Feng Shui Books Recommendations

I've been heavily studying Feng Shui under expert Sylvia Watson for just over three months and I can't believe how much I've learned. In addition to the information and principles Sylvia is teaching me, I've also read some amazing books and thought I'd share them with you.

Feng Shui with What You Have 
This book was actually written by Sylvia, along wtih Connie Spruill. It's a great book if you just want to take your current home and decor and easily it adapt it to follow Feng Shui principles. The tips and ideas are easy to do and a lot of fun.

The Western Guide to Feng Shui
Terah Katheryn Collins wrote this interesting book. I received it years ago and it is actually the book that first got me interested in Feng Shui. It's easy to read with great pictures and diagrams that are easy to follow.

Between Heaven and Earth - A Guide To Chinese Medicine
While this book is a little more in depth, I LOVED it. Written by Harriet Beinfield L.Ac. and Efrem Korngold, L.Ac., OMD, they explain a lot of the background and help you understand Feng Shui on a deeper level.

Healing Environments
Carol Venolia, the author describes this book as "Your Guide to Indoor Well-Being".  This book has principles that are easily apply and have interesting chapters such as; Light, Color, Sound and Noise and more. 

All books are available through Amazon. Also, check your local bookstore, however, they may be a little more difficult to locate. 

I'd love to hear if you have a fantastic Feng Shui book that you'd recommend! Leave it below in the comments!

Basement Remodel

I seem to know so many people currently completing basement remodels. Some doing it themselves and others through contractors. 

I saw this great image gallery on hgtv.com of BEFORE and AFTER pics of basement remodel projects. Thought I'd share!

Click the link below for this great gallery!

 Basement Remodel Projects

Have a great weekend!

Simply Stunning Rooms

Some stunning, fresh and elegant interiors for your enjoyment! 

Afflante

Veranda

Room and Board

I'm always surprised at the amount of people that have not heard of Room and Board. If you are one of them...I encourage you to keep reading! You'll be glad you did!

There are a couple companies that I credit with helping me get through design school and this is one of them! This Minnesota based furniture and home decor company describe their style as Classic Contemporary. 

90% of their product is American Made!

Here is a taste of what they have to offer

 

Anson Leather Chair

Lind Cowhide Ottoman

Sabine Sofa

 

Brasdshaw Cocktail Table

Moro Bed

Gavin Bench

 Room and Board also has great accessories, lighting and rugs

Duo Table Lamp

Hive Ink Pillow

 

Stainless Steel Tray

 

Fruit Tray

 

Be sure to click here to order a catalog!

Would you like to visit a store? Click here to locate.

 

Inspiration

Do you want to make a change in your home's interior but just don't know what direction to turn?

I thought I'd share some of my favorite places to find inspiration. 

Architectural Digest Magazine

This is one of my favorite magazines. You can see photos and read stories about some amazing homes. I also like reading about celebrity homes. They recently had an article on Ellen Degeneres' home which was fun.

Interior Design Magazine

I love reading about these well known designers and architects. Even though I'm not a fabulous designer in New York City, I can still keep up with some of their projects and get inspired by their ideas.

Pinterest

This is a fun website that is basically an online inspiration board. You simply sign up, create your  boards and then "pin" your favorite things onto your board. Then when you need inspiration, reference your boards.

Better Homes & Gardens

I subscribe to this magazine for table setting ideas and floral arrangement ideas. Plus, you can often find great organizational tips. 

Apartment Therapy

I check out the Apartment Therapy blog every few days. You can find all kinds of decorating and organization ideas. 

Antique Stores

Antique stores are fun. You never know what type of treasure you're going to find. It sometimes takes visiting several before you find a really great one. I then look for unique pieces that will really make a statement in a room.

Sketch Book

I have a sketch book that I continually quickly sketch out ideas. I also always have a small notebook in my purse. If I happen to see a great design while sitting at a restaurant, I can take notes and sketch my ideas.

Expandable File

I enjoy reading magazines. In addition to the few I subscribe to, I'm continually picking up magazines while in airports and grocery stores. I then go through and tear out the pages with the ideas and designs I'd like to use. I then file them away in an expandable file that has each separate file labeled by the room name (dining room, kitchen, master bath).

COLOR BLOCKING

Color blocking is a great way to change a room. It's not only hot in fashion right now, but also home interiors. 

iLiveFashion.com

Simply add items in different solid colors to create this look. 

sweetydesign.com

Color blocking is a really inexpensive way to decorate, you can find sales nearly everywhere with solid colored pillows, throws, candlesticks, and much more. A color wheel may be of help,, but if you don't have one just select the colors that go well together.  Do you currently have red accents in a room but want to add a punch? Try adding in yellow, green and blue for a colorful, modern look. Simply mix and match your favorite treasures and have fun. 

stylehive.com

Color blocking is also a great way to play with texture and pattern. Mix and match different textured items and patterns; for example a silk red pillow next to a chunky blue woven pillow. Want to mix it up even more? Then opt for different shapes and sizes. There is really no way to go wrong with this look, just have fun!

interiorholic.com