Feng Shui in Action: Troubleshooting with Feng Shui Techniques
Recently, a renowned building company sought my assistance to resolve some design issues related to the company's custom-home development. Some of the architectural elements had a negative connotation to feng shui principles and were adversely affecting the sales of the project. Upon visitation and analysis of the site, it was clear that there were more favorable feng shui features present than unfavorable ones. The custom homes were very spacious with high ceilings. They were built by top-quality craftsmen with top-notch materials and amenities. The location is in a prestigious neighborhood with an easy access to business, educational and cultural centers. However, two important negative aspects influencing the project were easily identified: its closeness to a freeway and a "basement"-style secondary living level.
To remedy the issue of its closeness to the freeway, simply planting trees in strategic positions can help shield the houses from the sights and sounds of the freeway traffic. Tall evergreen trees, such as pine and redwood, are more effective than small deciduous trees.
Homes with lower-level basements are popular on the East Coast and in cold regions to the north. They provide warmth and coziness during the cold winter seasons. However, this type of house design is not popular with the outgoing, nature-loving homeowners in California. It is particularly unfavorable from the feng shui viewpoint that living below the street level symbolizes being buried underground, a lifeless situation that should be avoided.
This major concern can be remedied in several easy ways. Light wells help to bring in natural sunlight to brighten up the place. They can be landscaped to create an outdoor, garden-like setting, adding more space and beauty. A mosaic wall or decorative wall painting can be used to add more color, thereby stimulating interest in an otherwise dark and enclosed area. Another easy remedy is to enhance the staircase with decorative handrails. The wall section of the staircase leading to the basement can be brightened with a beautiful painting or wallpaper.
These are just a few examples of how simple feng shui remedies can be applied to overcome specific sales and marketing challenges. The concept of feng shui is multifaceted and affects every area of our physical environment. When used effectively in new-home marketing, it can increase the desirability of a project.
October 2007 Builder Architect Edition Issue