Q & A: what comes first – Feng Shui or design?

i’ll be honest. when shui and design meet up, shui is typically the less glamorous of the two. it requires the kind of change people don’t typically OOOH and AAAH over. there is no guarantee you’ll immediately have something to show for your investment. and if it’s part of a renovation conversation, it is often sidelined to make the design process more convenient.

let’s talk why shui could come first.  

think of a time when you couldn’t pull yourself out of a funk. now, imagine being presented two options:

a brand new head-to-toe outfit.

or…

hands-on help to get out of the funk.

which do you choose?

for most of us, it would probably depend on how long our funks typically last, right?

if the funk is only a couple days, OUTFIT, PLEASE!

but if that funk lingers at all, you crave something that goes deeper.

much like in therapy, any changes you make in your thoughts and behaviors are often subtle. people might even comment on the difference they see in you before you notice them yourself. and while self-transformation isn’t going to take your breath away as it’s happening, one thing is certain: it changes the trajectory of your life.

THAT IS SHUI. 

shui can help filter decisions stylistically, but it isn’t the actual practice. unfortunately, though, it is often treated as such. and when it is confused for design, it’s like wearing that new outfit while feeling lousy.

a few years ago, a couple hired me as they were about to renovate their home. they wanted to ensure correct Feng Shui principles were built into the new design. we met, and i noticed priorities needing immediate attention.

note: there are client objectives, and there are shui issues. my role is to tackle both. sometimes, those align. truthfully, though, the shui splinters aren’t usually problematic to the client – not in an obvious way. part of a consult is to help you see your home as the soil. it is where you grow all the good things in your life. a home also sometimes nourishes a challenge you want removed from your story. 

back to this consult…

i identified 3 problems that outweighed everything else:

first, the house was located near the road – and the front door opened to the curb. when a house is this close to the road, its occupants will express frustration with experiencing quick wins that rarely last. 

next, an entire main wall consisted of ceiling to floor windows. windows are like energy highways. during the day, this feature helps us feel motivated and energized. however, without window panels or treatments to “close the eyes,” the intense open exposure will eventually leave us exhausted. and over time, it badgers the moods and temperaments of those living there.

finally, the home was ruled by the element Metal. when Metal is the dictator in our surroundings, we become too rigid; develop a sharp tongue; and demand perfectionism from ourselves and others.

(for my shui nerds out there: it is good to note here, too, that Fire – from the sunlight coming through the wall of windows – and Metal are clashing elements. if they dominate a space together, it increases the potential for arguments and disharmony in that area.)

the clients acknowledged all these challenges. 

however, as the design process evolved, the priorities shifted away from the shui. the recommended changes became something to consider after the design was complete. and i get it. the satisfaction of a space “done” is highly intoxicating. however, sidestep Feng Shui, and the energetic chaos remains. and if you don’t understand what is causing the turbulence, you could inadvertently enhance those features with the new design.

so, what happened with this couple? the home was beautifully designed – and they were elated with the outcome. but much like a pretty outfit makes us feel good in the moment, the unveiling can be fleeting. my hunch? those problems that felt prominent during our first visit were only sedated momentarily. the good news? shui has no expiration date, so when they revisit those remedies, their home will be fully designed in the image of their dreams! xo