7 Schools Of Feng Shui

There are many different versions of Feng Shui, each influenced by culture, geography, and religion. There are 7 predominant types or schools of Feng Shui:

1. The Compass School uses the 8 trigrams of the I-Ching. They are known collectively as Pa Kua, which is based on the 8 main directions of a compass. Each direction is associated with a specific chi. For example, southern is vibrant energy.

2. The Form School, based on the landscape’s shape, uses 4 symbolic animals to identify the landscape. Easy to use, the Form School (along with the Compass School) increases chi both in and out of the home.

3. The Black Hat Sect uses a fixed entry point to determine the area. Although similar to the Compass School philosophy, it has differences. The Black Hat Sect also consists of psychology, Buddhism and basic design principles.

4. 8 Mansion School, also known as the 8 House Feng Shui, is based on the individual number of the person living in the home. That number is used to bring harmony and balance to the home. People who use this system have both lucky and unlucky numbers, with the west numbers being 2, 6, 7, and 8 and the east numbers being 1, 3, 4, and 9.

5. The 9 Star Key School uses stars to help identify lucky and unlucky days. This school of thought uses complicated math formulas to pinpoint when a person will get married and the astrological sign of the future marriage partners. It will also tell the practitioner how to live based on his house.

6. The most common form of Feng Shui, based on astrology and numerology, is the Flying Star Philosophy. Difficult to understand and learn, it is also based on mathematical principals and is used to determine a person’s fate.

7. Four Pillars, the final school of thought, is not very common. Based on astrology tied to the person’s date of birth right down to the minutes, this form of Feng Shui is also used to determine a person’s fate.

5 Elements Of Feng Shui

After determining which school of thought is best for an individual, it is important to understand the 5 elements of Feng Shui. They are: Earth, Fire, Water, Metal, and Wood. Balance and harmony can be created in a home through the use of these elements. If used incorrectly, however, the energy can be lessened or even destroyed.

Each of the 5 elements is also associated with a direction:

Earth — Southwest

Fire — South

Water — North

Metal — West

Wood — East

Beauty And Balance

In a Feng Shui home, all rooms should achieve a balance of these elements, although some items may weigh heavier than others. A chair might score 3 times more than a throw pillow, for example, because of the size difference.

Properly applied, Feng Shui brings both beauty and balance to the home or office.

At first glance, all one sees is a decorative light fixture. But upon further, closer inspection, air is felt to be drawn up and around the light as a result of an inconspicuous exhaust fan.

The Decorative Fan/Light combines elegant styling with effective performance to deliver form and function.

For bathrooms up to 100 square feet in area, the Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) recommends an exhaust fan provide one cubic foot/minute (CFM) per square foot (approximately eight air changes per hour) for proper ventilation. The Decorative Fan/ Light from Broan offers two power and sound levels-four models offer 70 CFM with a sound level of 3.5 Sones, while three models feature a more powerful and quiet 80 CFM at 2.5 Sones. A Sone is the sound level of a ventilating product. One Sone roughly equals the sound of a refrigerator when operating in a quiet kitchen.

Ideal for a powder room or a bathroom, such a fixture helps control humidity and odor. However, homeowners are likely concerned about how exhaust fans will look installed in the middle of the room. The Decorative Fan/ Light is available in five corrosion-resistant finishes, including oil-rubbed bronze, pewter, satin nickel, white and nutmeg hand-painted cast, seamlessly blending into just about any décor.

Made of rugged, galvanized steel, each Fan/Light houses a plug-in motor and blower wheel. The plug-in light fixture assembly uses two standard 60-watt candelabra lightbulbs, with tapered four-inch round duct fitting providing easy, positive duct connection and quick and accurate installation.

With this new product, homeowners and contractors can save time and money. Because you’re installing two products at once, there’s less hassle and expense and it provides designers with more options for ventilating a room.

Weaving actually has its roots in ancient basketry, which requires stiff fibers. The invention of a loom allowed the use of flexible fibers, which holds the lengthwise warp strands taut while the crosswise weft strands are woven in.

In a tomb in Egypt, a pottery dish, dated 4400 BC, was found. On this dish was a picture of a loom that appeared to be based on pegs in the ground that held the rods to which the warp threads were harnessed. A loom, not too unlike today’s tapestry loom, appeared in Egypt during the Eighteenth Dynasty, 1567 to 1320 BC. The Navajo Indians still use a similar loom.

Looms changed little until the eighteenth century, when different inventions, mostly by Englishmen, gradually introduced mechanization. During the Industrial Revolution, hand weaving almost became a lost art, but in some parts of the world it remained an artisan craft. With the revival of interest in hand crafts, people sought out weavers in Scandinavia, the mountains of Tennessee and rural districts of the British Isles to learn the ancient art. Hand weaving is nowadays pursued more for pleasure than profit.

Through the ages, weaving principles have remained the same, from those early pegs in the ground to the mechanized looms of today. The three elements are making the shed, picking and beating. The warp is the basis of the cloth and the weft is woven in to form the weave and the design of the piece. Alternately, the warp threads are raised to pass the shuttle with the weft threads through. The gap created is called the shed. A row of weft is known as the pick. Beating is making sure that the pick is even and pushed down against the previous pick.

The warp takes a lot of stress, so it should be of a strong fiber. When planning the dimensions, at least ten per cent extra should be allowed on the width to allow for the pulling in on the selvedges, which are formed by the turn of the weft around the outside warp ends. Warp threads must be carefully prepared and correctly placed on the loom.

Tapestry weaving requires special techniques. The weaver fills in color areas one at a time, leaving slits in the fabric, which are then stitched afterwards. If the tapestry is to be hung vertically, the slits are sometimes left open.

The pattern or the picture for the tapestry is done by an artist on card – this is sometimes called the cartoon. The weaver uses this as the “blueprint”. Nowadays, in mechanized tapestry production, the artist creates a painting the size of the final tapestry. Then a technical design is made showing each stitch of the weft and card is punched by electronic equipment to fit the jacquard loom.

The very beautiful tapestries in old cathedrals, places and art museums were painstakingly woven by hand. Some were commissioned by royalty, some were made by the artists and some by lowly paid workers. Decorative tapestry was portable – noblemen could transport it to different residences and churches could bring it out to hang for special occasions.

Modern tapestries can be used on cushions or as wall hangings. However it was designed to be used, a piece of tapestry can become come a family heirloom.

Let’s start from the bottom up. You may want to cover the existing linoleum with one of the many laminate hardwood floorings that are available at building supply superstores. Snap-and-glue or lock-together flooring pieces are fairly inexpensive, don’t require a sub floor underneath for installation, and are extremely durable – a good move if you have children or pets. Wood comes in many different shades, so pick one that will work well with your choice of cupboards and countertop.

So let’s think about cupboards. Bring home some earth-colored paint swatches and see what strikes your comfort zone. Try an antique olive green, light mocha or honey. Before painting, wash your cupboards clean of grease and grime, then lightly scuff them with sandpaper and wipe down again to remove loose dust. Mix your chosen paint color half and half with glaze. Apply with a 1-4″ paintbrush, then take a rag made from an old cotton t-shirt and lightly rub the painted area with the rag to give an antiqued texture to the cupboards. Paint the trim in a solid color without the glaze to add contrast. When choosing doorknobs, try copper or wrought iron to create an aged look.

Now for the countertop. Buying countertops can be expensive, especially if you require a custom size or have your heart set on granite. One inexpensive way to resurface the countertop is with ceramic tile, which comes in a variety of colors and sizes. 12 x12 is a good size for countertops, or try smaller Mexican tiles with bright colored designs for the backsplash. After you lay the tiles, grout the seams. Charcoal grout seems to compliment most tile and always looks clean. Finish with two-inch wood trim in a color like red oak for added warmth.

Finally, choose a warm color to paint the kitchen walls. Shades of brown – such as desert sand, rice cake, or light coffee – add warmth to the room and don’t compete with the color of the cupboards. If the room is large enough, one wall could be painted with a darker or brighter color.

With all the basics in place, add decorative finishing touches, such as aged copper pots and pans hanging from a rack above the stove to wicker baskets or antique cooking utensils picked up at garage sales. A pottery or glass water pitcher filled with fresh flowers is a lovely addition.

If you have an eat-in kitchen, a wooden hutch or antique baker’s rack is the perfect setting for your aunt’s tea cozy and your collection of cookbooks. Now fill your country kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon buns made from Grandma’s recipe… and enjoy.

I think part of why people are in a rush to decorate their new homes is because our culture is all about rushing and getting things done quickly. So few people like to enjoy the process and really make intentional decisions about their home. I think that having a home is one of life’s best gifts, and therefore I love seeing people take that gift seriously and make the most of the opportunities they have.

When you realize what a privilege it is to have a space to call your own then I think you will value the decorating process even more. I think only as you see the value of the home will you value taking time to gather decorating ideas. By gathering decorating ideas keep in mind that I am not suggesting that you take six months or a year to gather an endless amount of ideas that you will never use. I do, however, mean that you should take a few weeks and really look at your options before making any big commitments.

One of the all-time best places to look for decorating ideas is in magazines that are focused on home decorating. Order a subscription to a couple of good ones or borrow some magazines from a friend. Just get yourself into them and start looking at what is popular right now and what catches your eye. You will quickly learn that the things that catch your eye have a pattern to them and you’ll be off and running to creating your personal style in no time.

While it is wise to ask for opinions and suggestions from decorators, friends and family, ultimately you have to choose what kind of decorating ideas to incorporate into your own home. So be cautious about letting others influence you too much. Don’t be afraid to try something unique or to go out on a limb with a decorating idea. The best place to experiment is within your own home.

If you are tired of cleaning up your shower enclosure — and anyone that has been forced to combat soap scum before is likely darn tired of it — will find shower curtains to be an effective solution to this issue. Shower enclosures, as well as shower curtains, accumulate humidity and, after a while, they become ugly. The difference is that changing shower curtains costs almost nothing compared to changing a glass or acrylic shower enclosure.

Sometimes people dismiss shower curtains as being cheap and generic, but when you consider the wide variety of styles and price tiers you’ll find that curtains are hardly limited to cheap white vinyl curtains. If you have children, you can choose a nice shower curtain with dolphins, little fish or funny ducks printed on it, or you can go with more “formal” designs, like geometric patterns or lines. You can even choose a loud color to make your bathroom festive!

Bathroom shower curtains are made of different types of washable fabrics, including polyester, plastic and even cotton. Most of them have a weight attached at its bottom to avoid the “shower curtain effect” (which is the effect of the curtain unpleasantly wrinkling and/or sticking to your leg when you take a shower). Most shower curtains are also waterproofed, and it is also possible to attach an impermeable liner to your shower curtain if you’re using a fabric curtain.

Another advantage of the use of shower curtains in your bathroom is that they don’t need you to drill any holes on your walls: just get a spring loaded rod, adjust its size to fit between two walls and suspend your curtain from it by using hooks or rings. This ease of installation also saves you money by allowing you to do it by yourself rather than paying someone to install it.

Dots, stripes, waves, animals and many other designs are available, ensuring you will find shower curtains that fit virtually every need, even if your design preferences can be considered unique or offbeat. Nautical themed curtains as well as the old standby known as the rubber ducky are very popular, but nowadays you can find every design you like; I have even seen shower curtains featuring Mexican hats! And, if you are really specific, you could look into having a curtain custom designed specifically for you. Wait no more, and provide an exciting new look to your bathroom with new shower curtains!

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

1. CLEAN: If you have a family, then you probably have newspapers, magazines, books, toys, shoes, clothes, etc., that detract from the personality of your room. Find or create new storage spaces for these items. Give your draperies and upholstered furnishings a good vacuuming. Remove all your decorative collectibles and give each piece a thorough cleaning. You want the space to have a fresh beginning.

2. FOCAL POINT: If your room is lacking a focal point, try painting one wall in a different, but coordinating color, that complements the rest of your room and furnishings. The newly painted wall will instantly become the focal point of the room. Decorate the wall with interesting art work or a large ornately framed mirror. (If you opt to use a mirror, make sure it reflects a pleasant view – never a blank wall or closet door). Place a favorite piece of furniture against the new focal point wall to complete the look. If your room already has a nice focal point, consider giving the entire room a fresh new coat of paint. A simple color change can make an incredible difference in your room.

3. REARRANGE THE FURNITURE: No matter the size of your room, pull the furniture away from the walls. Place your furnishings at interesting angles in front of your focal point to create an intimate conversation area. If you room is narrow, try placing the sofa on the diagonal to make the room appear wider. Never arrange your room so that the traffic flow runs directly through your conversational area.

4. REARRANGE THE RUG: If you have an area rug, turn it on an angle and use it to define your newly arranged conversation area. If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, try layering a complimentary area rug in your conversation area. (Use carpet-to-carpet tape to anchor the area rug. This helps keep the area rug in place, and, more importantly, helps prevent someone from tripping over the edges of the rug).

5. ADD GREENERY: Breathe new life into your room with the addition of healthy green plants. Use plants of varying heights and species for interest. Keep your plants in good health and well-trimmed. (A vase of fresh cut flowers is always a beautiful addition to any room). If you have poor lighting, consider using good quality silk greenery. Silk greenery is actually a safer choice if you have small children or pets.

6. BUY SOME NEW LAMPS: Nothing can make your room look more outdated and stale than lamps from the sixties. Find unique, interesting lamps that will make a bold statement and relate to the personality of your room. Look for lighting with three-way switches. This offers you a variety of lighting options to set the mood in your room.

7. ADD PERSONALITY AND ACCESSORIES: Refresh your favorite family photographs by treating them to a new frame. Hang interesting artwork, mirrors or architectural pieces that reflect your personality. Give new life to your sofa and chairs with decorative pillows and throws. This is an easy way to add color and texture to your room. Create vignettes with your freshly cleaned collectibles. Group them in odd numbers at varying heights. Use hardbound books in stacks, or assorted decorative boxes, to assist with varying the heights. Bring in some candlelight to add drama and warmth. Last, but not least, add something “unexpected” just for fun.

With a little bit of imagination and creativity, you can turn your “frazzled” home décor into a fresh, exciting new space. Renew your passion for decorating your home – “one room at a time!”

Enjoy a great choice of fabrics, colors, and designs

Whatever the design and decoration of each of your rooms, you should have no problem finding the ideal coverings for the windows amongst the vast choice available. From simple, easy to maintain coverings designed for rooms with heavy traffic or children and pets to rich, luxurious coverings with elaborate patterns and sumptuous fabrics, you can the right covers for every room in the home. Having the perfect drapes to complement the décor in a room can really inject life into the room, helping you to achieve both the look and the ambiance you are looking for. If you are carrying out a home improvement program, finding window coverings to suit each individual room can really make a difference to the overall finish of your improvements, and can give each room a whole new look.

Choose ready made coverings or create your own

For those confident when it comes to sewing and design, you can get some incredible drapery materials at really affordable prices, and these can be used to make your own coverings depending on your needs. If you are not confident enough to make your own, you will find a vast choice of ready made coverings designed for all sorts of rooms in the home, from bedrooms and living rooms, to dining rooms and kitchens, so you can ensure that every room in the home boasts the perfect drapes to complement the décor. You can often get excellent deals on both ready made coverings and a wide choice of materials online, giving you an even better chance of finding the ideal window treatments for use throughout your home.

Sleep is something many people simply take for granted. They do not approach it with the reverence that it deserves. With the proper attitude, sleep can be one of the most enjoyable parts of one’s day.

When purchasing a comforter many people make the mistake of buying one that matches the theme of their room. Comforter sets that contain appealing patterns and colors are nice, but the most important purpose of any comforter is to provide comfort while sleeping.

Silk Comforters

For hundreds of years, silk has been the ultimate sign of luxury. The silk trade has continued its position at the top of the material heap, despite the widespread availability of cheaper fabrics.

The easy access to cotton has not deterred shoppers from enjoying the lavishness of a nice high quality silk. Silk comforters have many properties that set them apart from regular comforters.

Silk Production

Silk comes from the cocoon of a Mulberry-eating moth native to China. When their larval worms reach maturity, they spin cocoons from silk glands. These glands can produce strains of silk over 1000 meters long.

In the use of silk production, these cocoons are boiled to make them hard and kill the growing worm. A worm breaking out would actually break the continuous thread into thousands of smaller threads, making the production of marketable silk thread considerably more difficult.

Those interested in making thread would begin unwinding the cocoon, until it was one long piece and then begin the tremendous task of weaving the filaments together. The process for making silk comforters uses a different technique for silk weaving.

The silk cocoons are stretched into very thin layers and woven together with silk threads to make a silk comforter. Depending on the thickness of the comforter, it can take up to one hundred layers of stretched cocoons to complete one blanket.

Caring for Silk Comforter Sets

The delicate nature of silk makes washing it in a normal washing machine a dangerous task. Silk is very sensitive to water and can shrink or become disfigured in a traditional wash. Dry cleaning is the only safe way to clean silk.

Silk Duvet covers are made to be more resistant to water and can be either hand washed or placed in the wash on a gentle cycle. This is the most common form of care for duvet covers but should certainly be checked against the manufacture’s recommendation.

Silk responds very well to sunlight and should be aired out when it begins to feel heavy or becomes less effective at holding in heat. Elements from the sun pull out moisture that can become trapped in the internal weaving of any silk product.

Advantages of Silk

The basic techniques used to construct silk comforters make it uniquely adept at evenly distributing heat evenly. This uniformity provides an uncompromising comfort that hugs the form of the person or people.

The weave of silk makes it nearly impossible for it to hold allergens and dust mites, making it the perfect material for someone who is plagued by allergies. This is the primary characteristic of silk that has helped it retain its popularity over down comforters.

Most comforters are designed to merely hold in heat. Silk holds heat in, but is also porous enough to draw moisture away from the body to help prevent overheating. It is light enough to be used in summer, but holds heat well enough to be a tremendous benefit in the colder months of the year.

Conclusion

Sleeping in a bed wrapped in silk can be a rejuvenating experience. A good nights sleep can mean the difference between a terrific day and a terrible one. Snuggling with your honey under a truly luxurious blanket can also provide its own benefits, which might be best left to the imagination.

Knowing how to properly care for your silk comforter can drastically increase the life of it and make it a fundamental part of your sleeping ritual for years to come. Comforters that are naturally designed to be hypoallergenic can help encourage your body to contentedly enjoy countless hours of sweet dreams.

Buyers should look for the best-priced bunk beds rather than simply cheap bunk beds. The former implies that buyers will seek high-quality beds at the best price, rather than simply shopping on price. If you shop around, particularly online, you should be able to find high-quality bunk beds at reasonable prices. Online retailers do not have to pay the high cost of traditional showrooms and/or a commissioned sales staff, and as such, can pass on the savings to their customers.

Buyers should visually inspect used beds and/or purchase used beds only if they are manufactured by a reputable firm. In addition, beds should be inspected regularly after purchase to ensure that they stay in top shape and any defects are noticed quickly and remedied.

To summarize, buying an inexpensive bunk bed is certainly an option, particularly if you make sure the bed is well constructed using quality materials. Likewise, like any bunk bed, it is important to continuously inspect to ensure quality maintenance. Just be sure not to shop only on price, since poor quality beds unfortunately have serious safety risks.