Q&A Sunday: Making Space for a Baby, But What About Storage?

In your post about pregnancy and feng shui, you mention making space as much as possible, but her closet is storage for our home too. Thoughts on how to handle?

Laurie E., Los Angeles, CA

Hi Laurie,

Thanks for reading our Q&A about pregnancy.

I actually do not suggest making as much space as possible in this post, nor would I necessarily recommend that. But maybe you read this post, where I suggest creating a space for a baby to come into your home. You don’t want it to be so full that there’s no room for the new little person.

However, it sounds like your situation is a little different. You do have a room for your baby, but you happen to have a storage closet in that room. Functionality is very important too when it comes to feng shui, as with most things in life. If that’s the storage closet and you have no other space for it, that’s totally okay. What you can do is make sure the closet is organized and what you do have stored there is necessary and in good condition. You can also use functional furniture that serves as storage as well!

I would also consider what sorts of things you have stored in the baby’s closet. Obviously things like knives and guns are not appropriate. If possible, store baby-related and soft things like pillows and linens. Do the best that you can and move things around if necessary. Just try to store objects with good energy around your new baby.

It would be wonderful if we could have completely separate spaces for each person in a home, but realistically that doesn't always happen. In this case, it seems you've definitely taken the time and intention to make some space for your new family member, so as long as you maintain a good, positive energy in her room, your feng shui should be fine. :)

by Anjie Cho

Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday".  We will be answering questions submitted by our readers. Click here to submit any Feng Shui or Green Design questions!

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Here's How to Bring This Kips Bay Co-Op Out of the 1960s - And Make The Most of Its Natural Light

featured this month on Brick Underground by Leah Hochbaum Rosner

KipsBayAnjieChoSketch.jpg

The greatest thing this $879,000 Kips Bay one-bedroom at 300 East 33rd Street has going for it is an amenity you can't fake: natural light. “Those big windows are probably the best thing about this place,” says architect Anjie Cho, referring to the trio of floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the condo building’s private garden. “It looks like it gets a lot of light.”

Yet while it’s bright and sun-drenched, the 1960s-era unit is being sold in as-is original condition, which means it could use a ton of work in order to whip it into shape. “The worst thing is probably that kitchen,” says Cho. “It’s so small. And when you look closer and see that there’s a column [that takes up a lot of room], it’s even smaller!”

Cho has a lot of ideas as to how to modernize this space. Below, her recommendations:

...read full article

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Q&A Sunday: What If Door Mats Are Not Allowed?

You recommend a black welcome mat to encourage cash flow, but what if you live in an apartment building where you can't have door mats or hang anything on your front door?

Tracey T., Chicago, IL

Hi Tracey,

Thanks for your thoughtful question. It’s a good one. 

Even though your apartment building does not allow door mats or any sort of personal items on the outside of your front door, there is still feng shui hope!

As far as the door mat is concerned, you can place the mat on the inside of your apartment. The same guidelines apply as if it were outside the door. It’s preferable that the door mat is close in dimension to the width of the door (not too big, not too small). A black mat can welcome wealth and cash flow, as black is the color related to water. You an also energetically draw an invisible welcome mat in the front with the visualization that it’s there attracting abundance into your home.

Be sure to check out the other blog posts that discuss how to work with your entry area. Generally you want to keep the door and entry area clean, clutter free, and bright! 

A black mat is not the only way to welcome wealth and abundance to your space. There are many routes in BTB feng shui for attracting wealth, including activating the Knowledge area, practicing one good deed a day and mirroring the burners on your stove. Take a look at some of our previous posts, and hopefully you will find an adjustment that works for your building and space!

by Anjie Cho

Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday".  We will be answering questions submitted by our readers. Click here to submit any Feng Shui or Green Design questions!