Moving In Together Feng Shui

Tips for energizing your new shared space

by Sally Philips

The time has come. No more schlepping your clothes and toiletries from one abode to another -- you're moving in together. Congratulations! Now the fun begins.

In most cases, two households can't be squeezed into one, so get ready to negotiate. Whose stuff gets to stay and whose must go? To help you make the cuts and get your new digs ready for your life together, here are some guidelines from the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui.

Feng Shui is the art of placement. One of its most important principles is that environments must not be cluttered. Too much furniture, too many chotchkes, too much décor of any kind and energy gets stuck. Since chi, or positive energy, is what brings good fortune into your life, you want to keep it flowing. So firstt, you and your partner need to agree that clutter is a no-no.

Feng Shui is also big on cleanliness. If your place hasn't had a deep cleaning recently, now's a good time to invest in getting it spruced up. Wash those windows so energizing sunlight can shine in. Scrub those bathroom tiles. Polish those mirrors. Get the cobwebs out of every corner and then sit back and enjoy that fresh feeling you didn't know you were missing.

But don't get too comfy, because there's plenty more to do before the movers arrive. Begin with your entrance. The walkway to your door must be well lit and provide a clear path. Get your main door working smoothly. Oil it, polish it up -- consider a new coat of paint. Red is a color that attracts wealth, so have a go if it fits with your exterior color scheme.

Speaking of painting, now might be the time to give your place a fresh coat or two. In Feng Shui, colors represent different aspects of nature. Their placement in the home can be instrumental in creating the right balance for success, happiness and serenity.

For your living room and work areas, incorporate some energizing, yang colors (yellow, orange, beige, brown, red and gold). Silvers and other metallics can be used as accents in these areas to energize the space. If you and your partners happen to be creatives who work at home, consider using some shade of orange in your workspace -- it promotes creativity.

Yin, or feminine colors, are considered to be more relaxing and to promote healing of the body, mind and spirit. They work well for bedrooms. Certain shades of blues and purples are restful yin colors, along with many pastels.

For the kitchen and bath, consider using warm earth tones, like light yellow or beige, on the walls or flooring. The Chinese believe that water facilities like sinks can wash prosperity down the drain. The earth element "cures" the water element.

After you get the big decisions settled, here are a few more tips for decorating:

• When it comes to choosing art for your walls, it might be time to do away with the kung fu film ads and rock star posters. Stick with images that bring a smile to your face and help you relax.
• For lighting, purchase a few full-spectrum bulbs. This type of healthy light mimics sunlight and is especially energizing in home offices and other work areas.
• Place live plants around the home and bring in fresh flowers to brighten energy.
• Try to talk your partner out of having a TV in the bedroom. This should be a space where you two concentrate on each other. But if you do put one in there, make sure to cover it at night.
• Closets should not be catch-alls for all the stuff you don't know what to do with. Try to keep them as clutter-free as the rest of your home.