Warming Up Your Home As It Cools Down Outside

Anjie Cho November 17, 2021

The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping lower. Even if you’re a big fan of winter and its climate, you likely welcome a warm home, preferably without high heating bills. I’ve got a few tips to help warm you and your nest without a big impact to your wallet.

Add layers

Your cold weather closet boasts sweaters, coats and scarves. You know a thing or two about layering, but that’s not what we’re talking about here. Your home can benefit from layers too. According to the National Energy Foundation, your floors can account for up to 10 percent of heat loss if they’re not insulated. That gorgeous area rug you’ve been eyeing isn’t just another pretty accessory. It’s insulation. Your toes will thank you.

Open, then close

In the morning throw open your curtains and raise the blinds. Let the sun shine in to warm things up. When the sun sets, however, it’s time to pull the blinds and hold in all that warmth. Consider switching out your airy curtains for something a little more substantial in cold months. If a new set of curtains isn’t in the budget, look for thermal liners that you can add to your existing window treatments.

Bake something

Winter is a wonderful time to work out your culinary muscle! If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at making bread from scratch, turn the oven on and go for it! There’s nothing better than fresh bread from the oven with a pot of rich stew bubbling on the stove to warm you up – and not just from the belly out! Your cook top and oven will share some of its heat with the room too!

Seal the deal

Before the frost debuts, check your windows and doors for drafts. Caulking window frames, installing weather stripping and deploying a draft stopper at the base of your doors will help keep more warm air in and the cold air out.

Consider humidity

In the summer we bemoan the hotter-than-it-is feel of humid days. Don’t forget that in the winter. Humid air feels warmer. Put a humidifier to work, or leave your bathroom doors open a crack when you shower (or after your warm shower!) to let some of that damp air warm you up.

Reverse your fans

If you have ceiling fans, put them to work in the winter! Just be sure to change their direction first. Running your fans clockwise will push the warm air that’s risen back down to you.

Change things up

If you’ve been thinking about trying out the view from another side of the room, now’s a good time. Move your favorite chair or sofa away from large windows and outside walls. In the bedroom, break out the flannel sheets and pile on your favorite quilts.

Focus on you

Being toasty isn’t just about the room temperature. Grab yourself a good book, nestle down into your favorite seat with a warm, cuddlesome quilt. Don’t forget to fill up your mug with something warm to drink and don a plush pair of socks.

by Anjie Cho

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com

Q&A Sunday: Feng Shui for Bad Energy

Guest User October 31, 2021

What should I do about bad energy in my home?

Happy Halloween! I thought this would be a good question to answer during this time of year when the veil is thin.

First, I would encourage you not to look at things as purely good or bad. It’s very natural as humans to want to put things in categories, but I always like to look at situations with curiosity rather than fear.

When we say “bad” energy, what we often mean is that yin and yang are out of balance. When you have too much yin qi in your home, it can make you feel heavy and low. One thing to pay attention to when you’re looking at the feng shui of your home is what’s outside your home. People often think that feng shui just has to do with home interiors, but as practitioners, we also look at what’s around you. Do you have any cemeteries, funeral homes, or churches close to you? These all represent yin energy, so it’s helpful to notice whether you have any nearby. Other things that can affect your home’s energy are the other people in your neighborhood, as well as the previous inhabitants of your home and the land. All of that energy is programmed into buildings and places, and your space holds memories of those vibrations.

Something else that might indicate difficult energy is needing an abundance of home repairs. If your home is falling into great disrepair, that’s something to pay attention to. This can contribute to really challenging energy in all area of your life, so it’s important to start to make any necessary improvements. It’s okay to take this one step at a time, because this process can be overwhelming if your house seems to be falling apart. However, it is a good idea to address issues that come up when you can. Your house represents you and your body, so this could also be reflected in your health.

If you feel worried about bad energy in your home, it’s important to make some shifts so that you can feel more comfortable and at ease in your space. You could try doing a space clearing using a method that resonates with you. If you would like more support in shifting your home’s energy, you might want to work with a feng shui practitioner who can give you more tools to transmute the qi in your space.

by Anjie Cho

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com

Relax in Your Own Spa Retreat

Anjie Cho September 15, 2021

A chance to slip off the demands of your to-do list and relax is just what your spirit ordered. Yet, if you’re like many of us, your schedule hasn’t got space for a spa day. What if I told you that you could create a spa in your own home? It’s true! A few simple updates will transform your boring bathroom into a peaceful retreat.

Bathrooms are often given the utilitarian treatment. To create a sanctuary in your home, however, this space needs the same stylish eye you’d want to bring to any other room in the house. Take a good look at the space you’ve got and consider what elements you can introduce to welcome tranquility and rejuvenation. Here are five design elements to consider:

Flooring

Think warm and cozy. Matte finish tiles are a good foundation to begin with, especially when combined with the right rug. Look for textiles that exude comfort but also hold up well to moisture. Cotton and bamboo are great natural materials that handle the damp environment well.

Lighting

Look for a classic hanging chandelier and go for the dimmer switch. Your bathroom has different lighting needs at different times. When you’re dressing or primping, a strong light is necessary. However, when you’re settling in for a spa-like retreat, low lights are the way to go. A dimmer will allow you to select the right glow for the right mood.

Don’t forget to make space for candles. When you slip into the tub, lighting a bevy of candles transforms your space from bathroom to luxury retreat.

Sound

What is a spa experience without lilting music? You don’t need built-in speakers to create the spa-like mood. Keep a music player or Bluetooth speaker in your bathroom – away from the water, of course.

Accessories

Remember, we’re talking about pampering and relaxing. Select lush towels for your in-home spa retreat. Use attractive bottles, jars and baskets to display your collection of bath salts and other pampering accoutrements. Be careful not to clutter the space, however. Simple and organized is your goal.

Scents

As you’re inhaling and exhaling in peace, the right calming scents are essential. Look to aromatic essential oils to create your own personal favorites. Coordinate the aroma you’re creating for your space with the candles and bath salts you’re using. If you’re not sure where to start, try the calming scent of lavender.

by Anjie Cho