To find the specific areas of influence in your home, start by measuring your space from left to right and front to back (including attached garages and screened porches but not decks). Using your front door as your reference point, make a drawing to scale and divide the drawing equally into thirds to locate each area. This is known as the Bagua.

The entrance to your home provides a powerful first impression. Following these simple guidelines can help promote harmony and balance in your home.

Conditions to Avoid in Your Entrance:

• Avoid having your kitchen just off the entry to your home as it can lead to eating disorders.
• Avoid letting your bathroom be the first thing you see upon entering your home as it can lead to health problems.
• Avoid having your bedroom right off the entry; this drains energy since your first inclination will be to lie down and take a nap.
• Avoid having a game room right off your entrance; it can give the message that the people who live there are not serious and waste their time and life playing games.
• Avoid having a small and constricted entry as this will limit the possibilities and opportunities that can enter (including visitors).
• Avoid facing a wall or stairs immediately upon entering the home; anything that splits the eyes contributes to indecision and anxiety.
• Fix anything that needs it (i.e. burned out light bulbs, broken windows, loose flooring or countertops, peeling paint, etc.).
• Avoid clutter and unclean/unhealthy conditions at all costs (garbage, dirty laundry, etc.).
• Avoid signs of aggression – “assaultive” artwork or strong design statements, sharp objects, weapons, aggressive dogs.

Conditions to Seek in Your Entrance:

• Seek a feeling of spaciousness first and foremost so that opportunities are not cramped or constricted.
• Use live plants or flowers if possible to attract blossoming possibilities; remove any dead plants.
• Make sure the front door opens smoothly and quietly with nothing stored behind it; the door should be allowed to swing fully open to welcome in auspicious opportunities.
• Establish adult authority in the house by fixing the doorbell if it doesn’t work (or replace it with a more pleasing tone).
• Paint your entry door an attractive color that is different from the color of the house to attract good fortune (Feng Shui suggests red).
• Have plenty of room for visitors’ coats and hats to make them feel welcome.
• Have adequate lighting in your entrance to allow chi to find its way in.
• Try to have the entry as close to the living room as possible so that visitors will come to support you when you need them in your life.
• Keep your entry clean and attractive.

Source: Intentional Spaces©, Hinda Abrahamson (Feng Shui Consultations).