Warm Up and Get Cozy with Historic Elements

Anjie Cho October 21, 2015

You are in love with your modern home, and rightfully so. If you want to add a personal twist to its decor, while adding in some extra warmth and comfort, incorporating a few elements from a specific design period is the way to go. Highlight your favorite design era with a few well-chosen pieces, or mix and match different styles for your own signature look. Get started by incorporating bits of your preferred style themes from the following list.

Art Deco debuted in France after World War 1. This throwback design theme blends bits of French, Egyptian and Mediterranean culture with clean lines, geometric patterns and vibrant colors. Think opulence and lavishness. You can incorporate elements of Art Deco into your home by selecting materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, inlaid wood and lacquer. Furniture with a mirrored or veneer finish is one option. Want a smaller whisper of style? Look for throw pillows and accent pieces featuring chevrons, sunbursts and bold colors.

Art Nouveau harkens back to the end of the 19th century and is known for its classy, sophisticated style. This era of design is nature-inspired, as demonstrated by its dynamic, undulating, flowing lines. Art Nouveau design is energetic; spiritual and lively. Look for pieces made of metal, ceramics and glass. Incorporate patterns and pieces with floral themes, as well as insects, birds and other elements of nature.

Baroque Style evokes memories of the very ornate, luxurious design of the 17th century. To achieve the look of pure opulence, search for items with elaborate ornamentation. You want to select pieces that include plenty of detail, curves and heavy carving. Incorporate items made of marble and dark hued woods. If you’re looking to pepper Baroque influences into your space, seek out furniture boasting curved legs, carved details and gilding. Large mirrors and crystal chandeliers will lend a Baroque influence as well.

Neoclassic is about elegance, luxury and romance. In terms of design, aim for hints of Roman and Greek architecture and sculpture. Symmetry and balance are key characteristics of this style. Look for pieces using light wood and upholstery items. If you want to introduce this style through accessories, then consider ornate vases, urns, statuary decorations and pottery.

Victorian style begins with lots of layers and builds with vibrant, rich colors. Something as simple as adding a chair or picture rail to your walls will introduce a bit of Victorian flare into your space. Pull in velvet, a Victorian staple, through pillows and upholstery and don’t shy away from fringe or patterns. Dark woods and marble are classic Victorian components, too.

by Anjie Cho

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Practice Feng Shui with the Moon

Anjie Cho October 17, 2015

featured this week on Over the Moon

This month, I thought it appropriate to address the symbology of the moon from the feng shui perspective for our lovely Over the Moon readers. BTB feng shui draws much of its wisdom from Taoism, which looks to nature as “the Way” to achieve harmony. It also sees the universe in a constant dance and balance of opposites, which we call “Yin-Yang Theory.”

Yin and yang principle is about opposites, such as dark and light, cold and hot, passive and active, female and male, and so on. Even the moon and the sun fall into these two categories. The key is that, in our world, the two opposites are in constant flux because one cannot exist without the other. Darkness only exists in the absence of light.

And because the moon is yin, it’s also related to darkness, coolness, and indirect, subtle energy. In feng shui, we recognize the importance of the balance between the yin and yang energies and use the energy of the moon to make adjustments. Yin, or moon-focused adjustments, can be effective for taking the indirect route toward change or improvement. For instance, we call on the moon to clarify a confused mind, or to support fertility, or even ask for help.

One yin moon feng shui adjustment is chanting to Quan Yin under the moonlight. Quan Yin is the goddess of compassion and she is connected to the moon, as she represents the feminine yin principle. You can find a chant that calls to her and recite it under the moonlight. An example is,

“Namo Kuan Shi Yin Pu Sa,”

which translates to,

“Salutations to the most compassionate and merciful Bodhisattva Quan Yin.”

She has the power to cultivate compassion and understanding in your life. If Quan Yin doesn’t resonate with you, try another female deity of compassion, such as the Buddhist or Vedic Tara.

Another way to connect to the moon is with a Sun Moon Mirror. This is a BTB feng shui ritual object that has been imbued with both the yin and yang energies of the moon and the sun. There are countless ways to use this talisman, which can be prescribed by an advanced BTB feng shui practitioner. However, if you simply carry it with you at all times, it will protect as well as balance your yin yang qi.

The moon is an important expression and symbol in feng shui. I hope that you can tap into the yin energy of the moon to improve your life!

by Anjie Cho