Every room in your house has the potential to emanate peace and tranquility. How? Through the use of feng shui.
Feng shui is based on the idea that our homes are a reflection of what’s going on inside of us. By aligning the outside space with our inner feelings, you create a harmonious home.
This ancient Chinese method may seem a little bizarre on the surface, but feng shui principles are easy to follow and don’t (usually) cost a dime! We’ve culled a few simple ways to incorporate feng shui into your home.
This is a good practice from a hygienic perspective, of course, but there’s also a feng shui explanation. Feng shui posits that the toilet is a drain – leave the seat up, and you allow good energy to literally drain out of your home.
In the feng shui method, having your back to a door puts you in a compromising position. Try arranging your desk so that it faces toward the door – you’ll feel an instant sense of control and empowerment that could show through in your work!
This is usually a natural spot for arranging couches, but it also has a feng shui purpose: a wall brings a sense of steadiness and security that can help you relax. If there isn’t a wall available, you can place a sturdy console table behind your couch instead.
Square and rectangular coffee tables have harsh lines that point directly at people when seated. A circular coffee table creates a harmonious flow that lets energy (and people) move around more easily.
We devoted a blog post to this feng shui trick. Choosing items that bring you joy helps eliminate clutter and also amplifies positive energy. Move a favorite item to a prominent spot so you see it every time you walk in the room!
In feng shui, mirrors bring good fortune and double the abundance of positive energy. Use them!
According to Feng Shui, shapes are an important factor in the flow of energy in a room. Triangles, for example, are largely unwelcome as they convey a sense of hostility. Round or square furniture is a better choice, though Feng Shui encourages mixing shapes to avoid an overabundance of a single energy.
If you’re a fan of the life aquatic, Feng Shui may be your ideal decorating method. Feng Shui literally means wind and water, so these natural forces play an important role in the practice. Ch’i, the life force, is said to be attracted to water so a well-placed fountain or fish tank is sure to attract positive energy.
A small water fountain or water wall will also attract good ch’i. Small fountains are available in many styles from retailers like Amazon.com and Pottery Barn. Prices, of course, vary, but you can find a nice fountain for your home for between $50 and $150.
America’s favorite starter pet, the fish, and its likeness are associated with success in Feng Shui. Stagnant water, though, is associated with a messy life so keep your fish happy and their water clean. If you’re not up for buying a fountain or new pet, mirrors are said to serve a similar function in Feng Shui.
The best known aspect of Feng Shui is likely the practice of arranging furniture to achieve a harmonious energy in the home. For example, for all rooms in the home, artwork should be hung at eye level, though art should be hung above large pieces of furniture such as a sofa. Beds should not lie under exposed beams or near windows, as this blocks energy flow. The foot of the bed should also be kept clear.
As there are many rules in Feng Shui regarding placement of objects, you may want to research the finer points of the practice as they apply to your specific space, but achieving a more harmonious home is worth the effort.
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Related posts: What is Eclectic Home Decor? We Explore This Design Style, DIY Home Decor Ideas, Home Decor for Small Apartments
Did you know March is National Frozen Food month? The freezer is an incredible tool for preserving foods, but knowing the right way to freeze foods is key. A frozen pizza from the grocery store is easy – just pop it in the freezer and move on – but certain foods take more preparation. That’s why we’re showing you how to freeze soups and stews the right way. To defrost, simply heat and stir, and you’ve got a homemade meal in no time.
A beautiful picture can spark inspiration, which is why we’re obsessed with Instagram. Whether it’s searching for what to make for dinner or scrolling through images of cute animals, spending a little quality time on Instagram is one of our favorite hobbies. We also find it’s an especially good tool for home décor ideas.
Check out our list of the best home décor accounts to follow on Instagram below!
Following brand accounts brings multiple benefits – you’ll see incredible images of gorgeous interior spaces, plus, you’ll know exactly where to buy the products in each picture!
Print magazines and online publications are a great resource for on-trend designs.
New Orleans interior designer Whitney Jones shares design inspiration and DIYs on Instagram. (Photo courtesy whitneyjdecor on Instagram)
In a city full of style and character, these Igers serve up some serious design inspiration.
Take cues from these interior designers’ Instagram accounts – it’s like having a private consultation for free!
A few other favorites we couldn’t resist including.
Be sure to follow our Apartment Decorating board on Pinterest for even more home décor ideas!
You’ve been there before. Craving a snack or looking for dinner ingredients, you open the fridge, and whew! What is that smell?
Sometimes, even after a thorough cleaning, fridge smells can linger. Read on for 5 all-natural fridge cleaning hacks for freshening up your refrigerator. (These quick eco-friendly tips go far beyond the tried-and-true box of baking soda).
Spread freshly ground coffee evenly on a plate or shallow dish, and place it in the fridge for 24 hours. The coffee will absorb any rogue odors and also give off an energizing scent. Not a coffee drinker? You can also place several tea bags (or loose leaf tea) on a plate for the same effect.
Choose your favorite citrus (we recommend navel oranges or grapefruit for their size, but lemons and limes will work, too) and cut it in half. Scoop out one half completely so you’re left with a bowl-shaped hollow. Fill with sea salt and place in the fridge for a citrusy, neutralizing scent!
This baking staple has a hidden purpose: creating a soft, lovely scent for your fridge. Pour a bit of vanilla extract into a small dish, then place a few cotton balls inside. The cotton will soak up the vanilla extract and slowly release its aroma into the fridge.
Perhaps you’ve heard of tomato juice’s deodorizing powers for anyone who encounters a skunk. The same holds true for your fridge. Simply soak a cloth or sponge in undiluted tomato juice and wipe down your fridge’s surfaces. Rinse with soapy water, then wipe dry. You can repeat the process (or try substituting vinegar) for any lingering smells.
Similar to baking soda, Alka-Seltzer is an oxidizing agent that can neutralize unpleasant scents. Drop a couple of tablets into a glass of water and place in the fridge to help mitigate odor.
Remember, setting your fridge at a proper temperature is an easy, preventive step to avoid odors in the first place. Learn how to ensure your fridge and freezer are at the right temperature here.
Here’s what you can do to keep your fridge from stinkin’ up the place! https://t.co/iZlZs9skaY #ApartmentLiving pic.twitter.com/QSiNbyzcnT
— 1st Lake Properties (@1stLake) December 20, 2015
Though Greater New Orleans gets much of the glory, there are plenty of fun things to do in Covington, LA. It’s just a short drive away but the Northshore is a destination all its own!
Just across Lake Pontchartrain, you’ll find Covington, LA a robust community full of cultural treasures, historic homes, and delicious dining. You’ll also find some of our favorite 1st Lake Properties: Artesia Apartments and Brewster Commons at River Chase.
Our Brewster Commons community is close to several things to do in Covington.
This peaceful community in Covington, LA, is located on the Northshore close to dining, entertainment, and retail. With cozy amenities like energy-saving appliances, self-cleaning ovens, granite counter tops and wood-finish flooring, you may not want to leave your apartment! But if you decide to venture out, here are a few of our favorite things to do in Covington.
This charming spot transports guests to England via a piping hot cup of tea!
Whether you attend breakfast, lunch, or High Tea, save time for shopping afterward: their “Queen’s Parlor” shop is full of gift items, teas, and treats. It’s a unique and beloved business and its one our favorite things to do in Covington!
Covington Trailhead is a picturesque spot to spend a beautiful day. Plus, there’s a railroad and outdoor space that hosts free community concerts in spring and fall, including the Rockin’ the Rails concert series.
Covington Trailhead is also the start of Tammany Trace, a 31-mile paved trail for hikers and bicyclists. It connects several North Shore communities like Mandeville and Abita Springs and is a great trail to explore!
Offering a contemporary rendition of Louisiana comfort foods, Lola is the perfect union of fine dining cuisine and family-style presentation.
Mascarpone cheese grits, thyme pan gravy, and oven-roasted chicken with Abita Amber pan jus are just a few examples of how Lola’s chefs put an accessible gourmet spin on Southern classics!
Vendors at the weekly Covington Farmers Market offer up plenty of homegrown goodness. This is a must-visit event for delicious local produce and carefully prepared food.
You can shop their wares every Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at The Covington Trailhead or each Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon at the side yard of Covington Police Station (609 N. Columbia St.). They’re open rain or shine!
Get up close and personal with local wildlife at the Insta-Gator Ranch in Covington. This fun and educational experience is an only-in-Louisiana business that teaches you everything there is to know about alligators. Experienced tour guides walk you through the gator life cycle and the most adventurous animal lovers will even get the chance to pet a baby gator!
Nearby, check out the Global Wildlife Center in Folsom, LA and take a safari tour where you’ll have the chance to meet giraffes, zebras, kangaroos and other animals up close and personal.
Each fall, Covington plays host to the Three Rivers Art Festival, which draws more than 50,000 visitors to the area. Regarded as one of the best art shows in the region, the festival showcases 200 talented artists and craftsmen.
And that’s not the only art showcase in this vibrant creative community. Another long-running craft show takes place the first weekend each December at the Covington Fairgrounds. The annual Christmas Extravaganza Expo in Covington brings more than 500 artists from across the Gulf South to town.
Tired from all that exploring? Relax back at Brewster Commons or Artesia at the on-site pool featuring a hot tub and tanning deck. Or, if you’re burning off your meal from Lola, head to the fitness center stocked with the latest Precor equipment and a separate yoga room.
Reserve your new Brewster Commons or Artesia apartment home today – a place to work and play in the heart of Covington.
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
