The start of a new season can lead to many new opportunities. For homeowners or interior designers it means the chance to reorganize and redecorate using new styles or regimens, one being Feng Shui.
Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese belief system with the idea that one’s living space can nourish positive energy. With the fall season right around the corner, there are a few simple ways one can take advantage of some of these concepts that can improve the atmosphere of the home.
Photo courtesy of Artisanti
Accents
As a material, metal represents intelligence and mental strength in Feng Shui. As an addition to the home, metal will attract positive energy while accentuating the fall season, including metal accents in items such as vases or wall decor which can enhance a space. Incorporating metallic paint colors like bronze, gray and gold can have the same effect.
Photo courtesy of Chaplins Furniture
A bowl of fruit in a kitchen symbolizes a home that will never be without food and encourage healthy eating. Place bright, red apples in a stylish bowl to add a seasonal, stylish touch. Scented candles fill any room with a fall aroma, such as the enticing smell of apple pie or the crisp fall air. These scents will calm you while the decorative candle complements a room.
Give the people entering your home a reason to take a moment to pause by hanging artwork on a wall. Place it in a foyer or front hall so guests take their time as they come in.
Photo courtesy of Garden Trading
Organization
Removing the clutter in a home is another way to fix the harmony in any space. Opulent organization techniques, like renovating a closet, will refresh a room’s ambiance. While organizing a space, rid yourself of items or furniture that don’t add purpose to the area.
Shelving allows for an interesting focal point while allowing you to reorganize personal items. Larger shelves give more room to add decorations, books and storage.
Photo courtesy of Covet House
Outdoors
Keep your outdoor space neat and remove tired-looking flowers or plants. Chrysanthemums, for example, bring in good luck and are often used in the practice of Feng Shui. They add balance to a person’s life and can balance out the look of a front yard with a pop of color. Flowers evoke feelings of beauty and grace. If gardening isn’t your thing, opt for artwork for either inside the home or in the yard.
Doormats are the best way to have some flair and attract the possibility of new opportunities. Get into the habit of putting out new ones every week and steer away from your typical “Welcome” Funky patterns and designs can improve any dreary front porch or walkway. New habits spark good energy during any new season.
Photo courtesy of LisaSarah – designs in steel
Photo courtesy of Melody Maison
Featured image courtesy of Lights4fun
With the last few weeks of summer ahead, now is the perfect time in much of the country to embrace the warm summer days and spend time in the sun. A perfect outdoor dining area can allow you to spend more time with family and friends and soak in the sun at the same time. Here are a few tips to design the area that will best work for you and your home:
Photo courtesy of Chaplins Furniture
Photo courtesy of Go Modern
1. Consider the Colors
It’s always important to take into account the colors of the outdoor area. If the outdoor area is more centered around nature, consider more earthy colors that blend right into the background, creating a soft, calm atmosphere. For a bolder style, however, pick a color that contrasts sharply against the background.
With this area, the lighter pinks and tans behind the dark table and chairs create a beautiful distinction of colors. Whichever your style, make sure to consider various colors in your design process.
2. Working with the Landscape
When working with nature, there are mainly two choices: working with the land or changing the landscape to fit your needs. Keeping the land untouched will allow for a more natural atmosphere, while changing the landscape may be more accessible and practical for an outdoor dining area.
For example, this bench by the pool allows a great lunch or dinner with family and friends. While nature is not emphasized, it creates a sleek, clean design that’s easily accessible to the house and pool, allowing for gathering around the table at any time.
Photo courtesy of Garden Trading
Photo courtesy of Go Modern
Photo courtesy of Lagoon
3. Creating Shade
While the idea of an outdoor dining area underneath the bright sun is important, practicality should always be a factor. With the sun out all day, it may get too hot to stay outside and enjoy the summer air. Remember to provide adequate shading, whether that’s with a tree or a canopy, so you and your guests are able to spend as much time outside as you would like.
This outdoor dining area was built with a roof for this exact purpose. Crafted with natural wood, it forms a calm atmosphere blocking the sun but keeping everyone close to the nature that surrounds them.
4. A Style that Fits You
Whatever the design, make sure that it fits your personality and will be used often for gatherings of family and friends.
Photo courtesy of Lagoon
Bring fun and function to your outdoor space this spring with three collections from Vondom, by Eero Aarnio. Modern shapes and unique fun concepts are combined to make up the Roulette, Rosinante, and Peacock collections.
Eero Aarnio, the mastermind behind these designs is described as a “plastic pioneer master and a living legend of modern design,” according to the Vondom website. Aarino has been a freelance designer since 1962, and his iconic designs continue to inspire today.
Rosinante Collection
The Rosinante collection was inspired by the fascinating world of carousels and Ferris wheels. The whimsical nature of the rocking horses makes them perfect for families. With sleek lines and modern colors, the designs are equally as fun as they are sophisticated.
Traditionally a rocking horse only rocks back and forth, but this horse has a base which also enables users to spin. Because the horse was made in Spain, it was naturally named after Don Quixote’s world famous horse, Rosinante.
Another lighthearted collection by Aarino is The Roulette Collection. These undeniably bold chairs are perfect for a relaxed gathering or an afternoon outside. The designer had a concept of the chair’s leg being part of the body in his mind. Aarino ended up with a design that rocks in all directions and also spins because of its contact with the ground at one point.
The high armrests give a sense of security when spinning the chair around and also provides support while sitting. Wanting to find an international name for the chair, which also would immediately give the association for the spinning motion, Aarino ended up with the name ”Roulette.”
The Peacock collection fits in perfectly among Aarino’s other designs or stands alone to make a adventurous statement. The planter is in the shape of a peacock but the image isn’t complete without the addition of a plant to serves as the tail. The collection was inspired by the designer’s own childhood memories of the animals, which fascinated and scared him.
Photos courtesy of VONDOM
Montage Residences Palmetto Bluff just announced an offering in the spirit of their 15th Anniversary. Deemed “A Place to Create Forever Memories,” Montage introduces this $2.75M, 2,900-square-foot residence, decked out for those seeking the ultimate outdoor recreation lifestyle.
Situated within Palmetto Bluff, a 20,000-acre residential community and conservation preserve, this property is seated next to 32 miles of riverfront and marsh front coastline, with extensive nature trails, a vibrant Village center complete with river access, boat storage and canoe club. This community embraces its rich history natural rural landscape, and is a historical haven to gain a true sense of the Lowcountry lifestyle.
The collection of homes features charming, timeless interiors that have spacious living areas, celebrating authentic Southern tradition. The indoor-outdoor spaces flow naturally with breezy entryways, with other highlights including…
- Residences situated in a waterfront setting in close proximity to the resort
- Two, three, four and five-bedroom, single-story residences
- Indoor/outdoor sitting rooms with fireplaces
- Oversized master suites with his-and-hers walk-in closets
- State-of-the-art kitchens
- Antique heart pine floors
- Driveways and walkways utilizing Old Savannah brick throughout
Photos courtesy of Montage Residences Palmetto Bluff