America is loving the East. It’s all the rage. Throw the word “zen” on a teabag, beanbag chair, or box of Kleenex and I will buy seven. Sure, it may not work, but I will ram every freakin drop of potential zen into my life and home that I can find.
Give me zen. Like, now.
But the words “feng-shui” make eyes roll, and I get it! The energy of the dishwasher doesn’t vibe with the mojo of the oven, especially if it’s Thursday and you’re facing west, so we need a kitchen reno! ASAP! Zen is leaving and we need to get it back!
But there are some really simple, very cool ways to work the principles of the wise Eastern folks into any suburban home and make it a happier, calmer space. Who doesn’t want that?
First know, you can zenify your space in your own style. Your dining room doesn’t have to look like an Asian-fusion restaurant. Go mid-century! Go French Provincial! Any style can be balanced, peaceful, and cozy.
The first rule is simple- energy flow. Which just means you can chase Fido with the remote in his mouth without slamming your shin into the corner of the beautiful (but poorly placed) coffee table. You’d be surprised how well your psyche remembers which corners hurt like the dickens.
@amberinteriors
Allow space to “flow” or walk (chase) easily and you’ll get that zen flowing like the Rio Grande through the family room.
Second rule? Textures. Mix those puppies up! Nobody wants to sit on an iron chair at a metal table looking at a glass end table. Or the log cabin with log furniture, bear rug, and antler chandelier.
Seriously. Nobody.
If the tabletop is shiny and smooth, pair it with a solid, rustic base. Add some hearty cast-iron light fixtures, glass accents and popping green plants (my favorite) and you’ve got a dining room for a seven-course meal or a mellow margarita/taco night! Olé!
@slcrone
Go ahead and indulge in that textured wallpaper! Just balance it out with some clean lines, glass-framed photos, and light fixtures that add the yin to your wallpaper yang.
@katemarkerinteriors
Kitchens and bathrooms used to be all shine, no comfort. Those days are as over as Paris Hilton’s entourage. Rich wooden cupboards balance that shiny granite and farm sink, while glass windows or cupboards and stainless steel balance those gorgeous hardwoods.
@beginninginthemiddle
Or switch it up and ditch the hardwoods for tile and make an earthy, wooden vanity the perfect complement for a sleek and shiny bath. Either way, it’s that perfect blend of both worlds.
@katemarkerinteriors
Balance, people! It’s the bomb.
And finally, Rule Three is color. Colors can make -or break- your perfect room. Start with neutrals and add the spicier tones. Throw pillows, blankets, curtains, and those lush plants are easy ways to bring a pop of color to a peaceful room to make it beautiful without the brash. So do NOT shy away from that oriental rug, or the funky fuschia lamp. Just weave in some good earthy tones to make it feel like a space where you could spend your whole weekend.
And try warmer colors for your cozy areas, and cooler blues and greens for hallways and entrances. Every color has a place. Just not all the SAME place.
So, a flowing floor plan, tactical textures, and a peaceful palette of neutrals and neons, and you’ve just feng-shui-ed your space into a restful and functional oasis.