originally published Sept 2002 in Flaunt Magazine
Decorating Your Space
by: Jusstine Kenzer
Have you ever walked into a room and felt peculiarly uncomfortable? Not necessarily due to who was in the room, but what was in there. Say your friend invites you over for a cocktail and some deep profound conversing. You’re in the midst of negotiating how the two of you alone can solve world peace, yet you find yourself distracted. From where you are sitting you are forced to stare at this painting that is hanging crooked on the wall. At this point world peace is going to have to be put on hold because for now your only thoughts are about straightening out the art work.
Your home represents much more than where you live and provides more than just a roof over your head. You can get a good idea of what’s going on inside of you by the house you keep. Are you a (perfectionist) neat freak who’s under ware drawer looks like Victoria’s secret retail? Do you keep your visible quarters orderly, yet (afraid to let others really see you) your closet is in constant chaos? Or perhaps you are a tad messy with your belongings spread out all over, but you know exactly where that very thing you (control freak) are looking for is?
Your habitat can be your own personal heaven or hell, by paying more attention to the most important relationship you have, the one with you. Think of it like this; just as your physical body temporarily houses your spirit, the address you dwell at becomes the sanctuary in which you pray at. (However, let’s replace the word pray with live.) Obviously what you wish to do with your space is all up to you. As in any situation, awareness is the key. The more comfortable you become in your sanctuary, the more in touch you can become with you and the closer you can be on your path toward creating the life that you desire.
As I have continually preached in this column, we all have a psychic sense whether we are in touch with it or not. Because of this we are unconsciously sensing the energies around us all of the time. Believe it or not, the colors you paint your walls, where you put your furniture, and how you decorate your dwelling all effect you on a daily basis.
Those of you with sleeping disorders who pop pills just to get some shut-eye, might find a cure by simply moving your bed. Energetically it is best for us to sleep with the crown of our head toward the East, but in reality, only you can find what personally works best. Perform your own experiment by moving your bed around in different directions and locations (in your bedroom) to discover which provides the most satisfying sleep for you. It might take some muscle and a few attempts to find the right spot, but I assure you that tranquil sleep is well worth a little effort.
Some years back the headquarters of the Bank of China in Hong Kong caused a little legendary stir. They constructed an angular high-rise designed with sharp shiny corners that in the practice of Feng Shui created a threatening discomfort to it’s surrounding competitors. Business people in the area complained that the building was deliberately designed against them and sought consult of their own Feng Shui masters to then combat the bad energy being directed toward them. Low and behold, the area soon recovered from the draining energies felt from the building. Life returned back to it’s original state of peace of prosperity there and thus began the now growing popularity of Feng Shui.
I am not going to attempt to teach you the art of Shuing your Feng here. There are plenty of books and professionals out there that you can consult for that. However, we are going to take a peak at how you decorate your space and see what additions you can make to have a happy home and an even happier you.
ARIES decorating style is: Ultra-modern and avant-garde, designer sheets, red, metals, gadgets, and fireplaces. Your home benefits by adding: An aromatherapy oil diffuser to keep your place smelling like a spa.
TAURUS decorating style is: Big and bold, feel over look, natural materials, Baroque, brocade, flowers, and pillows. Your home benefits by adding: A Bonzai Tree to connect you with and represent the Tree of Life.
GEMINI decorating style is: Trendy and spacious, bright, saturated color hues, things in twos, stocked for guests and parties. Your home benefits by adding: A meditation area with shrine to center yourself and find the deeper you.
CANCER decorating style is: Shabby-chic, antique, picture frames, watercolors and garden accessories. Your home benefits by adding: A whirlpool for your tub so you can take a long soak after you’ve been crabby.
LEO decorating style is: Luxurious, sophisticated, one of a kind pieces, velvet drapes, leather couches, sunset colors. Your home benefits by adding: A padded toilet seat so you can truly be the king of your own thrown.
VIRGO decorating style is: Orderly, eastern, earthy, horticulture, dried flowers, handmade crafts, and a home office. Your home benefits by adding: A statue of the Ganesh to bring you good luck and fortune.
LIBRA decorating style is: Soft, sophisticated, bright, crystal vases, pastoral art, pink, and things in pairs. Your home benefits by adding: A canopy above your bed to keep you and your dream space protected.
SCORPIO decorating style is: Hidden spaces, reflective finishes, tapestries, wall sconces, antiques, and novelty collections. Your home benefits by adding: A Quan Yin goddess statue to bring you compassion and understanding.
SAGITTARIUS decorating style is: Multiculturalism, Italian designs, marble, candles, tubs, picture windows. Your home benefits by adding: A piece of religious art to give you some spiritually inclined culture.
CAPRICORN decorating style is: Traditional, understated, timepieces, faux painting, exposed brick, and stone. Your home benefits by adding: A Zen sand and rock garden to connect you to the East and the earth.
AQUARIUS decorating style is: Eclectic, futuristic, high-tech, white, metallic colors, gadgets, lofts and balconies. Your home benefits by adding: A telescope so you can visually venture out into the starry heavens.
PISCES decorating style is: Mixing over matching, fluid, round objects, curved lines, blues, greens and water fountains. Your home benefits by adding: A Tropical fish tank to connect you to your element and your siblings.