: Dominic Blackmore

Position mirrors carefully

Mirrors are good for drawing in and expanding energy, especially the water elements. However, water energy can be draining to energy in the bedroom, so large mirrors should be avoided. It is also believed that if you can see your bed in your bedroom mirror you are encouraging someone to share your relationship with you and your partner!

photo: Dominic Blackmore

Feng Shui bedroom storage

Another way to ensure that energy flows freely is to de-clutter your bedroom. Put everything away in closed cupboards and make sure open shelves only hold minimal amounts of items. Keep the pathways around your bed clear too.

photo: Dominic Blackmore

Go for art instead of a TV

A TV, computer or any large electrical appliance in your bedroom are a no-no when it comes to feng shui. Instead, focus on choosing decorative art. Don't go for anything violent or angry, but something that encourages your life goals and your mind.

Make sure that the decorative art is solidly anchored to the wall. You could go for something lightweight such as textiles and swags.

photo: Dominic Blackmore

Choose a strong headboard

In feng shui it's a belief that a sturdy headboard will help increase your energy levels while you sleep. Upholstered wooden headboards are ideal as they combine solid support as well as comfortable padding.

CELEBRITIES USING FENG SHUI

2012-01-29T11:37:00.000-08:00

DonaldTrump, Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Anita Roddick, Madonna, Carmen Electra, JuliaRoberts, Tommy Hillfiger, George Clooney, Dolly Parton, Sophia Loren,Rob Lowe, Gwyneth Paltrow, Oprah Winfrey, Paula Abdul, Cher and manyothers all use Feng Shui principles for health, prosperity, and success in theirhomes and offices.

Donald Trump
photo source: google

DonaldTrump is often hiring Feng Shui masters toeliminate negative Chi and protect his top investments by buildinghis structures that are in harmony with nature, and Feng Shuiteachings. Following Feng Shui principles, the main entranceof the Trump Tower was placed facing the Central Park to receive allpositive chi for prosperity and success. To eliminate fast, killingchi headed straight at the building from the traffic, Master Pun-Yinrecommended to place a globe in front of the building.

Bill Gates
photo source: google

BillGates is another Feng Shui fan. Even the house of Bill Gates, richestman in the world, is said to be located in the perfect location inthe hills to bring its owner great wealth. With a mountain behind his house providing protection and support. It provides support and “financial backing” to his home. The Dragon and the Tiger on each side of the landscape energizes his home, and Lake Washington in front of it completes the Feng Shui.

Richard Branson
photo source: google

Richard Branson of the Virgin empire has used feng shui to huge advantage.

Anita Roddick
photo source: google

Body Shop founder Anita Roddick freely stated that her headquarters and shops around the world had been designed using the principles.

Welcome First Sponsor: theanjelique.com

2012-01-22T22:49:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to introduce our first sponsor www.theanjelique.com

theanjelique.comis an authentic online boutique, offering superior quality of 100%Turkish made personal collectibles at your fingertips. The anjeliquehas a passion to make your shopping an intimate and fun experiencewith her products ranging from trendy fits, designer accessories tooriginal home decorations and textiles.

Their motto is “ shopping withdelight”.

Their dream is to be the mostauthentic Turkish online boutique store filled with millions ofdelighted shoppers from all around the world.

They also do offergift certificates. Isn't that great!

Let's click click.Happy shopping everyone:)

Here are some of myselections:

Ince Topuk-Cold & Turquoz

Ince Topuk-Love Birds (limited edition for Valentine's)

Inci Ozayan-Organicsoap accessory holder

Inci Ozayan- Tulipshaped Turkish coffee set (silver plated)

Belizz-Onyx &coin earings

Belizz- Summercharm necklace

2012-01-20T11:48:00.000-08:00

"Home is a shelter from storms-all sorts of storms" William J Bennett, American Politician

COLOR ANALYSIS-LOOK HEALTHY,YOUNG &VIBRANT

2012-01-16T11:42:00.000-08:00

We had discussed about the power of colors in Feng Shui a while ago. Actually choosing the right colors for your clothing has also great results for yourself! Discover your perfect colors with a color chart analysis, get to know your seasonal color group! It will give you a sense of direction of what type of colors (cool, warm, deep, light, clear,muted) look perfect on you. It really simplifies shopping and you'll have a closet full of clothes you want to wear:)

During my trip to Istanbul this year, I had booked for a color analysis session for Mom & myself. We had great fun and learned loads of new facts:) Here are some of our pics from our color analysis session. It took about 2 hours for both of us. The analysis was done by Oya Komar from Colourfit. She is a great personality and definitely knows what she is doing. I would highly recommend her to anyone interested for a color analysis. She lives and works in Istanbul,Turkey. She's also fluent in English.
You may check more info from her website: www.colourfit.com , e-mail: info@colourfit.com

Here we start! Oya first covers her hair with a white bandana and puts a white scarf around her neck.

Ok, let's find out which season she belongs to...

Oya is trying to choose the right colors. She is explaining all details step by step. I like that!

Here is the complete color chart for all seasons!

I fell in love with the office... so simple yet stylish & elegant. You cannot quite get the real feeling from the photos. I'm pretty sure that they've used the major feng shui rules while decorating the office. It shows:)

She's summer:) Most of her colors have either grayish or pinkish tones...

My daughter, Defne, waiting patiently during our color analysis...

Here is my little one,Melisa. "Ok, now it's my turn!" She deserves it, right? After waiting for 2 hours! But definitely had great fun, too....

By the way, I found out that I'm an Autumn person...

LIVE WITH WHAT YOU LOVE

2012-01-11T08:58:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the first step of Feng Shui is decluttering your space? Nothing will work before we go through this process.
We make it complicated by stuffing our homes, offices and lives with things we don't really use or need.
Open up your space for new possessions and opportunities! Declutter and organize. Either do it yourself, ask for a friend, hire a professional organizer or a Feng Shui expert to help you out. LIVE WITH WHAT YOU LOVE!
The more you release the more you receive the new. Everything in life is interconnected. Let the Ch'i dance without being disturbed...

Jayme Barrett, the author of 'Feng Shui Your Life' identifies 4 types of clutter:

Common Clutter: You have too much unused, unloved, unnecessary, and messy stuff littering your space. Examples include junk mail, broken objects, old newspapers and magazines.

Symbolic Clutter: You have objects that consciously or unconsciously affect your emotions and thoughts in a negative way. Examples include unsuccessful projects, gloomy artwork, and disheartening books.

Energy Clutter: ... Examples include photos of people who disapprove of you, gifts from past relationship, and inherited furniture you've kept out of guilt.

Mental and Emotional Clutter: These are unresolved emotional issues, tasks you've been avoiding, and draining relationships.

Here is a list of questions that can help you with your decluttering process:

1) DO I LOVE IT?
2) Is it useful or beautiful?
3) Did I choose to bring it into my life?
4) Did I use it in the past year? The past 3 years?
5) Does it fit with my vision for the life that I want to lead?
6) Does it affect my emotions or thoughts?
7) Can I sell it, give it away, donate to a charity or recycle it?

Photo: Better Homes and Gardens

Donation is always a good option. YOUR TRASH COULD BE SOMEONE ELSE'S TREASURE!

2012 IS FULL OF FRESH NEW ENERGY:)

2012-01-08T05:25:00.000-08:00

Finally, back from holidays and back to our routines... 2012 is full of fresh new energy:) We've great tips and topics to share this year. Keep following!

POWER OF COLORS IN FENG SHUI

2011-12-13T11:16:00.000-08:00

Did you ever think about the power of colors? Color is such a great tool that it can immediately set the mood of people and even spaces. It affects our behaviour, thoughts and feelings. The more we understand how it works the more advantage we can take out of the power of colors!
Feng Shui provides guidelines on how to use colors according to the five feng shui elements and yin&yang, and gives information about symbolism and dynamics of colors in general. A basic rule is that red and black should be used sparingly. Too much red creates aggressiveness and tension, and black can cause depression and pessimism. The purpose of a room is also important when deciding on the color. For instance it would be more appropriate to use bolder, joyfull colors for a living room whereas more quiet and gentle colors would be wise to use for a bedroom or a place used for relaxation.

photo: censationalgirl.com

photo: countryliving.com

Here are some quick highlights of colors:
White: Improves concentration and clear thinking. Choosing white means that all possibilities are open, but it can also mean that a person who chooses white is unable to form an opinion.
Green: Supports healing and stimulates creativity. It's the color of growth and nature. Also soothes the spirit, calms the nerves and reassures people.
Blue: Light blue stimulates creativity and openness, while deep blue colors subdue and create distance. Standing for intellect and spiritual insight, blue represents the positive side of imagination and utopian ideas.
Red: It's activating and stimulating, improves assertiveness and dynamism. But red, like black should be used as an accent color only.
Black: Absorbs all other colors and creates a sense of depth. Should only be used as an accent color.
Yellow: Represents the sun's power. It's cheerful,lively and gentle. It's a very positive color .It's balancing and calming.
Orange: It's the color of ripe, full, lively, warm, dry, cozy, sociable, youghtful & bright.
Brown: It has a stabilizing effect and creates a sense of grounding, connection with the natural world.
Grey: This is an ambitious color and is associated with being in transition or between states.It may be viewed as a color for compromise and harmony, or be seen as dismal and linked to depression.
Purple: It's the color of high ideals, loyalty, truth, power, balance between spirit&mind, passion&intellect and also love&wisdom since it consists of equal parts of red and blue.
Pink: It's the color of feminity, beauty, harmony. In China, pink is a favorite color for bedrooms to support a happy marriage.

Sources: Feng Shui Symbols & The Feng Shui Housebook

CREATIVE YIN-YANG BOOKCASE

2011-12-03T11:31:00.001-08:00

If you're tired of simply stacking your books along your windowsill, maybe it's time to take a more creative approach. Here is a Yin-Yang bookcase that might just be more exciting than the books themselves!

photo: buzzfeed.com

Yin-Yang represents the ancient Chinese understanding of how things work. The outer circle represents "everything", while the black and white shapes within the circle represent the interaction of two energies which cause everything to happen. They are not completely black or white, just as things in life are not completely black or white, and they cannot exist without each other. While "yin" would be female, soft, relaxed, gentle, curved, things floral, dark, passive, downward, cold, contracting, and weak, "yang" would be male, hard, alert, straight, geometric, bright, active, upward, hot, expanding, and strong. The doves represent a greater peace. Taoists believe that a balance of Yin-Yang creates harmony in our environment&ourselves.

BE WISE

2011-11-30T01:14:00.001-08:00

Today, I was inspired by the words of wisdom posted on Oprah Winfrey's facebook page. I really enjoy reading the topics she's discussing.
"I choose to live by choice not by chance, to make changes not excuses, to be motivated not manipulated, to be useful not be used, to excel not compete. I choose self-esteem not self-pity, I choose to listen to my inner voice not the random opinion of others."-Avril P.
The same applies to Feng Shui. Feng Shui makes you aware of how your surroundings affect you. It provides tools and methods to change your surroundings to achieve specific results and increase your overall well-being, happiness and success. So be aware and be the one in control of yourself and your surroundings! You will not regret.

May you enjoy the most Fortunate Blessings!

WELCOME

2011-11-29T10:04:00.000-08:00

Come on in! Sit back, relax and enjoy a cup of coffee...
Our goal is to incorporate western interior design with Feng Shui -the ancient Chinese art of placement. Hope you'll find our posts engaging. Cafe Feng Shui will be be thrilled to meet with you all:)
May you enjoy the most Fortunate Blessings!

photo: countryliving.com

CAFE FENG SHUI

LET YOUR BOAT OF LIFE *BE LIGHT*

A HISTORICAL COLONIAL IN THE HEART OF SINGAPORE

A RED FRONT DOOR

NOW HOW DO WE BALANCE THIS ROOM?

FENG SHUI BEDROOM DESIGN IDEAS

I recently came across with the article about Feng Shui bedroom ideas on www.housetohome.uk

Align bedroom furniture

Choose your colours carefully

Go for art instead of a TV

Choose a strong headboard

CELEBRITIES USING FENG SHUI

Welcome First Sponsor: theanjelique.com

COLOR ANALYSIS-LOOK HEALTHY,YOUNG &VIBRANT

LIVE WITH WHAT YOU LOVE

2012 IS FULL OF FRESH NEW ENERGY:)

POWER OF COLORS IN FENG SHUI

CREATIVE YIN-YANG BOOKCASE

BE WISE

WELCOME

LET YOUR BOAT OF LIFE BE LIGHT