10 tips to increase curb appeal and refresh entrance
/10 tips to increase curb appeal and refresh the front entrance
The front entrance is a very important area in traditional Feng Shui. The front door receives Qi and energy from the exterior environment. It also gives the first impression to visitors. We will look at the 10 simple ways you can refresh, update, or enhance your front door area and bring positive energy.
Spring is a good time to do a front entrance update when all the plants are starting to grow again and the weather is comfortable to be outdoors.
Watch our video about the 10 tips to increase curb appeal and 3 simple ways to reduce negative Feng Shui
The 10 simple tips and ideas to update your front entrance
Tip 1: Declutter and clean
The first step is to physically clean the space. Dust off, clean the floors, and walls, and clean out anything that does not belong there.
Tip 2: Replace the doormat
We often ignore the doormat. A new or updated doormat is an easy way to introduce some style and refresh the entrance. It is inexpensive to replace an old doormat, or you can go extra and set up a doormat with a custom initial letter.
Tip 3: Polish or update your mailbox and house number plate
The mailbox and house number plate represent the house’s image. It is the communication point with the outside world. This can be a simple polishing of the mailbox and number or upgrading to a style that match your house.
Tip 4: Add beautiful flowers and plants to bring lively energy
Flowers and plants can bring instant happiness and uplift the whole space. It can be just a small container full of bright flowers or the front landscape with healthy plants. It does not cost a fortune but shows how much the owner takes care of the property.
Bright color plants or flowers bring cheerful energy and make the entrance very welcoming.
Tip 5: Add a bird feeder, birdbath, or birdhouse
A birdhouse, birdbath, or bird feeder can invite natural’s creatures, and bring lively sounds and sights. Birds have the instinct to find the best Feng Shui location to build their nests, so we can try to attract them with a birdbath, birdhouse, or bird feeder in the front or back yard.
Tip 6: Add good lighting - either electrical or solar lights
Lighting can transform a space quickly. Bright, warm light makes us feel safe and comfortable. Check your lighting in the front entrance area. If it is too dark, you can change a new light bulb with a higher wattage.
Solar light is another option in the front yard landscaping. You don’t have to worry about running the wires. Make sure it has a warm glow instead of the harsh blue color lighting.
Tip 7: Add wind chimes or pinwheels for movement and Qi circulation
Another easy update to create moving Qi is by adding a wind chime, windmill/spinner, or any moving sculpture or garden decor. As the wind blows, air circulates and brings happy energy to your house.
These can be updated and replaced easily to reflect your current style and taste.
Tip 8: Add sculptures to bring out unique characters
Sculpture and garden decor in the front of the house add characters and personality. Even the second-hand or thrift store finds can bring in a different energy, and make your house unique.
Tip 9: Add a water fountain or pond
Water is typically set up in the front of the house to accumulate good Qi and bring wealth luck. It can be a fountain, a little fish pond, or just a birdbath. The reflection of water can be meditative, and the sound of a water fountain can be very relaxing.
Tip 10: Make sure your choices reflect your personality, style, and taste.
The best feng shui house should reflect who you are and the vision you like to achieve. Instead of copying other people’s styles, ask yourself what image you like to project through your house. It might reflect where you are from in the past, or where you like to be in the future. Trust yourself, ask the opinions of the family members in the same house, and make decisions from your heart. If something does not look right, you can always change it again.
3 simple ways to counter negative Feng Shui around your house
There are many Feng Shui issues around your house that might bring a negative influence. How do we deal with them? For example, your front entrance might be at the end of a T-junction, your main entrance might be directly facing another house’s door, or there might be a big tree in front of your house blocking the Qi. We have 3 simple solutions that can cover most of the exterior Feng Shui issues.
1. Hang a mirror or Bagua mirror facing the feng shui “Sha Qi”
One popular solution is to hang a mirror outside the house facing the problem area. For example, if there is a tall electric pole or cellphone tower, we can install a small mirror pointing at the pole to reflect the energy.
A plain round mirror will work fine. Some people prefer a convex or Bagua mirror. The Bagua mirror has symbols of the 8 trigrams so it can be more powerful, but not everyone like the look of a Bagua mirror outside the house, because a Bagua mirror is often associated with Feng Shui issues.
2. Increase the positive energy of your house to counter the negative Feng Shui
Another solution is to increase the energy of your house so the negative Feng Shui issues around your house will be less powerful. The 10 tips mentioned above can build up the energy of your front entrance. For example, you can add bright colors, movement, lighting, and so on to increase the Qi.
3. Set up a pair of Fu dogs or lions by the entrance to protect the house
The third solution to counter the negative Feng Shui Sha Qi is to set up a pair of the Fu Dogs or stone Lions. They should be placed on either side of the main entrance, facing outward so they can protect the house from possible negative Qi.
The Fu dogs or stone lions usually come as male and female. Together they can guard the house, and strengthen the Qi of the house.
