As the first room of the home, it's no surprise that great thought often goes into the design of our entryways. However, while the aesthetic of this space is indisputably important, curating the right energy is just as vital (and it has repercussions for the rest of our home).
For inspiration, we can look to LeBron and Savannah James's Los Angeles abode, where the couple has mastered entryway feng shui and created a luxe space that (despite its grandeur) doesn't feel overdesigned. Firstly, the Los Angeles Lakers power forward and his wife, internet personality Savannah James, opted for a soothing monochromatic color scheme, best seen through their sleek white walls, black crittall doors, and chequered marble floor – all of which work harmoniously to keep the room's color palette to a minimum.
Designed by esteemed furniture designer and TV personality Tiffany Brooks and her team, the color choices prevent the space from feeling overstimulating, but their curated choice of artwork and a small selection of statement furnishings are even more crucial to the space's feng shui, as wellness practitioner El Larson explains.
Larson, who founded Heare, a feng shui-focused service in LA, warns against 'overdesigned and excessive' entryways and urges us to keep our spaces curated (and consequently more functional).
'Of course, an entryway should create a good first impression, but it should be primarily inviting, reflecting the home and occupants, and not just a grandiose display for occasional visitors,' Larson says. 'I ask clients to consider how they usually feel coming home after work, errands, etc, and how they want their home to greet them.'
With this in mind, when decorating with art, we should follow James' lead and opt for fewer, more treasured pieces in our entrance space. 'Only artwork that is loved or is meaningful should be hung (and this applies to anywhere in the house). Also, keep vases current – they should be living, and water should be fresh.
The James's staircase area similarly encourages positive feng shui – primarily, again, because of its artwork placement.
'In the U.S., many homes are designed with a staircase in front of or near the entrance, which invites Qi (the force) directly upstairs instead of flowing through the main floor – usually where the family and entertaining areas are, and then upstairs. In this case, Qi is invited upstairs, usually channeled and intensified by the relatively narrow stairs, whips through the bedrooms (usually upstairs), then back downstairs and out the door, neglecting the main floor (usually the family room, kitchen, living room),' Larson begins. However, the strategic placement of artwork (and decor) in the stairwell changes this for the better.
'Artwork in the stairwell is recommended as it slows down rushing Qi but should be secondary to the attention going to the ground floor. Again, assuming the main areas of the house are on the ground level. Ideally, energy enters through the front door and meanders through the house, gently nourishing all spaces – first at the entrance, then the living room/ entertaining areas, then more private areas of the home.'
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