How to make the most of a spacious Greenwich Village apartment with windows on only one side

Anjie Cho October 9, 2019

Architect and Feng Shui expert Anjie Cho loves the high ceilings in this Greenwich Village fixer-upper, 808 Broadway, #4H, which, she says, make the already spacious apartment look even larger than it is. Other pros include its location and the fact that it was designed by architect James Renwick, Jr., who also designed nearby Grace Church and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Her beef with the unit, which is listed for $875,000, is that there are windows only at one end of the apartment, meaning that despite having “quite a bit of square footage, you can only have one legal bedroom in the space,” she says.

In this week’s Reno Ready, Cho explains what she’d do to update this apartment, including leveling the floors, gutting the bathroom, and integrating the kitchen into the living space.

Level the flooring in the living room

Floor: Cho can’t exactly tell what’s going on with the flooring from the photos, but she assumes it’s in bad shape like the rest of the unit. She’d replace it with herringbone- or chevron-patterned floors in a light-colored white oak, which will make the unit appear brighter.

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Q&A Sunday: How Should I Lay Out My Therapy Office?

Anjie Cho October 6, 2019

I’ve just been assigned my first office, see attached floor plan with the current furniture layout. Help! How would you recommend I lay out this office, keeping in mind that I’m a psychiatrist and see patients here?

Stephanie C., Washington D.C.

Hi Stephanie!

Congrats on your new office! There are a few things to consider in laying out your office. Please see my suggested layout below.

Desk

Since this is your office, your desk is of the utmost importance, so we should try to locate it in the commanding position. Ideally, you would want it on the right back corner so that you’re not behind the swing of the door. However, I felt like the chairs in which you see patients are also important. The location on the left side is still OK. Because you’re in line with the door, you could place a feng shui crystal ball (available at the Holistic Spaces store here) in the line of qi, between the door and your desk.

Chairs

I mentioned earlier that because you are a psychiatrist and see patients in this office, it’s also important that you and your patients feel comfortable in this space. This is why I placed the chairs on the right side so they are not in the line of qi (in line with the door). But with the desk still further back in the office, spatially you’re still in the authoritative position near the back of the space.

Bookshelves

I put these in areas that you would easily be able to access and where there was room left. You could also consider that they’re located in the Knowledge and Relationship areas of the feng shui bagua map. In a sense, the books support your knowledge and skill to help your clients in their relationship with you and with the world.

Diplomas, Artwork, Plants

Diplomas above the desk area, placed in the Abundance area of the feng shui bagua map, support your wealth and self worth. The artwork can be placed so that both you and your patient have something lovely to look at while sitting in the chairs and at your desk. Plants all along the window sills can provide growth, support and kindness to support your prosperity, recognition and relationships.

Thanks again for this great question!

by Anjie Cho

Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Our a unique training program takes an holistic approach to learning the art of feng shui design. Mindful design is about becoming aware, and attentive, to the energy around you: both inner and outer qi. It is about promoting a better way of living and creating sacred spaces that support, and nourish. Visit us at mindfuldesignschool.com.

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Feng Shui Must-Haves for Your Living Room

Anjie Cho October 2, 2019

featured on The Spruce

Inviting Seating

There are a few approaches to arranging furniture with good feng shui in the living room.

First, you should ensure your home has comfortable seating. It makes a huge difference if everyone is cozy and relaxed. And it doesn't have to be just sofas and armchairs. You can create mini-spaces like a side table with some chairs.

Also, try to provide enough seating for everyone in the home with some extra for guests. Then, take the time to arrange the furniture so that when you sit you’re facing others. The idea is to encourage conversation. If possible, minimize any seats that have the back facing the door.

Also try out each spot to sit in your seating area to make sure it’s a comfortable place to linger and chat.

Living Green House Plants

One of the five elements in feng shui is wood. Wood invokes kindness, flexibility, and compassion.

Placement of well cared for living green plants bring the wood element into the living room where we connect with others. Plants also bring in vital life force energy and nature.

If possible, it’s best to select healthy plants with rounded and soft leaves. But, if there's a pointy plant you are attached to, like aloe, it's okay to keep around if you love it!

If you truly have no light in the living room, you can substitute real plants with fake ones. Keep in mind though, that your fake plants must be high quality and look very realistic

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by Anjie Cho