Now there are other "teachings" of Vastu (similar to the 3 schools of Feng Shui) which are based on different family lineages, although they’re not "formal” schools as referred to in Feng Shui.

According to Vastu, here's your key to front door placement: EAST = enlightenment; and NORTH = happiness & prosperity.

For bed placement: EAST and SOUTH are good arrangements for positioning your headboard.

Harmony Tip: Neurologists have studied subjects who had properties and sleeping alignments that faced EAST. These subjects showed more coherence & cognitive activity! Heart disease, depression, and anxiety are also being studied in terms of the effects that direction has on injured or ailing people and their recovery.

Feng Shui Versus Vastu

Feng Shui (Compass & Black Hat Sect) use a Bagua Board to "activate" Life Areas and help determine space planning, colors, and accessories. The Compass School uses the person(s) and the building's birth dates to determine good and bad directions, and then orients the Bagua according to that. The Black Hat Sect does not; the Bagua is oriented to the entryway of the space. Vastu only orients to the EAST, or in some cases NORTH. The birth dates of a space's owners only come into play when determining dates for various construction projects. Once the space is complete, then only the cardinal directions come into play.

Feng Shui is concerned with room and furniture placement to help increase/decrease energy. Vastu is only concerned with room placement within the space.

Feng Shui traditions state that a person's intentions, emotions, and activities play a part in their fortunes and health. Vastu takes the position that if the space is built according to Vastu principles, then good health and fortune will be had regardless of belief.

In Feng Shui, there are "cures" - or "tweaks" as I call them - that you can apply to your space to create positive energy flow and make your space work for you. Vastu does not. Your space is either built according to principles . . . or it's not. Vastu principles lead you to believe that it’s better to tear down a structure and begin again instead of tweaking.

In both  traditions, however, proportion is important. Your own space, surrounding buildings, and landscaping all come into play to ensure proper energy flow.

Both are concerned with the surrounding influences of the neighborhood: neighboring homes, noise, landscaping, and water features.

You really can't use both traditions in the same space. Although it’s been done, you must be sure that the schools are compatible! For instance, you could use the Black Hat Sect school of thought as long as your home lines up with the EAST for the front door. You could NOT use  the Compass School and throw in Vastu if you're a WEST-oriented person. So do your research, find a philosophy that corresponds to you and where you live, and pursue a discipline that meets your particular lifestyle and values.  

For more information on Vastu, explore Jon Lipman and his Fortune Creating Buildings website. You’ll find beautiful portfolio pictures, articles, and more background information. All the photos in this article are from Jon and his Vastu-based business.

DeAnna Radaj, owner of Bante Design LLC and its production division Eden Place Productions, is a designer who specializes in Integrative Lifestyle Design (the fusion of Eastern and Western interior design philosophies incorporating feng shui and healthy home principles). Ms. Radaj is an author/columnist, design consultant, and national speaker on topics like Healthy Home Design, Feng Shui, Design Tips & Trends, and Clutter (Why We Have It and How to Get Rid of It!). Ms. Radaj is the former editor of the WI ASID newsletter which featured her column, "The Business of Design," and she has been featured in print, radio, and TV. She has authored Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In and Feng Shui for Teens, and is a contributor to Design2Share, casaGURU, and the Diva Toolbox.



• Making your home energy efficient will always recoup any investment by lowering your energy bills and adding value to the home’s worth. This includes windows, appliances, and lighting (even changing the bulbs to energy-saving models will help).
• If you're adding insulation because it doesn’t currently exist or you want to increase energy efficiency and sound-proofing, look for high-efficiency insulation products like those made from cellulose and/or spray foam. There is even insulation made from recycled blue jeans!
• Reuse as many items as possible when you remodel. You’d be surprised what some sanding, stain, paint, and some new hardware can do to spruce up what you already have.

• Check out a Habitat for Humanity ReStore resale store, architectural reclaimation store, or any local salvage/consignment store for remodeling materials. I like Architectural Antiques in Minneapolis, MN for their ever-changing assortment of items.

• How about using GREEN products as often as possible when you remodel? Look for materials that are VOC-free. Also look for recycled glass and natural fibers.
• Please recycle all waste from your remodeling project. You can donate old cabinetry, vanities, or other household items to Habitat for Humanity, unused or old furniture and accessories to a consignment store . . . heck, you can even cart sawdust to a dairy or other kind of farm to use as bedding for the animals! [Design2Share note: Our resident designer Irwin Weiner remodeled his home several years ago and he and his contractor old sidewalk chunks and stones from demolished chimneys to build up a raised lawn area around a swimming pool. Fill was dumped on top of the carefully positioned mound of rubble and grass was sewn over the fill. It now looks lush and no one would know that this grassy deck was built on top of salvage.]
• Radiant heat from a high-efficiency boiler will not only keep you warm but also help lower your heating costs.

• A water filtration system is a must nowadays; there are many options, from water filtration pitchers to units that attach to your faucet or right to your plumbing fixtures.
• Low flow or dual flow toilets and showerheads from your local plumbing supplier will help lower your household's water usage. TOTO and Kohler have a great selection of eco-friendly supplies.
• When choosing lumber for your project, look for wood certified from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or reclaimed wood
• Finally, include lots of ventilation in your remodeling project and make use of whatever natural light you can. Providing natural circulation and letting the sunshine in will reduce your heating, cooling, and lighting costs.

DeAnna Radaj, owner of Bante Design LLC and its production division Eden Place Productions, is a designer who specializes in Integrative Lifestyle Design (the fusion of Eastern and Western interior design philosophies incorporating feng shui and healthy home principles). Ms. Radaj is an author/columnist, design consultant, and national speaker on topics like Healthy Home Design, Feng Shui, Design Tips & Trends, and Clutter (Why We Have It and How to Get Rid of It!). Ms. Radaj is the former editor of the WI ASID newsletter which featured her column, "The Business of Design," and she has been featured in print, radio, and TV. She has authored Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In and Feng Shui for Teens, and is a contributor to Design2Share, casaGURU, and the Diva Toolbox.

So how best to do both? The answer is to focus on your home, your most expensive investment, and do a Home Efficiency Check-up. What is this, and what are the benefits of completing one?

• More than likely, we're paying more than we should to run our homes and offices, and this accounts for 40% of our national energy consumption.

• With new legislation being proposed, and higher energy taxes a certainty, we'll need to start thinking about our homes as an “energy saving, eco-friendly organism” and not just inanimate objects.

• A Home Efficiency Checkup takes about 2 to 3 hours, involves an expert coming to your home to go through the checklist with you, and all you need to do is have your most recent utility bills on hand. Part of the checkup includes a 1 Hour Rescue which consists of 12 tactics that take five minutes each. These can save you up to $500 or even more in some cases. Look into this checkup and click here to read more about the checkup and sign up for $75 off the service charge (the total checkup cost is $320, which is the regular $395 charge less the G&S discount).

• Look into the G&S Eco Academy where you can train to perform these energy audits, Home Efficiency Checkups, and other GREEN jobs and professional certifications for the New Year! G&S is linked to the American Institute of Architects and the National Association of Realtors who use their content in their GREEN trainings.

• The GreenandSave.com website is one of America’s leading free GREEN resources for anyone who wants to “save money, the environment, and create a healthier home and lifestyle.” G&S is also the first to offer comprehensive Return on Investment (ROI) rankings -- you can see how certain home improvements will give you a good return on your investment -- and Take Action recommendations on multiple ways to Go GREEN with your home and office. 

For the complete ROI tables and topic page with details on over 50 ways to SAVE Money and the Environment visit: Home Remodeling ROI.

DeAnna Radaj, owner of Bante Design LLC and its production division Eden Place Productions, is a designer who specializes in Integrative Lifestyle Design (the fusion of Eastern and Western interior design philosophies incorporating feng shui and healthy home principles). Ms. Radaj is an author/columnist, design consultant, and national speaker on topics like Healthy Home Design, Feng Shui, Design Tips & Trends, and Clutter (Why We Have It and How to Get Rid of It!). Ms. Radaj is the former editor of the WI ASID newsletter which featured her column, "The Business of Design," and she has been featured in print, radio, and TV. She has authored Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In and Feng Shui for Teens, and is a contributor to Design2Share, casaGURU, and the Diva Toolbox.

Peacock Alley

Next up is your blanket. Pick your weight depending on geographic area or season. Fleece or cotton are the most popular choices in the North Country this time of year but in other parts of the country and world, a light cotton coverlet is more appropriate. Next, layer is the matalaise blanket.  Matalaise can also be referred to as blanket cover or coverlette. Think of this as the "little black dress" you have to dress up. The matalaise is to be placed and draped over the blanket and is meant to hang over the mattress. There is usually a 15 to 16 inch drop which places it right where the dust ruffle starts.  

Finally, add a comforter. This can be down, down alternative, fleece, cotton, or whatever. The comforter is folded in a "burrito" fold or in thirds and is placed at the end of the bed. Feel free to add shams, accent, and throw pillows depending on your decor and style. Voila! You have a beautifully dressed bed.  (There is an art as to how to place or stack pillows on your bed, whether your decor is traditional or contemporary. See the Peacock Alley website for ideas!)

Decorating Tip: When buying down or down alternative, make sure to look at the FILL and the WEIGHT as they are different! Fill is the SIZE of the down cluster; so you can have a larger FILL which gives you more LOFT (i.e. poof) but you won't suffocate under the WEIGHT of denser packed fibers. Read the product label, and if you have any questions, ask a salesperson.

Peacock Alley's Krista shocked DeAnna by telling her that "thread count doesn't matter." DeAnna wanted her to explain. She said that the thread count of any bedding product is how many threads per square inch. When there are claims of 5,000 thread count, be sceptical! You simply can't have 5,000 threads in a square inch unless you're pulling the thread apart and making 3 to 10 pieces out of the original one. To illustrate, think of a piece of yarn that you can unravel; one strand of yarn can become many. This is the same concept. Your one strong piece of thread has now been divided into many pieces thereby lessening the strength & durability of the original fiber. Again, Krista advises to read the product label carefully. Look for QUALITY of yarn (100% Egyptian cotton for example), CONSTRUCTION of the weave, and finally the FINISH (percale, sateen, etc.). Feel the fabric to see if you like it. Is it constructed well? If there are no samples available for you to actually touch, ask someone to open a package for you to test.

Peacock Alley News: Krista will be on Home Shopping Network on Jan 4th showing off more of her exclusive line for HSN shoppers.

DeAnna Radaj, owner of Bante Design LLC and its production division Eden Place Productions, is a designer who specializes in Integrative Lifestyle Design (the fusion of Eastern and Western interior design philosophies incorporating feng shui and healthy home principles). Ms. Radaj is an author/columnist, design consultant, and national speaker on topics like Healthy Home Design, Feng Shui, Design Tips & Trends, and Clutter (Why We Have It and How to Get Rid of It!). Ms. Radaj is the former editor of the WI ASID newsletter which featured her column, "The Business of Design," and she has been featured in print, radio, and TV. She has authored Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In and Feng Shui for Teens, and is a contributor to Design2Share, casaGURU, and the Diva Toolbox.

Essentia mattresses have a faster recovery time when you sit up, and they're 80% more breathable than conventional memory foam.

There are several styles of mattresses available, and I tested 3 of them and must say that they're all incredibly comfortable!

Essentia Classic, Classic 8, and Energie Opus offer 5.25 pounds density of natural memory foam on top of a 100% natural Dunlop latex base. These styles are designed for the best possible resilience and a softer, conforming, and contouring feel for the body. These models are hypoallergenic, dust mite deterrent, anti-mildew, anti-static, 100% bio-degradable, 100% recyclable, and petroleum-free, with a 100% unbleached organic cotton cover.

Essentia Multi-layer has 6.25 lbs density and comes in models called Beausommet, Dormeuse, and Unity. These luxury mattresses are designed for more support and a really dense feel. Multiple layers of natural memory foam offer more targeted support for the lumbar region, as well as shoulder and spine support. These mattresses are completely adhesive free making this the only mattress collection in the world to feature the chemical-free fusion of  multiple memory foam layers as an organic alternative to adhesives. These models are hypoallergenic, dust mite deterrent, anti-mildew, anti-static, 100% bio-degradable, 100% recyclable, petroleum-free, and adhesive-free.

And as a practical shopper in the current economy, perhaps the best feature of these mattresses is that they're price competitively with “popular” mattress brands. Look into Essentia Mattresses for a natural, healthful night's sleep.

DeAnna Radaj, owner of Bante Design LLC and its production division Eden Place Productions, is a designer who specializes in Integrative Lifestyle Design (the fusion of Eastern and Western interior design philosophies incorporating feng shui and healthy home principles). Ms. Radaj is an author/columnist, design consultant, and national speaker on topics like Healthy Home Design, Feng Shui, Design Tips & Trends, and Clutter (Why We Have It and How to Get Rid of It!). Ms. Radaj is the former editor of the WI ASID newsletter which featured her column, "The Business of Design," and she has been featured in print, radio, and TV. She has authored Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In and Feng Shui for Teens, and is a contributor to Design2Share, casaGURU, and the Diva Toolbox.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that's found in the soil around your home.  Too much can be bad, and if it's found in your home, it will be found in the basement.

Due to consumer panic, the Marble Institute commissioned studies conducted with the Environmental Protection Agency and funded by the Truth About Granite Fund.  This study, done in conjunction with scientists from MIT, found radon emissions from granite to be "neglible." Geiger counters were used to test 115 specimens of granite (all different colors and from different countries). The results were consistent; radon was not a factor, and it didn't matter the color or where the granite was found.

Bananas, beets, and potatoes show more "activity" on Geiger counters than the granite being tested.  Apparently potassium can also cause "activity" on Geiger counters.

Radon is found:

• 69% from the soil around the house
• 18% from well water
• 9.2% from outdoor air
• 1.3% from indoor air
• .5% from the public water supply

You can find the study, along with graphs, at the Marble Institute website. With these findings, and to help assuage consumer/builder fears about the still-persistent rumors of the danger of radon emissions, the Marble Institute has come up with the Home Approved Stone seal. This seal is voluntary and will be available to consumers in late 2009. Look for it when picking out your granite. Check out the EPA website for more information on granite countertops, radon, and home safety, and the following video will also give you more background information.

DeAnna Radaj, owner of Bante Design LLC and its production division Eden Place Productions, is a designer who specializes in Integrative Lifestyle Design (the fusion of Eastern and Western interior design philosophies incorporating feng shui and healthy home principles). Ms. Radaj is an author/columnist, design consultant, and national speaker on topics like Healthy Home Design, Feng Shui, Design Tips & Trends, and Clutter (Why We Have It and How to Get Rid of It!). Ms. Radaj is the former editor of the WI ASID newsletter which featured her column, "The Business of Design," and she has been featured in print, radio, and TV. She has authored Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In and Feng Shui for Teens, and is a contributor to Design2Share, casaGURU, and the Diva Toolbox.

Parents, do you want to set up your kids for success in the upcoming school year?  You can use feng shui principles to help in your child's upcoming academic career. 

First, look at the Knowledge area of your bedroom (the CLOSEST LEFT CORNER from the entryway looking INTO the room -- see the feng shui "bagua" diagram below). Is the desk and computer there? Is it clutter free or a mass of books, notebooks, and paper? If not, here are some tips to help you.

1. At home, hang a crystal over your desk to increase the chi.
2. Place a piece of amethyst on your desk to increase your concentration when you study. You can even use a larger piece as a paperweight!
3. If organization is an issue, color-code each class. Match up notebooks and folders to each subject; maybe match them to the book’s cover to help.
4. On your computer, delete old emails, files, and folders that you are done with. It will lessen the “clutter” you have to wade through to get to the files or notes that you need.
5. If your desk is by a window, make sure that there are curtains to close when you study, so you aren’t compelled to go outside when you need to concentrate.   
6. When choosing your seat in class, avoid sitting by the window as well. This will cut down on daydreaming and force you to pay attention to what the teacher is saying. Try and sit front and center in the classroom.
7. Stay away from the back row in a classroom, as there are too many distractions and it’s too easy to “hide.”
8. Sit under a light.  Dim lighting can make you drowsy and it's bad for your eyes as it causes eyestrain.
9. Use color to keep you in the scholarly mood: choose light green notebooks for subjects that stress you out, decorate your locker with yellow to keep you upbeat throughout the long school day, dress in navy blue to look smart (and for when you have to give oral presentations), and use rainbow stickers on school supplies or in your locker to keep in harmony with your surroundings.
10. Make sure the KNOWLEDGE area of the bedroom/dorm room is clutter-free (!) and organized.  You want to be able to access books, notebooks, folders/files, pen and computer when you need them and make the most of the time when you are in “that study mode.”  The color blue should also be used here.  If blue isn’t in your room’s color scheme, bring in blue with fresh flowers, picture frames, or better yet, a blue area rug under your desk and chair!

DeAnna Radaj, owner of Bante Design LLC and its production division Eden Place Productions, is a designer who specializes in Integrative Lifestyle Design (the fusion of Eastern and Western interior design philosophies incorporating feng shui and healthy home principles). Ms. Radaj is an author/columnist, design consultant, and national speaker on topics like Healthy Home Design, Feng Shui, Design Tips & Trends, and Clutter (Why We Have It and How to Get Rid of It!). Ms. Radaj is the former editor of the WI ASID newsletter which featured her column, "The Business of Design," and she has been featured in print, radio, and TV. She has authored Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In and Feng Shui for Teens, and is a contributor to Design2Share, casaGURU, and the Diva Toolbox.

TODAY ONLY: Click on the picture to enter our Lottery. 20 winners will get a $7.99 Sylvie Scented Sachet for only 99 cents and everyone who signs up will get a 15% Discount Coupon good for shopping in any of the 66 Open Sky stores. You can't lose!

DeAnna Radaj -- When one thinks of all the aspects of designing or remodeling an office, usually the “health” of the space isn’t at the top of your list of concerns. But did you know that there is actually a science devoted to the health of buildings? The study of Bau-Biology (the study of the life of a building) dates back to the 1950s after WWII when fast, inexpensive construction was the norm. Occupants of tract housing and office buildings started becoming ill with no apparent cause. But some further investigation found the culprit to be off-gassing from toxins and chemicals used in the new building materials (plastics, MDF, veneers, nylons, polyesters), textiles, and the air-tight construction that allowed for no ventilation or fresh air.

So, how does Bau-Biology play into 2009 office design? Well, eco-friendly and sustainability not-withstanding, designing a space that takes into account the health of the occupants not only decreases sick days, but helps increase productivity and efficiency AND helps save energy costs.

I use what I call Integrative Lifestyle Design (ILD) when designing spaces, from a home office to a commercial work space. ILD takes into account how the space will be used, who will be using the space, and how to maximize the efficiency of both. When (re)designing an office (or cubicle) one must first determine what is staying (this includes all old papers!), the color scheme, space-planning, and accessory placement.

ILD is the fusion of Eastern (Feng Shui) and Western (eco-friendly/healthy) design principles to create a unique, supportive and healthy space for all occupants.

No matter what the design project is, you have to make a thorough purge. For a home or commercial office, this means going through files, office supplies, drawers, furniture, and your email. The Japanese have even made this “purging” into a holiday (oosooji) that takes place at the end of every year so as not to bring “dirt from the old year into the new." Even school children take part with a thorough purging of old papers and a cleaning of their desks.

For furniture, accessories, pictures, and/or un-needed office supplies, try donating them to a school, non-profit, or start an office rummage sale where you and your co-workers can really purge. Once you’ve done the purge, do a thorough cleaning. Use natural, eco-friendly cleaners, please. You don’t want to do all this great cleansing and then load up the space with chemicals.

Carpeting is the #1 indoor air pollutant, followed by paint. Carpeting made from fibers derived from petrochemicals can off-gas up to 5 years. Paint can off-gas up to 18 months.

Next up is flooring and wallcoverings. The key here is to choose items that are NO or LOW VOC (volatile organic compound) which is the chemicals and toxins that off-gas. For flooring options, hard surfaces are better as they are easier to maintain and a healthier choice for your space. Think tile, hardwood (or engineered wood), linoleum, rubber (also a GREAT sound deadener and less stress when standing), or marble (okay, not a renewable resource, so you should probably go to a terrazzo composite substance made from recycled materials). An accent/area rug can be used for color and warmth and create a “soft” surface to trap sound so it doesn’t echo in the space. If you must have wall-to-wall carpet, look for wool (which also self-extinguishes if a fire breaks out!) or other natural fibers. Make sure to get RUBBER padding as this will help extend the life of the carpet and ease stress when standing. If the carpet gets damaged, you only have to replace the portion of the padding that was damaged.

Carpet is a large contributor to our landfills, but there are great strides being made in the manufacturing of carpet these days: c arpeting made from recycled plastic bottles to paper, recycling old carpeting and padding into new padding. Strides are being made to “green” this industry.

For wallcovering options, paint is the easiest, quickest, and most cost-efficient choice. All paint manufacturers have a low or no VOC option, and all you have to do is ask for it. VOCs in paint include anti-microbial, quick-drying agents that give the room that “new paint” smell. If using wallpaper, try to find some that is made from a natural fiber or is recycled. You also need to use a non-toxic adhesive to stop off-gassing. If in doubt, ask your wallcovering dealers for help.

I use Feng Shui principles when laying out any space plan, but the main tip for any room is to plan the room around the most important item of furniture.

Good desk placement or bad? (Hint: this is TERRIBLE!)In the case of a home or commercial office, it’s your desk that's the key furniture piece. The desk should be placed in the Power Point position. This is the DIAGONAL CORNER from the entryway into the space. This is the most psychologically secure position of the room. The desk should face INTO the space, not looking out a window or at a wall. The WORST location for the desk is directly in line with the door or entryway. In Feng Shui terms this is called the “death position,” and you don’t want that! This is due to the person sitting at the desk being vulnerable with each person passing the door; there is no security in this location. Besides, if your back is to the door, you can easily be startled, disrupting your work focus. Commonsense advice, right?

Harmony Tip: You want your desk facing INTO the room so you can see anyone entering. You also want a solid wall behind your chair for support and security (not a window).  

Next, make sure the office has an efficient lay-out. Is everything you need easily accessible? Can you open drawers and file cabinets easily? Can you walk through the office without tripping over, stepping around, or bumping into anything? If not, change it around. Bruises, cuts, and irritation at moving an item to reach another item causes stress which isn’t good on any level. 

A quick Feng Shui history (from my book Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In): Feng shui is the 5,000-year-old Chinese science that focuses on living in harmony with your environment or how you interact with your surroundings through your furniture arrangement, color scheme, and accessories and collections choices. These choices can either block or improve your energy (chi). When energy flows freely in your home and in your office, life is fabulous, things get finished on time, and you feel happy and eager to learn new things. When energy is blocked, you feel overwhelmed, unhappy, and drained.

I use the Western school (Black Hat Sect) of Feng Shui, which uses a tool called a Bagua Board (see diagram on the right) to help with the layout of a space. Bagua is a Chinese word that translated means an “8-sided figure” or octagon shape. This figure is then divided into segments, like a pie, with a center piece, and that gives you nine areas. Think of a tic-tac-toe board. These nine areas are then assigned names, colors, shapes, and an element that corresponds to an assigned life area. The nine life areas are: Career/Life Path, Knowledge/Spirituality, Family, Wealth/Abundance, Success/Fame/Luck, Relationships, Creativity/Kids, Helpful People/Travel, and Health/Well-Being. The Bagua board can be used to space plan, accessorize, and plan your color scheme.

In using and applying the Bagua board to your office space, line up the bottom row (Knowledge/Spirituality, Career/Life Path, and Helpful People/Travel) with the entryway wall of the room. First, draw the floor plan of your room or “bird’s eye view,” including the doorway and windows, and then plot/draw the corresponding life areas around the perimeter. Still a little confused? Stand in the entryway of your room and look INTO the space. If the door/entry is in the LEFT corner looking in, you enter the room from the Knowledge/Spirituality area. If you enter the room from the CENTER of the entryway wall, you enter the room from the Career/Life Path area. Finally, if you enter the room from the RIGHT corner, you enter the room from the Helpful People/Travel area. Once you're oriented, you can plot out the rest of the room with the Bagua. See what “areas” need to be worked on, or what areas you’d like to work on. You will analyze furniture placement, accessories, and/or piles of clutter. Once you get the concept of the Bagua and how to properly line up the grid, you'll be able to work on any space and be able to identify the corresponding life area.

Now that you have the Bagua board plotted out on your floor plan, you can then "activate" these areas by using the element, color, shape, item, or direction that is associated with that particular life area (e.g., pink hearts can be used in the Relationship area or a coin dish can be placed in Wealth/Abundance). Here's a Quick Guide:

Wealth/Abundance: Purple/Metallic, Water Element, Wavy Lines, South East

Success/Fame Relationships: Red, Fire Element, Triangles, South

Family: Green, Wood Element, Rectangles, East

Health/Well-Being:  Yellow/Earth Tones, Earth Element, Squares, Center

Creativity/Kids: White/Metallic, Metal Element, Circles, West

Knowledge/Spirituality: Blue, Earth Element, Squares, North East

Career/Life Path: Black, Water Element, Wavy Lines, North

Helpful People/Travel: Gray, Metal Element, Circles, North West

Here’s an example: One of my clients is a busy doctor and his office reflects that reality. Can you say piles of paperwork and medical books EVERYWHERE? Although walking into the room causes me to hyperventilate, he states that " I know where everything is.” It should be noted that the office is in the RELATIONSHIP area of his home’s floor plan, therefore clutter and chaos in this area can have an impact on all legal relationships (romantic and business). Now, I didn’t want to make his office a shrine to his ROMANTIC relationship, but adding some pictures of he and his wife is appropriate. I repainted his office a red-orange color to accent the EARTH element of the RELATIOSHIP area. The accessories that decorated the office (college diplomas, family pictures, and other souvenirs from travels) stayed, although I moved them to their appropriate areas according to the Bagua. We moved the pictures of he and his wife to the RELATIONSHIP area, moved the photos of his children to the CREATIVITY/KIDS area, and pix of his Mom went to the FAMILY area.

You can also use the Bagua to help pick out your office color scheme. Do you want a better relationship with clients, co-workers, and vendors? Pick from the RELATIONSHIP (red/earth-tones) and HELPFUL PEOPLE areas (grays/whites/metallics). Do you work in a bank or other financial institution? Look to the WEALTH area (purples/greens/black/metallics). How about working for a non-profit? I’d choose from the SUCCESS (red), CREATIVITY (white/metallic), and HELPFUL PEOPLE (grays/white) areas. This can also be used to help you pick out a color scheme for branding and logo design. Remember that there are shade, tints, and tones of ALL colors and that "red" doesn’t necessarily mean Candy Apple Red. Also remember that color can be brought in through accessories like metal frames and furniture like a wood desk or metal file cabinet, and not just through paint.

Here are some other tips to help make your office more healthy.

1. Make use of any natural light that enters the space. This is good for morale and helps in the production of melatonin in the body (a lack of this is a cause of the SADD disorder). Strategically-placed mirrors will help bring this light throughout the space.
2.  Hang or place plants by computers, copiers, and printers. All emit EMF (electromagnetic fields) and the copier and printer toner also off-gasses which we breathe in. Plants such as spider plants help detoxify the air. You should ideally have 1 plant for every 100 square feet of space to help clean the air.
3. Only have accessories or pictures that are positive and supportive of your company mission statement. Anything else can be confusing and just add to mental clutter.
4. Make sure everyone has an ergonomically sound chair for to sit on, a chair that encourages proper posture.
5. Use eco-friendly, natural cleaners.
6. Make sure every space has task lighting to cut down on eyestrain. Computer monitors should have a screen to cut down on glare.

With all of these quick tips, you and your office mates will not only have a beautiful, productive space in which to work, but one that benefits the health of all who enter!

DeAnna Radaj, owner of Bante Design LLC and its production division Eden Place Productions, is a designer who specializes in Integrative Lifestyle Design (the fusion of Eastern and Western interior design philosophies incorporating feng shui and healthy home principles). Ms. Radaj is an author/columnist, design consultant, and national speaker on topics like Healthy Home Design, Feng Shui, Design Tips & Trends, and Clutter (Why We Have It and How to Get Rid of It!). Ms. Radaj is the former editor of the WI ASID newsletter which featured her column, "The Business of Design," and she has been featured in print, radio, and TV. She has authored Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In and Feng Shui for Teens, and is a contributor to Design2Share, casaGURU, and the Diva Toolbox.

DeAnna Radaj

You think all is well and right in the world, but could it be even better? Why, yes it can! You can apply Feng Shui principles to your choice of grills to enhance your BBQ-ing even more! Oh the joys of conscious living, the Feng Shui way.

“The fiery chi energy of a BBQ, mixed with the freshness of nature, makes a perfect way to bring your friends and family together in a fun, informal setting. The fire encourages people to be outgoing and expressive, and being outside promotes a wonderful feeling of freedom.” -- Steven Saunders, from his book Feng Shui Food

It's cool to note that the type of grill you use can actually “influence” the energy of the food you're cooking. A METAL grill is the most “yang” or active energy, which will focus and contain the most heat. An EARTH grill (brick oven, stone BBQ) is more “yin” and helps to diffuse heat. When you're using a stone and/or brick oven, use a metal grate over the top to use the productive cycle of elements -- remember that EARTH supports METAL. The most “yin” style of grill is a hollow in the ground with a grate across the top. This provides a gentle heat for cooking food.

Alright, you’ve got the grill, but now what should you use to cook with? According to Steven Saunders, WOOD is the best for a “light yin style of cooking,” with wood ash being the best. Charcoal burns hotter than wood, making it more yang and since charcoal holds heat longer, it’s the perfect choice when cooking for a large group of people.

Great grilling foods are fish, portabella mushrooms, and kabobs for different menu options besides burgers and hot dogs.

But maybe you don’t want to BBQ. What about a nice picnic lunch? In utilizing Feng Shui principles for a picnic, it’s all about location, location, location. Choosing a spot in the country will help you feel more relaxed or “yin”. A picnic in an urban park setting will be more “yang.”

Even Mother Nature adds to the excitement! A strong sun-shiny day will be much more active, energetic and yang, than an overcast or partly cloudy day. Wind = yang energy, while clouds/rain = yin.

Remember that the earliest school of thought in Feng Shui is the Form School. This takes into account land formations surrounding your space. Employ some of these principles when choosing your picnic location. A mountain setting is a yang environment with a strong vertical energy flow. The higher and rockier the terrain, the more yang and stimulating the picnic will be. Flat lowlands, prairies, and grasslands (think about what you see when you're driving through Nebraska) have a more yin or horizontal energy flow. This is ideal for social gatherings, parties, and even intimate picnics for two. A water source nearby also adds to the energy of the ambience you're trying to create. Sea water is more yang than fresh water (an ocean is more “active” than a lake or pond).

Since it's July and the height of summer, lets discuss how to use Feng Shui to throw a 4^th of July party or any party this month. Lots of FIRE energy is going on this time of year! For this type of party, look to the SUCCESS/FAME Life Area of the Bagua (the FAR CENTER of any space). This area is activated by the color RED, the FIRE element, and the shape of a TRIANGLE.

To bring about the fire element into any July party, think fireworks, candles, grills, and sparklers. That's pretty easy!

Click on this photo to find great July 4th recipes!You want to create lots of energy for an event in this Life Area, so the lighter the better. Bring the fire element into your flower arrangements by using brightly colored, contrasting colors, and/or flowers with pointy leaves placed in triangular, pyramid, or star-shaped vases. This will create a visually stimulating centerpiece and give the sense of more energy in the space. Placing the flowers on mirrors will also help to “add excitement” and create more light as the mirrors reflect light back up into your entertainment space.

Your place settings should be brightly colored and in unusual shapes; they don’t necessarily have to be identical either. Napkins, placemats, glasses, flatware, and plates are considered place settings. If you're the type of host that needs some sense of semblance on a buffet table (like me!), use placemats (or choose some fabric, mirrors, or trays) to help group foods.

The shape of this area is the triangle. This doesn’t mean you have to find triangular plates and the like, but you can group things in trios or threesomes to mimic the 3 points of a triangle or pyramid. You can offer 3 types of drinks (soda, beer, water), salads (lettuce, potato, 7 layer). You get the idea. And you can also use STARS as a symbol of SUCCESS/FAME; how applicable for an Independence Day party!

Menu ideas that would use Feng Shui principles include food that is RED, SPICY, and/or HOT with STRONG flavors. Think cilantro, peppers (any kind), shrimp, garlic, or any red fruit. For drinks, anything that “stimulates” works, like caffeine-filled beverages: coffee, soda, tea, sake, whiskey, or brandy are examples. Red wine, red sangria, or beer will also work.

Sample Foods for Great July Parties

•  Fried jumbo shrimp or any other fried food

• Stir-fried vegetables

• Fresh vegetables

• Any RED or GREEN fruit

•  Any meat or fish for the grill

• Shish kabobs

• Chips and salsa

• Avocado dip

•  Asparagus

• Watermelon

• Any food made from animal products, including ice cream, cheese, honey, and yogurt

Now that you know some of the basics for using Feng Shui, you can apply them to menu choices and party decorations, making all your July parties and outings a smash!

DeAnna Radaj, owner of Bante Design LLC and its production division Eden Place Productions, is a designer who specializes in Integrative Lifestyle Design (the fusion of Eastern and Western interior design philosophies incorporating feng shui and healthy home principles). Ms. Radaj is an author/columnist, design consultant, and national speaker on topics like Healthy Home Design, Feng Shui, Design Tips & Trends, and Clutter (Why We Have It and How to Get Rid of It!). Ms. Radaj is the former editor of the WI ASID newsletter which featured her column, "The Business of Design," and she has been featured in print, radio, and TV. She has authored Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In and Feng Shui for Teens, and is a contributor to Design2Share, casaGURU, and the Diva Toolbox.

DeAnna Radaj

At the KBIS (Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference) in Atlanta a few weeks ago, the commode was the star of the show. Trends in bathroom fixtures are ALL featuring water conservation and eco-friendly options. So, let’s talk toilets and, later, Father's Day!

It’s said that in the coming years, WATER will be the most sought after commodity, even greater than oil.

Biolet: My FAVORITE product and people at KBIS! Mike and Peter were knowledgeable and funny -- and hey, don’t you have to be when dealing with self-contained composting toilets? If you're thinking of saving water as one of Earth's most endangered resources, you should consider greening up with a Biolet. They've been in business for 35 years, with top Swedish engineering and a tight focus on just composting toilets. They strive to make these toilets well designed and user friendly. The Biolet can be used indoors and/or outdoors! It uses evaporation and aerobic decomposition to transform human waste into a nutrient-rich, hygienically-safe product called “humus” which can be used on decorative plants or mixed in with an outdoor compost pile. Here's my checklist of advantages:

• The only composting toilet to offer the same convenience as a flush toilet
•  Safe and reliable
• Can be installed anywhere without connecting to a septic or sewer system; perfect for camping, by the pool, garage, cabin, barn, boathouse
• Models are available for areas without electricity
• Only needs to be cleaned out every 2 months, depending on usage

Kolher: Besides having the most fabulous, incredible, awe-inspiring booth (I heard it was 20,000 sqare feet!), Kohler continues to lead the way in design and in partnering with various conservation charities and Habitat for Humanity. Their latest partnership is Save Water America; all you have to do is register and Kohler will donate $1 in water-conserving Kohler products to Habitat for Humanity. It’s a great site with a water quiz so you can see your water usage. Here are a few reasons why I love Kohler and their product line:

•  Has a line of water-saving showerheads, faucets, and toilets
•  Kohler has been at the forefront of water conservation products going back to the 1970s
•  Their goal is a net 0 environmental footprint by 2035 by incorporating energy efficiency, using reclaimed water, and reusing water; for instance, their cast iron sinks are made from 93% reclaimed and recycled material, and they've incorporated LEED and GREEN build practices in their factories & buildings
•  Kohler has partnered with the EPA’s WaterSense program.

TOTO: I’m also a huge fan of TOTO bath fixtures. Incredible design, great technology, and literally THE COOLEST toilet ever made. Drumroll, please . . . the Washlet! If you haven’t seen or used this toilet, you are missing out on the bathroom experience of a lifetime. It will literally spoil you for any other toilet (see below).

TOTO also values and focuses on eco friendliness, sustainability, and water conservation in their design. What differentiates TOTO from Kohler is a more minimalist approach; TOTO's fixtures are almost Asian inspired. The lines are simple, clean, and efficient. Here are my favorites about TOTO:

• TOTO’s manufacturing process has been engineered to recycle extensively, reduce energy and landfill wastes, and save water
• The Washlet is a comfortable, hygienic, and ecological toilet that can be used with any décor. Touch the remote control (I told you this was cool) and a nozzle extends from under the seat for a “soothing warm water cleansing,” thus eliminating the need for toilet paper! Other features are a heated seat, a setting to move the nozzle, SoftClose seat, and a quick release feature to remove the seat for easy cleaning.
• The upgraded Washlet offers an air deodorizer and dryer function, as well as an auto-flush function with sensor technology. This is a water-saving device as the sensor will “sense” the weight that is in the bowl and use only the amount of water needed to flush waste away; the less waste, the less water used.

Okay, DeAnna, we’re all set to remodel or re-design our bathroom with the latest and greatest toilets, but do you have words of Feng Shui wisdom for us? Why YES, I do! In Feng Shui philosophy, the bathroom corresponds with the WEALTH/ABUNDANCE of the family. We’ve all heard the saying “money going down the drain”; well this has even more meaning thanks to Feng Shui. Some basic Feng Shui tips for the bathroom are:

1. Make sure ALL drains are covered, doors are kept shut, and your toilet seat is down (that one’s for the ladies!). Drains should all have a plunger/stopper/cover; no exposed pipe. This goes back to the money going down the drain saying. This room is all about cleansing and washing dirt away from us, however in Feng Shui terms, we want to KEEP energy RISING and moving UPWARD not DOWNWARD and AWAY from us. Covering drains/pipes will help stop this.
2. Stay away from any water or beach themes in the bathroom. This room is already a WATER room (obviously) and while the WATER element is associated with money/wealth/abundance, an OVERabundance of WATER washes it away from us . . . literally. WOOD and/or METAL should be the element that is used here. Think garden or wood themes, or METAL accessories in a white color scheme will do the trick. Plants, real/pictured/accessories, need to be UPWARD growing. Think bamboo! The shape(s) to be considered here are rectangle/WOOD and/or circle/METAL.
3. Lighting is KEY is this room. You want a lot of natural light, if possible. If there is no light or limited natural light, make sure to get as bright a light as possible for your task and general lighting. Safety is your first priority in this space; cutting yourself shaving or putting on make-up with limited light is NOT good Feng Shui! Layer your lighting for atmosphere: general (which is your overhead light), task (for shaving/make-up application), accent (highlight any artwork or intricate tile work), and decorative (uplight or recessed can light for ambient glow for a relaxing soak in the tub).
4. From an Integrative Lifestyle Design perspective, detoxify this space with natural cleaning and bath/body products. If you can’t pronounce the ingredient on the contents label, do NOT purchase it. This room, above all others, is the room where you're most vulnerable as the products you use here come in direct contact with your body. You don’t want to use toxins and chemicals.

As we celebrate Father’s Day on June 21 (which is also the First Day of Summer) and our Ode to the Commode, here are some Feng Shui entertaining tips for your Father’s Day gatherings:

• Any BBQs should feature ingredients from sources that are local or that you know where they came from. Nothing beats fresh fruits and veggies from a local farmer’s market or your own garden! Make sure any meat is free range and steroid free.
• Colors in your design scheme should come from the FAMILY and CREATIVITY/KIDS area of the Bagua. Family is WOOD related and corresponds with the color GREEN. The CREATIVITY/KIDS area is METAL related and corresponds with the color WHITE/METALLICS. (A problem occurs here as in Feng Shui terms metal chops down wood, so add the WATER element here as a “mitigating element,” meaning you should add BLUE/BLACK). So your color scheme is GREEN, WHITE/METALLICS, and BLUE/BLACK. Shapes are CIRCLE/metal (plates), RECTANGLE/wood, and FREE-FLOWING LINES/water (bunting/blankets).
• To help your event be more GREEN and eco-friendly, get your plates and flatware from Core Sales. Products are bio-degradable and innovative-you can actually EAT the plate when you’re done!
• Need to keep your drinks cold? How about using the e-Cooler. These are eco-friendly containers made from natural and biodegradable resources. Just fill with ice and go!
• Stumped as to what to serve for dessert? Check out this new company called Raw Creations, featuring organic raw and vegan desserts. Desserts are gluten- and wheat-free, and they use no processed sugars or added sodium. Their menu items include cookies, cakes, brownies, tarts, and macaroons.

Here are your Feng Shui Father's Day menu options

WOOD

Spices: vinegar, parsley, tarragon

Herbs: basil, parsley, tarragon, dill

Veggies: leeks, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, beans, celery, lettuce, sauerkraut, arugula, chard, cucumbers, bamboo shoots, pickles, spinach, and tomatoes

Meat/Fish: crayfish, freshwater shrimp, lobster, liver, chicken

Fruits: cherries, raspberry, passion fruit, grapes, plums, apple, black/blue berry, lemon, orange, strawberry, grapefruit, kiwi, pineapple, rhubarb

Nut/seeds/oils: hazelnut, sesame seed, and oil

Dairy: sour cream, cottage cheese, yogurt

Beverages: sweet wines, chardonnay, semi-dry, hibiscus/rosehip tea, cherry juice, champagne

METAL

Spices: allspice, anise seed, cayenne/chili/curry powder, cinnamon, ginger, white/black pepper, bay leaves, cardamom, clove, coriander, cumin, mustard

Herbs: lemongrass, chive, thyme, nasturtium, watercress, peppermint

Veggies: garlic, celery root, green onions, kohlrabi, onions, pearl onions, radishes, shallots, turnips

Meat/Fish: chicken, goose, venison

Fruits: peaches

Nut/seeds/oils: unsalted/roasted peanuts, canola oil, long-grain rice

Beverage: spirits

WATER

Spices: cinnamon, caraway seed, cloves, sea salt, table salt, miso, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce

Herbs: not applicable

Veggies: white truffles, black truffles, eggplant, butternut squash, chestnuts, carrots, bean sprouts, red cabbage, sea veggies, white cabbage

Meat/Fish: caviar, crayfish, ham. Lobster, ANY fish, lamb, pork, duck

Fruits: cherries, raisins, raspberries, grapes, plums

Nuts/seeds/oils: pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, millet, quinoa, wild rice, sesame oil, bulgur couscous, wheat flakes

Dairy/Egg: blue cheese, egg yolk, butter, cream, cream cheese, goat’s milk, egg whites

Beverage: mineral water

Happy Father’s Day!

DeAnna Radaj, owner of Bante Design LLC and its production division Eden Place Productions, is a designer who specializes in Integrative Lifestyle Design (the fusion of Eastern and Western interior design philosophies incorporating feng shui and healthy home principles). Ms. Radaj is an author/columnist, design consultant, and national speaker on topics like Healthy Home Design, Feng Shui, Design Tips & Trends, and Clutter (Why We Have It and How to Get Rid of It!). Ms. Radaj is the former editor of the WI ASID newsletter which featured her column, "The Business of Design," and she has been featured in print, radio, and TV. She has authored Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In and Feng Shui for Teens, and is a contributor to Design2Share, casaGURU, and the Diva Toolbox.