Fresh air , greenery , fire elements and natural lighting can all make a space feel more serene , ensuring that it is ideal for optimizing wellness in — and outside of — the home .
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-your-face 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 .
And the words themselves — feng and shui — mean “ wind ” and “ water ,” revealing just how crucial these elements are to the foundation of the practice .
TOP LEFT : ERIC FIGGE PHOTOGRAPHY ; BOTTOM : MARK LOHMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
60 NEWPORTBEACHMAGAZINE . COM