PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRION JEANNETTE ARCHITECTURE
Top right : Water features set in front of a view can keep you focused on staying present . Bottom row : Fire elements can add to a space ’ s serene feel .
But save these calming spaces solely for rooms where that type of atmosphere is needed . “ Home gyms and … offices should give us energy and not necessarily tranquility ,” Sumerford notes .
SERENE SCENES When it comes to decorating , interior design plays a pivotal role in the feel of the home . One of the most important choices you ’ ll make is selecting the color scheme . Sumerford suggests calming colors , from lavender or baby blue to soft gray , peach or white .
Jeannette agrees : “ The light greens and blues that are not in your face seem to be the colors that are most comfortable ; [ they ] tend to be the ones that support the concepts of feng shui really nicely .”
As far as materials , he recommends using natural substances , like different types of wood , to both decorate and build the interior space , adding that mahogany and cherry woods are always a hit . “ These evoke — right off the bat — a warm feeling ,” he notes .
Breathable , versatile fabrics can be used to add life to the space as well , with soft cottons , bamboos and linens being ideal options for Sumerford . Add some texture to give yourself something to focus on while unwinding or meditating as well , with silky suede or smooth velvet pillows and blankets .
Once the base is in place , begin layering in furniture and decor . “ Zen spaces should be minimalistic , comfortable and functional ,” Sumerford notes . Try to avoid hard lines ; rounded corners are ideal . Soft chairs or sofas with footstools can offer a place to kick back with your feet up . Or , Brigham says , opt for furniture that is comfortable in width and depth , such as a chaise lounge or chairs that you can curl up in .
House plants , nature-filled art and candles can also help you breathe deeper . “ Well-designed , clutter-free spaces with these types of pieces are excellent ways to create a calm , relaxing atmosphere ,” Sumerford says .
When adding artificial lighting , she recommends soft lights that are also dimmable so you can alter the atmosphere in the room at will . Pendant fixtures are a good option aesthetically , though she says fairy lights can also add to the mood . “ These types of lights … can help reduce anxiety ,” Sumerford says .
Jeannette , however , recommends skipping light fixtures in favor of indirect lighting systems .
“ When we design houses , … we create a layering of light so that you can have just a soft , moody , indirect light — where you see the glow of the light , but you don ’ t see the fixtures ,” he explains . This can be done with recessed lights or lighting under a cabinet , which adds ambiance without in-yourface brightness . Then , he says , add in table lamps or wall sconces as accent pieces . “ Don ’ t put a light in that ’ s going to be harsh ,” he adds . “ Let ’ s put a light in there that ’ s going to be very soft and maybe almost subliminal .”
And sometimes , if you ’ re going for a refresh , remember that you don ’ t have to change it all . “ I ’ ve gone into a client ’ s home and they share … feelings of anxiety with me , [ then ] I look around and ask if I can change some artwork that may be too energetic ,” Sumerford reveals . “… And voila — after making these simple changes , they felt more calm .”
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS Feng shui dictates the flow of energy through a space , but it also focuses on essential elements . “ When considering spaces , all five feng shui elements should be incorporated : fire , earth , metal , water and wood ,” Sumerford says .
52 SPRING / SUMMER 2023 | LATITUDE33MAGAZINE . COM