Hi Shannon,
I agree that it's best to avoid having a mirror directly opposite the front door. People who are unexpectedly faced with their reflection are generally taken aback and more concerned with fixing their hair or makeup rather than taking notice of their surroundings.

One of the objectives in Feng Shui is to make your front entrance appealing and inviting so that the energy (chi) finds you easily. Ideally you'd want to bring positive energy into a space when first walking inside. Having beautiful artwork, flowers or furniture/accessories is great way to attract chi into a building and help people to feel good when stepping inside.

So what type of picture should you display? It's best to choose colours and materials that support your 'Flying Star' analysis, which is determined in a Traditional Feng Shui consultation. This will be based on the Five Elements of Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. Each of the elements has associated shapes, colours and materials. The front entrance in your property supports your wealth and prosperity, so it's always a good idea to get this right from a Feng Shui perspective.

Without actually seeing your place, my general tip would be to display a picture that you love - something to make you feel good about walking into the space. If you run a business with lots of clients, make sure that the picture appeals to you and your target market. In general, avoid depressing and violent scenes.

If your building has no path and opens directly to the street, try to have an attractive and open area directly inside your entrance where energy can settle. In a business setting, this could be a foyer or reception area.

Hope this helps!

Posted by Jane Langof, 02/10/2009 4:23pm (11 years ago)

Naomi, I met a bunch of lawyers last year and when they asked me questions about Feng Shui for their homes (which i hadn't visited), I couldn't give definite answers. They told me I sounded like a lawyer :)

Posted by Jane Langof, 06/05/2009 10:55pm (12 years ago)

I agree Sharon, and I'm happy to hear that your front entrance is so inviting. Having positive feelings as you enter the door will bring great energy into your home!

Posted by Jane Langof, 29/04/2009 9:19pm (12 years ago)

Hi Linda

Great question! People who are living through a renovation generally feel as if their life is in chaos, and this is reflected in the fact that their home is in a state of chaos…..and that’s ok, because your home is perfect for you at any given time, to help you learn the lessons you need to move on to the next phase of your life. Perhaps this discussion is part of the lesson :)

If you’re living through a renovation I would firstly consider the Building Biology issues. Building Biology is also known as Modern Feng Shui and relates to the health aspects of how your surrounding building affects you. In a Feng Shui consultation, Building Biology recommendations take priority over Feng Shui remedies. Here are a few tips for your renovation:

1. Move out while the reno is taking place – if it is at all an option, it’s best to live elsewhere, due to the exposure to dust, building materials, chemicals etc….not to mention the mental anguish of living in a building site!

2. Try to keep living areas as clean as possible and sealed off from the areas being renovated.

3. Keep your stored items in a designated storage area or facility to give you the most amount of living space possible.

4. Ventilation is really important, due to adhesives, paints and other chemicals used through the building process, so open windows and doors as often as possible, especially for the first few months after a renovation.

The “new home” smell is all of the chemicals and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) off-gassing into your indoor air. Having a few indoor plants will help absorb the pollutants, and Peace Lilies are great. In general, make a habit of opening windows and doors every day for at least an hour, as this will bring fresh qi into your home.

Finally I would recommend having a Traditional Feng Shui consultation, as a renovation is the best time to make changes that can positively influence your Feng Shui. The main entrance of your home, positioning of bedrooms/living areas and placement of water features are all important factors that can help to support your relationships, prosperity and wellbeing.

Good luck and I wish you all the best with your renovation!

Posted by Jane Langof, 28/04/2009 6:39am (12 years ago)