Why Fancy, High-Tech Diffusers Are Taking Over the Decor World

Anjie Cho November 13, 2019

Anjie Cho was featured on Hunker

Fancy diffusers are having a moment - and with good reason. Not only do designer diffusers disperse essential oils into the air so that you can reap the benefits of aromatherapy (which include more restful sleep and improved breathing), but when thoughtfully designed, they can look pretty in a room, too.

It's no surprise then that wellness enthusiasts and holistic interior designers around the world are going gaga for essential oil diffusers. "A diffuser distributes olfactory information directly to your limbic system and hypothalamus, and depending on the essential oil you use, can offer anything from calming to energizing effects," says feng shui architect and designer Anjie Cho. "So, having one at home can make for both a happier and healthier interior space."

Not to mention that high-end diffusers suddenly seem to be infiltrating the home decor arena — and our respective Instagram feeds. Case in point: Poosh founder (and celeb juggernaut) Kourtney Kardashian's newly released, limited edition aromatherapy diffuser for Saje Natural Wellness. It's sleek (made of stone), it's healthy (100-percent synthetic-free), and most importantly, it's Kardashian-approved.

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Q&A Sunday: Feng Shui for a Space With Multiple Doorways

Anjie Cho November 3, 2019

I've set up my home-office in the front dining room of my house. I have a few feng shui adjustments, but I'm unsure whether I need to use them and, if so, where to place them, as I have two doorways. Can you advise?

Nathan R., Queens, NY

Hi Nathan!

Thanks for sending your floor plan and for reading the blog!

You may know that in feng shui, using your dining room table as a desk is not ideal. If you work from home, it's best to purchase a desk and create a separate space for your work, so that you can focus on work while you're there and give yourself space from work when you're off.

That said, if the dining space is all you have, there are certainly adjustments that can help make this area work for you.

Your question is regarding two doors in the dining room area. Two doors are okay, however when you sit at your "desk," you are in line with the doorway to the hallway. This is problematic because the qi from that door comes directly towards you. The relationship of where you sit to the kitchen doorway is fine.

Some options for being in the line of qi based on the hall doorway:

You can hang a feng shui crystal ball halfway between the doorway and where you sit. You can find these in the Holistic Spaces store. This will disperse the qi coming at you from the doorway. If there's already a crystal chandelier above the dining room table, this can be used as a substitution.
Another option is to move the dining table towards the window wall (left side of drawing) so you're not directly in line with the door. This way, you remain in commanding position in relationship to both doors.

Whatever adjustments you choose to make for your dining / office space, keep in mind that it's important to separate your work from your personal life. When you're finished working each day, take time to straighten your desk and say goodnight to your work. If you can, drape a scarf or piece of fabric over your workspace when you are not working. Out of sight, out of mind! This way you'll feel comfortable and relaxed at night, and wake to a desk that's in order and ready for work!

by Anjie Cho

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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