I haven’t been very active in writing the blog for a while. However, as a Feng Shui practitioner, I feel that it is important to address at least some issues relevant to the changes occurring starting February 4, 2018, the end of Yin and start of Yang season in the solar calendar.
A good, thorough spring cleaning and clutter elimination should be completed by now. (I scrubbed my floors already in December of last year.)
One of the most important Feng Shui locations is the entrance to a home or a business. That is where the Chi, energy or life force enters the premises. The front door needs to be in a good repair and operate smoothly. The entrance, inside and out, needs to be clean, easily accessible and clutter-free to allow and welcome the new energies and opportunities to arrive.
In my example, the front entrance is facing North. Starting on February 4, 2017, it was fine to activate and energize the North section (associated with water, career and opportunities) with moving water such as a fountain, images of water, fish, sea beans, shells, dark colored accessories and other items associated with and supporting the water element as shown in the first picture. I had added soft light and Chinese coins for further protection and activation, as well as bells on the door handle.
The scenery for this year starting on February 4, 2018, is quite different for the same North direction (and other areas as well, as each compass direction has meaning). This time, the North side of a building is to be kept quiet and not energized. The bubbly fountain, and other water-associated décor items and energizing lights, as well as the bells from the door, are moved to more appropriate locations for the upcoming 12 months. This time, it is important to add metal to dissipate the effects of the challenging star 5, which is located in North this year (2018). It is actually advisable to enter and exit at another location in a building if possible. It could be a back door or side garage door if that is available. There are additional Feng Shui cures that are beneficial in diminishing the possible negative effects of the star 5.
For this year, the entrance in the second picture is furnished with a metal etagere with a display of all-metal accessories.
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Soon we’ll see the end of the Winter Yin season and the start of the Spring Yang season. As we are heading to the end of the exhausted winter (yin) energy cycle and approaching the new spring (yang) cycle, which is February 3 this year, it’s very important to clear, clean and remove old energies, Ylonen says. Then you’ll be able to welcome new energy for the start of the Chinese calendar’s Year of the Fire Rooster.
Originally, our repeat client requested only an update to the cabinets, vanity top and plumbing fixtures. However, as often happens when creativity takes over, we came up with three different options, from a modest change to the most functional. Our client chose the third option, with side wall cabinets balancing the back wall angle. These cabinets – with storage, adjustable shelves and electrical outlets inside – now provide functionality for both users. For the left side, we integrated the space and power source for the attached, adjustable magnifying makeup/grooming mirror. 
It’s time to start spring cleaning if you haven’t started it already. Finn Design’s Riitta Ylonen is a state licensed interior designer and certified Feng Shui consultant, and she has tips to help you make the most of your space and give yourself a fresh start this season.