Incorporating Feng Shui Into
Your Home Staging and Redesign Business
By Linda Lenore

The ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui (pronounced "fung shway"), which literally means "wind" (Feng) and "water" (Shui) has been widely used in Asia for thousands of years, and is now increasingly popular in the West. Across the US and around the world, thousands of people are discovering how simple changes in the selection, color, and arrangement of their furnishings can help improve the energy of chi within their homes. This, in turn, creates supportive environments for fulfillment and success in all aspects of their life.

There is an emotional connection in each room of the home, which can be bad, good, neutral, or in some cases a combination of these. Feng Shui principles help us grasp some of the elements of design and architecture that create feelings within us on levels we may never have imagined. Following the practice of Feng Shui can contradict some of the staging know-how with which we are so familiar. So walk the fine line and know that buyer's emotions - and BELIEFS - come first when it comes to staging, especially for targeted consumers from a particular culture. I have found you rarely, if ever, can change a person's belief without actually talking to them or providing them with written proof and examples. We will be exploring a few of the beliefs as part of this module.

When Audra and I were first discussing this training module, we both had interesting stories pertaining to "traditional Feng Shui" solutions - how it challenges staging and good design.

Audra shared, "In fact, I'll never forget going to a Feng Shui and staging seminar where the instructor recommended hanging crystals from the ceiling for better chi movement...as you can imagine this completely goes against staging!"

A similar "in-person" experience happened to me. When my daughter, Melanie, and her husband, Marc, were looking for a home a few years ago, I often wandered through an "Open House". One day I walked into a Mediterranean-style house not far from where I live. Much of the furniture was Mexican in style and manufacturing, which blended nicely with the architectural style of the home. What didn't work were the 8 or more crystals hanging all over the kitchen, dining room, family room, and living room as well as the 5 "Ba-Gua" mirrors by doors - both inside and out. Even though it was still a "hot real estate market" at the time, the home sat for almost a year before being sold. It didn't FEEL right! AND the crystals and mirrors didn't look right!

"Good Feng Shui" and "Good Staging" are common sense based!

It took about 4 years of studying and doing Feng Shui before I understood it enough to bring it into a more practical format. I remember presenting at several conferences and conventions in the early-90's with the title, "Feng Shui: A Practical Western Approach." (In fact, I came across an old tape from one of them not long ago.) These Western approaches to Feng Shui basics hold some wonderful truths to enrich your redesign and staging business. On the other hand, some (like hanging crystals in the entry) just won't work at all. Our hope with this module is to introduce you to, and help you understand, basic Feng Shui. And, should you desire more knowledge for personal or professional reasons, may it entice you to journey further - like traveling the Orient Express - for intrigue and beauty.

To read more about this training module and joining the Home Staging Resource, go to:
http://www.homestagingresource.com/training.asp

A message from the author, Linda Lenore (www.lindalenore.com):

The study of good design and Feng Shui has led me to study with 22 masters around the world; to become a Feng Shui Master my self in 2002 in the Canary Islands; to explore what it takes to create healthy environments for over 15 years (ultimately becoming a Certified Green Building Professional); to become a teacher to professionals from all walks of life including interior designers, realtors, and professional organizers; and, to appear in the media through newspapers, magazines, Internet sites, to write articles and books, appear on national radio, to have part of my lie story on Lifetime Media, and share ways to "Create Your Emotional Home" on the Hallmark Channel's "New Morning" program.

Many blessings have been bestowed on me through this pathway of knowledge. My desire is to share this knowledge with you so you benefit- along with your clients. Then it will turn the devastating deaths, divorce, and diagnoses I've experienced into a devotion of design and dreams-come-true for you and those you touch. 

Blessings, Linda Lenore