In uncertain times such as these, many families find themselves frazzled by the stresses and pressures of everyday life. The one place where people should feel most at peace is in their home.
Home is where we retreat to after the days work to rest and recharge. But for many people, the home is less of a safe-haven and more of a mess, and that's where Feng Shui can help.
Feng Shui is an ancient Asian art that began in China with the Tang Dynasty and dates back at least 3000 years. The basic principles are intended to help people live more balanced and harmonious lives.
In fact, many famous folks like Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg actively practice Feng Shui in their homes and offices.
Feng Shui focuses on a balance between the Yin and Yang, which are masculine and feminine energy, and the five elements of fire, earth, metal, water and wood. It can get a bit complicated since there are about nine schools of Feng Shui all of which offer different interpretations of the art. Basically it's an intuitive art, so as you're remodeling or redecorating really listen to your instincts as to what feels natural and comfortable to you.
The front door of the home is considered the "Mouth of the Chi." Chi is positive energy; keep that in mind as you choose your paint color or plant choices. Because this is the first place you and others will walk through to enter the home it's very important to give off a welcoming and calm air.
The living room is another important area because that's where families spend so much of their time. In this room it's all about promoting an easy flow of positive energy. First, de-clutter the room; when things are neat and tidy it's easier to feel at ease in the space. As far as furniture goes, less is more in Feng Shui. Arrange what is needed in a comfortable layout, preferably in a circular pattern rather than having most of the furniture against a wall or corner.
Mirrors are great to incorporate in the living room as they tend to give the illusion of more space. But when you are hanging mirrors be aware of what that mirror will be reflecting. It should be something beautiful like a plant, or a piece of art hanging across the room. As far as lighting, brighten it up. Make sure that the light is even throughout and there are no dark corners.
The kitchen isn't just the room where everybody ends up at parties and gatherings; it's also considered the heart of the home because that's where food is prepared which helps sustain life. According to Feng Shui principles, the kitchen should be light and bright with full spectrum bulbs. White is a preferable color to use in paint and décor as it stands for purity. Just like every other place in the home, Feng Shui dictates the kitchen to always be kept clean and tidy, free from clutter. And all appliances should be in good working order.
In Feng Shui the bathroom represents cleanliness, comfort and convenience. Earth color tones are ideal to use in this space to compliment the element of water which is already present. Although in traditional Feng Shui the bathroom doesn't hold great significance, it's still important to create a clean, inviting space you can unwind in. Incorporating luxurious items like scented candles and fluffy towels can help to create a tranquil setting.
The bedroom is one of the most personal and private places in the home and therefore requires careful attention. To create a balanced and relaxed environment in your bedroom try painting it a pastel shade, put dimmers on the lights so that you can adjust the mood, and take out the TV. To achieve a restful nights sleep invest in a good mattress, use high-quality natural fiber sheets and balance the bed with nightstands on either side.
These simple suggestions just brush the surface of true Feng Shui design elements. But with just a few changes here and there you just might enhance your family's Chi.
When you look at your calendar you may find the months already overloaded with seasonal obligations -- shopping, entertaining, children's pageants, charity work, decorating the house, and so much more. If you are also trying to sell your home, you are under extra pressure to keep your home in "showtime" condition. And that could be the last thing you need before the holiday spirit is broken. 
If you're putting your home on the market, better be sure you're ready to tell all -- good and bad. 
Here's a key question about the current market: Do you look at home prices to figure out where we are in the real estate recovery cycle, or do you focus on sales? In an economy where an estimated 35 to 40 percent of all home transactions are foreclosures or short sales - distress situations in other words -- prices won't really guide you much beyond the conclusion that: We're still "correcting” the excesses of the boom years, still peeling back those wild and unsustainable hyperinflationary price run ups. 
Upgrading kitchens is one of the best ways to increase value in your home. Deciding to remodel the kitchen using green recycled materials can add extra appeal. It also gives homeowners a good feeling knowing that once-wasted materials that are generated from glass manufacturers are now being put to good use. 
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