Cure cosmic homesickness for Mintakan in your home

With all the retrogrades going on, I feel inclined to turn inwards. Together with the sun in nurturing motherly Cancer, I come to reflect on the importance of home. Not only the physical house but also the idea of home - Where we belong, where we originate, where our soul comes from.

While I was shuffling the work your light card by Rebecca Campbell, the card Mintakan jumps out. Mintaka is one of the brightest stars in the constellation Orion (some 1200 lightyears away from the earth, and it’s easily visible to the naked eye. Although the concept of incarnation from another planet might be intimidating to some, I think it’s a universal human need to have a sense of belonging and so often empaths need a truly safe home to recharge. With this card appears, I feel it’s an invitation for us to look into the cosmic homesickness, to reflect the origins of our soul, and to cure and accept the homesickness, right at our home, our safe soul space

The Mintakan card that I pulled from Rebecca Campbell’s Work your Light Deck

The way to cure this cosmic homesickness for Mintakan is not to create a dreamy space by going overboard with spirituality-inspired decors, instead, it is to create a nurturing and safe space that allows you to explore your deepest soul.

It is to accept that we are here right now, to be present with all the insecurities, uncertainties, weirdness, awkwardness, Follow below steps see if you feel more a sense of home

Journal what a sense of belonging looks like

If you feel you don’t belong, why? List out all the experiences, encounters that make you feel like an outsider. Back at boarding school I channel my anger, discomfort to my writings, and put my longings and desires to writing. I think already I have sowed the seeds of how I wanted my future home to look like back when I was struggling to fit in

Gather support at your home using decor items

I’m a major sucker for throws. Even today, the hottest day of the year, I cover myself with throws as I feel held and supported. As if it is the magic carpet from Aladdin that helps me transport elsewhere. There is also a little jellyfish paperweight that provokes sense of wonder every time I look at it, almost like a crystal ball that can hypnotise me to another realm.

It sounds very woo woo, but never underestimate the power of your senses. When you truly tune into it, it can bring you joy, safety, wonder and sense of belonging

A Meditation corner can be as simply as a few floor cushions, with your favourite plant.

accept that we are here right now, to be present with all the insecurities, uncertainties, weirdness, awkwardness

Sketch your ideal home

When I start an interior design project, I ask my clients questions on what their dream home look, colour, furniture, energy flow. Although it might not be possible for you to completely renovate your home at the moment, by sketching it out or visualising your ideal home, you are one step closer to bring yourself truly home. Alternatively, do a vibration board and starting from there, you will begin to paint a picture of a safe, nourishing home

Connect with your spirit guides at your sacred corner at home

We are all humans and there is just so much we can do. Since I find spirituality, the knowledge that I am not alone and I have the support of spiritual guides, divine, God (however word you feel suitable to call the power that is bigger than us ) is the most comforting at all. When I am feeling disconnected with the environment, with the news around me, I go to my sacred corner and connect with them, pray, meditate.

It is a universal human needs to feel a sense of belonging

Where do you belong?

I created this sacred corner during Summer Solstice. And today, when I am feeling the yearning of belonging, I pray here

My sacred corner is not like a fortune teller’s tent, indeed it is extremely ordinary. A rug from cult furniture, several cushions, my comfy throw. Sometimes I’ll light an incense, or candle, and then I’ll just lie down on the floor, say my prayer and feel the sweet nourishments from the divine and let my whole heavy self be held by my guides

If you identify as a Mintakan like me, I hope the above suggestions would bring you closer to home. I pray that you know that you are not alone, sisters or brothers. We might be in different part of the world, but we probably originate at the same source. Know that you are not alone, if you want a chat, I’m here

Mirror, Mirror, Who am I? Exploring mirror in feng shui design

A lot of people have a love-hate relationship with mirror. We need it to make sure our appearance is presentable before we go out of our house, so it’s a necessity. Equally, the mirror displays our imperfection, reflecting what we dislike about ourselves. I’m always a little scared of mirrors, I always feel it’s a confrontation and I am not comfortable with the messages she’s telling me. I know that I’m not alone in this and mirror really does have an erring quality into it, and that’s why it’s such an important object when it comes to interior design and Feng Shui.

Mirror enlarges a space

With its reflective nature, a mirror can enlarge a small space. That’s why you can often see the use of mirror in a hallway or in a small apartment. Immediately space feels a lot more expansive and an enlarged space usually create extra comfort.

A mirror has reflective surface, doubling whatever it displays, what are your mirrors doubling? Harmony, or argument? Definitely questions we need to think about

One of the positions a mirror is recommended by Feng shui is placing it in the dining room. Dining room is where people gather, where happiness is enhanced. It is also where food is shared. By having a mirror there, it’s reflecting the food that you have on your table, meaning you are doubling your abundance. That being said, since mirror is essentially doubling whatever you have, be careful with the guests you invite to your home. It’ll be great if you share a similar vibe and have a happy occasion, the mirror would be doubling the happiness! Equally, if they are bringing in negative energy (chi), the negativity will double and linger in the space.

Mirror in bedroom

We need to be extremely careful about where to place the mirror in the bedroom. Since it’s doubling whatever is reflecting, you wouldn’t want it to face the bed as it is inviting other people to be present in the bedroom. No one would want it as bedroom is an intimate place between you and your partner. Besides, a lot of us will feel quite startled to look at our own reflection when we suddenly wake up in the middle of the night.

Very often there’s a need to place a mirror in the bedroom as our clothes are also stored there. I’d always recommend a mirror that’s not too overwhelming, perhaps something with a rattan frame as it projects peacefulness and bring in an earthy energy. I’d also recommend you to place it in a more discreet position where it does not face your bed directly. If there’s no other place for the mirrors to be placed but facing the bed, make sure you cover it with a cloth at night so that your sleep would not be disturbed.

This is not what a soul space should be although the overall atmosphere is nice! Don’t have your mirror facing your bed.

Mirror on top of fireplace

Fireplace is often the focal point of a home. Traditionally it’s where people gather and conversation is exchanged. The general rule of thumb is to avoid placing a mirror on top of the fire place. Mirror is a water energy, and fireplace is fire energy. The two might clash creating conflicts. In my previous home in Edinburgh, I have placed a mirror on top of the fireplace as I was still not pursuing Feng shui back then, and I’ve never wanted to spend my time in the living room…now I know why!

That said, a mirror on top of a fireplace might be beneficial if your fireplace is in a certain direction, based on your individual kua number.

Mirror on top of fireplace is generally regarded as a clash of energy in feng shui. However, it can still work if your fireplace is in a direction that’s good with your kua

I like this mirror in oak wood from John Lewis. It’s very versatile and I always love bringing a bit of nature into home

Mirror is scary, but at the same time I find it very fascinating. It’s the reflective aspect that’s fascinating. What do you see in the mirror? Do you see a beautiful you? Do you see someone with flaws? When I looked at the mirror this morning, I see someone with flaws, but I love her wholeheartedly. Perhaps take sometimes in front of the mirror, see what she tells you. Send me a message, or book a discovery call. Would love to know what your mirror tells you.

My home teaches my something surprising: Acceptance

As an interior stylist, you’d think that my home would be perfect; the right colour, the right combination of textures, the impeccable flow of energy. Sometimes when I scroll aimlessly on instagram, I’m amazed at how perfect other interior designers’ homes are. Whether they are in Edinburgh, in Dublin, in the state, these interior designers seem to have the perfect home. Everything is just spot on. The correct wallpaper, the carefully curated storage solutions, put it simply, it’s just together.

My dear interior designer fellow told me “Comparison is the thief of Joy” It can’t be more right. The whole time since I decided to work solo as an interior designer, I’ve tortured myself on an endless journey of comparison, and ultimately suffocating myself with a massive heaviness of inferiority.

Part of the reasons is I just couldn’t seem to take a good picture of my home to post on social media. I would not dare to use the hashtag #myperfecthome when I put the pictures on. Firstly, I rent so there’s a lot of limitation I need to work around with when I designed my home. Secondly, I moved into my husband’s bachelor pad after we got married, and in a crazily short timeframe. So I wouldn’t say it’s a well thought through interiors.

Does it mean that I’m not a good soul space creator? No. It simply means that I didn’t execute this project in the same manner I usually would. When I worked on my client’s project, I tended to put way more effort, from mood board curation, to floor plan planning, etc.

Yeah…so I have not been putting up pictures of my home. One huge thing that bothers me is the wood chip wallpaper.

I mean, wood chip wallpaper. Yup. No single interior designer would live in a flat with wood chip wallpaper.

But, do I love my home? Oh yes, wholeheartedly. And I know that staying here is the best for my family right now.

And today while I was chatting with a reader of my blog, I came to realise that our home can teach us a big soul lesson: Acceptance.

Finally, today, after moving in for more than half a year, I’ve accepted the wood chip wallpaper that has bothered me. And indeed I’m so grateful for it; because it has taught me a valuable lesson both as a soul led entrepreneur but also an interior designer. Sometimes, we just need to accept. Without acceptance, we could not live a soulful life, we will always struggle to feel safe, balanced, peaceful.

Comparison is the thief of Joy

I’ve spent some time today reflecting on this wood chip wallpaper; its awkward texture, its sneaky look that is just on your face all the time. I wondered why on earth it would be popular in the 1980s. I can’t see how it can be beautiful, I just can’t. But instead of constantly telling myself that my home is not instagrammable because of the wood chip wallpaper, I should just accept that this wood chip wallpaper is a component of my home, but it does not define my whole home, my aesthetic sense, my value and identity as a soul space creator.

So here it is, my bedroom with wood chip wallpaper. Colour painted in French Gray from Farrow & Ball. Bed from John Lewis.

Actually, when I tell this wood chip wallpaper, “hey you, I know you’re here to stay. I know I won’t be able to change it. I accept you” I feel an immense sense of relief. As if I’ve begun a new relationship with my home, and with myself. I felt that I’m way more connected, and I suddenly find that my vases and books with the wood chip wallpaper at the back can actually be quite interesting.

More importantly, I feel much more at peace with my home. I’m just not bothered with it. I love my home. There’s no more holding back.

And yes, once I decide to accept it, I’m posting the picture here, and my Instagram. Acceptance gets you to the next step in your life at your home. Trust me, when you accept the imperfection at your home, the energy instantly shifts, and your home would become a stronger shelter for you.

So, please completely remove the idea that there’s a perfect home, perfect interiors or perfect feng shui. PERFECTION JUST DOES NOT EXIST. Accept what you can’t change, and you’ll find the inner peace that we so need, and I would love to see you have a healthy, beautiful relationship with your surroundings.

Soul searching can begin with interior design

Isn’t the word Interiors very interesting? To me interiors means your own interiors (your heart, your body, your soul) as well as the outer interiors - your home, your immediate environment. It’s almost like the word interior design already suggest the connection between your heart and the environment, indeed it’s inseparable. The environment embodies energy; how you use it, how you create that energy is entirely up to you.

With the lockdown coming to 9th or 10th week, a lot of soulful individuals are encouraged by a mystic force to look deep inside. Coupling with the craziness happening on the planet with several retrogrades, we are invited to dig deep, really deep. In the last week I’ve felt utterly powerless, questioning my own purposes in earth. It dawned on me that this period is a transformational one, not only for our collective consciousness, but also my own being, how I connect with the world.

So the soul searching begins. When people use the soul searching phrase, you might usually associate it with a girl carrying a heavy backpack, travelling in the other part of the world without speaking the language. Of course, travelling is a great way to get to connect with your soul. With the travelling basically non-existent right now, it does not mean that soul searching needs to stop. It’s always an on going process. It’s not something you do only once in a lifetime. From time to time, we are called to reconnect with our soul. And You can do it at the comfort at your home.

From time to time,
we are called to
reconnect with
the deepest whispers of our soul

and you can do it at home

In fact, I think soul searching is a lot more powerful when you are at home. And you can easily begin with looking at your home’s interior design.

I didn’t exactly decide that I needed to do another soul search. It’s a niggling feeling that keeps me up at night that prompts me to slow down and speak to my soul. As an interior stylist in Edinburgh, a city filled with powerful histories, I am called to start reconnecting with my soul at home, a tenement flat.

Check-in with your main door

In Feng Shui, it’s believed that the main door sets the foundation of your home’s energy. Is it welcoming? Or is the energy not circulating positively? The main door can actually tell so much because home is your sanctuary, your safe haven. If the energy is not giving a positive vibe, you would know that there’s something you need to work on, at your home and at your soul level.

One thing you can instantly create a new wave of energy is by cleaning your entrance door. Perhaps by tidying your shoes or changing the doormat. I felt stuck lately so I’ve done a deep clean at the door, positioning a plant to give it a more live. It’s telling the universe that “Right, I’m ready for a positive transformation”

Check-in with the decorative items

Decorative items are meant for enhancement of the beauty and harmony of a home. A lot of the time it’s not a necessity. So take stock of it - how do you feel when you touch an item? Let’s get a little Marie Kondo and see if it sparks joy. If the vase from a previous soul searching travel no longer spark joy, it means you’ve outgrown of it, and it’s time to let go, express gratitude and embrace a new journey ahead of you

Besides some decorative items, such as art is indeed a gateway to your soul calling. Sit with it for a while, see what new insights you have gathered. Alternatively if the art piece no longer appeals to you, perhaps it’s time to give it away.

Your spirituality and wisdom corner

A soul searching period would not be completed without seeking wisdom from the universe. Where do you communicate with your deepest soul? Do you have a dedicated corner? Ask yourself, how can I receive a sign from the universe? Surely a sign would not be clear when you’re sitting next to your dirty laundry.

Spend some time and create a wee corner. I’m living in a one-bedroom flat and space is scarce, however, I still have a very small corner, filled with inspiring quotes and my oracle cards, where I can connect to the deepest soul whispers when I need it. I can’t tell you how much this space means to me recently.

Once the corner is created, harness its energy. Sit there, meditate, pray, and trust that answers will come

When was the last time you soul searched?

Check-in with the overall energy at your home

Coco Chanel famously stated that “An interiors is the projection of our soul”. The one thing you can instantly do is check in with the overall energy at your home. How does it feel? Start to explore the colour, the texture of your home. Remember how you moved furniture when you first moved in? Check in with the you back then. Tune in to the energy your home is giving out. If it feels heavy, explore the reasons, and see whether you can make it lighter?

When’s the last time you do a little soul searching? To me this time it came out of nowhere but I found a strong need and call to really dig deep. It is painful, complicated, awkward. I am confronted with a lot of darkness, hidden emotions and experiences that I thought I’ve forgotten and buried. With lockdown still ongoing here in Edinburgh, I did not have the resources I used to have when I wanted to do a little soul searching. It is indeed a fortunate discovery that we could start it at our home. I’m surprised how much my home is telling me, perhaps put correctly, I’m surprised at how much universe is trying to tell me through my home’s interior design

You can do that too, with the support of your home. I can’t wait to hear your experience.

The ways a well-designed home speed up my recovery from bipolar disorder

In 2011, that was my rock bottom. I was trying really hard to find out what I’ve done the next few years but I faced major obstacles. Everything was kind of blurry. What I remembered is I jumped from job to job, unable to feel settled in any of them. My life changed in 2014, when I started working for one of the most talented creatives in Hong Kong.

The minute I entered the florist studio which was nestled in a quaint street in a hip neighbourhood in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.The scent of the beautiful flowers were alluring, absorbing me, inviting me to explore more. Decorative accessories such as figurines, vintage books were carefully put among pots of plants, flowers. I knew that I wanted to work there. The more time I spent working with the creative team, surrounding myself daily with beautiful flowers, creating interior design while facing all kind of obstacles (size, budget, availability, shipping issues) the more at home I feel. And I discovered a missing puzzle of myself. My creativity bloomed. My eyes were opened.

This is such an old photo and it honestly didn’t do Ellermann Flowers credit. They make the most beautiful flowers in the world, and the whole team is super talented and creative

Photo from Ellermann Flowers, always my favourite florist. The team makes the most intriguing table styling, with carefully hand-tied bouquet

Meanwhile, I was still living at home. I longed to move out, be independent, free to do whatever I want. But as you might know, Hong Kong property price was extremely high. As someone who’s never been able to hold down a job, even renting a decent room is purely mission impossible. My parents were caring, but at times they were overprotective, and I just needed some space of my own to breathe. I did not experience that kind of freedom even in my room. Sometimes that leads to conflict, especially after my commute from work to home (crowded underground!) and I just felt the urge to burst out. To avoid conflicts or simply to feel freer, I sometimes just wandered on the street after work instead of resting in my bedroom, which was supposed to be a sanctuary.

In 2015 we decided to renovate our home. We rented somewhere else and I absolutely loved where we rented. The palette is neutral, although some might think it’s clinical. But my bed was right next to the window where I can hear the birds sing in the morning. I was able to sleep well with the blackout curtain. The open plan was spacious with a tiled floor that always cools my fiery spirits. Interestingly I ended up spending more time with my parents, and it was at the living room that I opened up more about myself.

Although I’d love to take a more active role in the overall design of my home, my job and other personal matters consumed all my energies. However, we had an interior designer in who came up with the most suited and cost effective storage solutions. I chose a few furniture in the common areas and my bedrooms, some materials, etc. I wouldn’t say i love the overall design as I haven’t used the design process and it wasn’t my creativity behind. Yes, I would have changed a lot more, but compared to before, the interiors at our home underwent a drastic transformation.

Spent a long time finding the photo of this beautiful norte monde coffee table. It’s always been a focal point

The transformation did not only happen at the physical home,
the way I
connect,
live,
and experience

transformed as well

I started to feel more engaged

The transformation did not only happen at the physical home, the way I connect, live and experience transform as well. Sitting at my vintage desk with a office chair, I was able to journal, connecting with people around the world. Sleeping on a customised wooden bed, I felt much more supported and safe. I love the norte monde coffee table I chose for the living room. The texture and subtle pattern always inspires conversation - and it’s here where we would just have tea or coffee together, slowly shedding our masks and exchanging ideas. Of course there are still heated conversations and occasional fights between my parents and I, but it no longer resulted in huge bangs at the bedroom door or my rushing out of main door.

I signed up for a retreat when I knew I needed a longer break from my day to day life, and afterwards I arrived at Museflower, which I’ll share with you soon

And slowly, I started to feel more engaged in my life. I feel more inspired to learn, to research on different lessons, and slowly embarked on a new journey. After 1 year of the renovations, I settled in my home, wrote an email to Museflower Retreat, and that’s when my recovery took on another level.

I’m not advocating you to spend resources on a internationally renowned international designer, nor interior design is the single way to cure mental illness. There are many mental illnesses, patients respond to the symptoms and treatments differently. What I want to suggest is to switch things in your home, and see if it can offer you a new perspective, to see if surrounding yourself with a soul-led environment could bring positivity and inspiration to you. It helped me a great deal, and I saw that a well-designed home filled with items that connect with people’s soul also helped people to handle the illness in a positive manner.

With the mental awareness week still going on, I’d like to invite you to learn more about mental illness, and how it can impact someone’s lives. At the same time, I’d like us to collectively pray for more kindness, support to each other during challenging times. It really does go a long way.

How I used to feel trapped in my home

This week is mental health awareness week in the UK. I love that there are beautiful souls who try to raise awareness to something that’s affecting so many people, especially now we can feel extremely lonely combating this uncertainty. Compared to years ago, the stigma around mental illness is diminishing, but what do we know about them? Do we even know what to do?

I was carrying this label for years. I was always opened about it, at least in front of my friends and families. But I’ve never found the courage to open it up to my then employers. To this day, I still have an ongoing relationship with Bipolar Disorder but it is a much more gentle one. I was just telling my GP the other day, I think it’s manageable, considering everything that’s going on in our lives.

My soul was desperate for something more.
My soul was crumbling

The first time I knew something was in 2007. I was in a boarding school. It was like a prison - at least mentally it was. We had a fixed schedule. We were each assigned a room with a table, a sink, a single bed. Surely we were free to decorate the room however we liked. But being a student and trapped in that room, my creativity was limited. I remember I woke up at the middle of the night, staring at the white wall and the almost too large cupboard, I felt trapped. I couldn’t breathe. I hated the colour of the wall, the size of the wardrobe, the fact that there’s no place to probably hang my clothes. I hated that I couldn’t control the temperature of the heater. I felt imprisoned. My soul was desperate for something more. My soul was crumbling.

I was not in a healthy state. To ensure my own safety I decided to go back home for university. I stayed at home. While I had the freedom to control the temperature using remote control. I never really felt at home. I still felt a desperate need of space. I told my then psychatrist I NEED SPACE. I couldn’t breathe in my home. Hong Kong is a small city and the property price was, and still is extremely high. I was fortunate enough to have a room that could hold bookshelf, desk, wardrobe and a bed, but still I felt I could not breathe. None of the furniture spoke to me. Bed was bought during my early teens. There was an ikea chest of drawers that is functional but ugly. I frequently fell in my room because there’s absence of space. I scattered things everywhere because I did not have the strength to figure out where they should be stored, nor had I worked out a storage system.

I never felt at home. I felt a desperate need of space. I couldn’t breathe in my home

After my brief stay in hospital in 2011, I did not even want to go home. I told my parents who were extremely worried and stressed, I needed to drive, I need air. Obviously they were alarmed. How could someone who’s just tried to kill herself be allowed to drive?

I hated my home. I hated it. I couldn’t find the right words to explain why I hated it. I’m sure there are a lot of underlining reasons apart from the colours, the furniture, the lack of lives. I was not in the right mind to explain in details, I could not gather my thoughts, at that time everything seemed illogical. I only feel trapped.

The only time I felt comfort and safe was between 12:00am to 6:00am. I never slept in my bedroom. I just could not. I felt like the furniture was mocking my inability to do anything constructive. They just didn’t speak to me, nor they provided anything other than existence. I felt they were just being there, not helping me, but just being there.

Mental illness is complicated…

but what I’m saying is my home at that time definitely did not help me

The trick to falling asleep at that time? I took my favourite teddy bear, pillows, and the thickest blanket I could get and I’d just lie on the sofa. My sofa at that time was my favourite furniture. It was a beige colour 3 seated sofa, I felt much safer sleeping on the couch than my bedroom. I’d just have TV on, watching old thriller movies like Goodfellas, as if it’s the only thing that could offer me excitement, and then slowly falling asleep.

It’s funny I have so much trouble remembering how everything looked exactly. I have difficulties conjuring an image of my family having a meal together in those years. I do not remember how the kitchen or dining table looked. I only remember my utter sadness, my sense of entrapment. I’m not saying the absence of space and the lack of a connected space is the sole reason for my mental illness. Mental illness is complicated, but what I’m saying is my home at that time definitely did not help me.

Things started changing when I found meditation, and then I started swapping things, doing a mini makeover, and eventually a renovation. I can’t wait to share with you how then home was instrumental to slow recovery.

How to be aligned with your home?

A lot of us strive to align with our soul purpose, our soul mate. Have you thought of being aligned with your home, or your office?

We spend such a long time in our home that it’s affecting us 24/7 subconsciously. With the covid-19 affecting our daily schedule, I’ve been staying my home in Edinburgh a lot more. When we are aligned with our home and its interiors, we feel safe, calm, comfort. And we can also harness its energy to create, inspire, interact. The question is, how to create an aligned home?

Meditation

When I work with my clients, I always like to start with a soul journey meditation. Designing a home, or simply repositioning furniture can bring emotions to the surface. It might be some painful memories, or it might be the stress of the interior design process. We can always go inside to find the support we need. Also, it’s only when we go inside we can hear the whispering of the soul - what colour does my soul need and want? What kind of images should I put up?

Sometimes your intuition would already tell you if the colour is the one you should go for. My role as a soul space co-creator is helping you to interpret the whispers of your soul, and design it accordingly. Throughout the designing process, you can always go back inside to see if you’re connected to the space.

Assess where you are at life

I moved into my Hong Kong home with my family in 2003, and since then I’ve changed a lot. By the time I moved back to Hong Kong, I’ve changed drastically. What once supported my journey no longer work (Well I was only a junior school student in 2003, and when I moved back home I started university). The colours that we embraced as children might not be our soul colour. Take sometime to reflect on these questions; assess where you are at, and analyse, feel into where your home is aligning with your current values, goals, emotions

1. What do I need?

2. Where do I need support?

3. What kind of feelings I want to evoke in my home?

4. What are my goals?

Through asking these questions, you are actively engaging with your home. Go back to meditate and listen to your soul whispers. I always stress that there’s no point of mindlessly scrolling on pinterest to get inspiration when it comes to your home design, go back to yourself. Your answer is there.

Listen to your body

Your body will know subconsciously whether your energy is vibrating at the same level as your surroundings. I remember I felt very uneasy when I first moved to Edinburgh. The flat was gorgeous, overlooking the Granton Harbour. However, I always felt hazy, dizzy at home. it’s as if the Universe was telling me that I needed to do something. As a renter back then, there’s limited things I could do. I switched a few furniture, bought a few home decor items that I love so dearly, and I felt instantly better.

Throughout the whole design process, be aware of what your body is trying to tell you. You can also use muscle testing (I’ll go into a little more detail in the future blogs) to identify if you’re in alignment.

Feng Shui

Feng Shui is a complex ancient Chinese practice that looks into enhancing human positive experience through the design of harmonious environment. The fundamental concept is chi (i.e. flow) chi (i.e. flow) of the home. When chi is created at home, we will feel a lot more harmonised in the environment. If luck in other areas is increased, it is simply the by product of the adjustments Feng shui brings. It’s ultimate goal is for us to live harmoniously (i.e. aligned) with our soul

My role as a soul space co-creator is helping you to interpret the whispers of your soul

I’m excited to tell that I’ll be launching a new service soon as I truly believe an aligned home will support you in manifesting abundance, achieving your goals and creating beautiful relationship with yourself and others. If you’d like to chat how I can help you to co-create the space, book a discovery call with me. If you’d like to explore how to create a 2D vibration board as an anchor to your redesigning of your home, I’d love to welcome you to my workshop

3 tips on creating mindfulness at your home

Undoubtedly it’s one of the most challenging times that we have all been through. We’re forced to adopt a new way of living in recent months owing to coronavirus. Nearly 1/3 of the world population are spending a lot more time at home and we are confronted with our emotions almost 24/7. Surely we miss the tranquility of yoga studio (personally I think Calm on Canning Street is spot on when it comes to creating a peaceful environment!) , the peace that we gained when we were in a group meditation class. Whilst it’s impossible for us to maintain our mindfulness practice in a collective physical environment, each of us can still obtain the calm and inner peace at home through switching some of our routine, creative uses of furniture and decorative items to support our mindfulness journey.

Create a quiet corner at home

With new responsibilities of homeschooling, working from home, the boundary of home and work is suddenly challenged. It’s therefore more important to just craft a little space where we can just be quiet, and tune in to listen to the whispers of our hearts and soul. You don’t need new furniture or a complete overhaul to do that. It’s quite simple. Roll out your yoga mat or a throw, sit on it. You will immediately feel that you have entered a new zone. Comfort is everything! Surround yourself with soft cushions, bolsters. And just stay in this corner as long as you want.

Feel into the texture of the cushion. How does it make you feel? Write it down

Blue is always a colour that brings peacefulness, inner calm. This colour palette reminds me of the blissful sea breeze

The colour blue always brings tranquillity and peacefulness. Do you have some blue cushions at home? Or maybe a candle holder in blue that can bring you to a state of peacefulness? Look into the material of the cushions as well. Make sure you feel a sense of support and comfort. Personally I love linen cushions as it connects me with nature

Pamper yourself with a spa at home

It’s definitely a stressful time, isn’t it? I really miss massage in treatment center. One thing about treatment centers is they are always mindful of creating an environment that can support relaxation. You can also create one at your home! Perhaps it’s time to check the paint colour in your bathroom. Are they advocating relaxation? Or is it too dark that you just don’t feel inclined to stay longer?

If it’s not possible to change the colour of your bathroom, we can invite some peacefulness by incorporating natural materials. Perhaps using bamboo baskets as storage to curate a spa-like environment? Place diffuser with an inviting scent, and place some plants by the sink, or on the cupboard. Make your bathroom not only functional, but beautiful.

Put a few drops of your favourite essential oil or bath oil into your bath, I am a big lover of lavender scent. Turn off the ceiling lights (lighting is a very important element in any interiors!) Light some candles. If you feel in need of extra love, put a few rose petals in your bath. Really savour into the moment.

Your bathroom can be both functional and beautiful. Savour into the moment

Bring some mindful prompts in

When I first brought mindfulness into my day to day life, it wasn’t easy to remember to be mindful. I have set notifications on my mobile, but there are just TOO many notifications that I often just ignored it. Physical mindful prompts are extremely helpful for you to practice mindfulness. I never enjoy washing dishes, I mean, who do? But I come across this beautiful quote in The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh and it makes you contemplate how often we are on autopilot. There are a lot of posters and art available, however you can also create one like I did. Put it in the kitchen, on your desk, to remind yourself to be mindful.

Why not get your children involved in creating these mindful prompts? It can be fun and educational

I can go on and on to write about creating mindfulness at home, however it all begins with you by allowing some time to be still, be mindful .. Don’t beat yourself up when you have monkey mind or over think. Acceptance and awareness is key. I wish you a calming time at home during this challenging time. I would love to learn how mindfulness has supported you during your time at home. Connect with me by sharing your mindful home journey, or if you need more tips, happy to chat!

5 ways to bring love to your home

The last few weeks have been crazy, mentally. The coronavirus has definitely transformed our lives. Although I’m always a homebody, the idea of lockdown still hit me. I remember I nearly had a meltdown at Tesco in Edinburgh the other day when I saw the empty shelves, questioning what on earth has brought this?

At the moment when everything seems to bring sadness, I found it so hard down to love myself, to feel love. When I was at the milk aisle at the supermarket, questioning why all milk is sold out, I find a desperate need of love, the gentle, warming kind of love.

I’m not talking about romance here (although it’s extremely important!), I’m talking about the love that makes you feel supported, nurtured. The love that we all yearn and deserve, the one that makes our lives so meaningful and beautiful. I am sure at this uncertain times, a lot of us are struggling to feel the love - maybe we cannot see our families, maybe we cannot be hugged by children who always display their loves so selflessly. Whatever the reason, I’d like to say that you have the ability to love yourself. And you should make your home the most loving place ever! So today I’d like to explore ways you can bring love - radical self love - to your home, your soul space.

View fullsize

Why don’t we read some nourishing books right now?

The love

that makes you feel

nurtured, nourished

1. Bring in cushions and throw

   Bring to mind your favourite rom-com when the two characters kiss at home, usually there are a lot of soft furnishings around that, isn’t it? It’s the softness of the cushions and throw that gives us a sense of coziness, that we feel supported. When we want to bring in more love to our home, I’d always suggest cushions and throws. Imagine the kind of support and warmness you feel when you have throws wrapping around you during the chilly weather (Well, I’m in Scotland…any home in Scotland needs a woollen throws!) Ideally you can find cushions that complement the colour of the rest of your furniture, otherwise find some that has a really intriguing pattern that you love.
   
   And think further - you can also bring in some floor cushions, seated cushions to give that extra support and love. I just love lying on the floor on my floor cushion to visualise my dream life

John Lewis & Partners Boutique Hotel Linear Cushion, Dusky Pink. I love the softness on it and how gentle it looks - just like lying under a cherry blossom tree

Isn’t this floor cushion from urban outfitters beautiful? It just radiates a sense of loving energy

2. Display items you love, AND items that recall the moments you feel loved

What’s better than having constant reminders, symbols that tell you how loved you are? A lot of the time we simply forget about it. Most of my families are back home in Hong Kong, and sometimes I do feel the lack of love in Edinburgh compared to when I was at home. Despite the convenience of technology, I occasionally do miss those hugs, those encouraging words. And I don’t mean just displaying thousands and thousands of family photos.

I’d like us to remember the feeling of love, because feeling is unforgettable, it is infectious, it can transcend time. Therefore in my bookshelf I have a jewelry boxes that I picked together with my best friend, putting nicely next to some of my well-loved books. Is it a coaster that reminds you of all the nice coffee chats you have? Or is it a vase that you have always loved? Put it right in front of where you see it all the time! And everytime when you see it, put your hands on your heart, tell yourself, I am loved. And then that energy will flow in your space

3. Give yourself easy access and convenience

Giving yourself a sense of convenience, easy access and easy flow from one room to another room is an active way of bringing yourself love. No one likes it when the bed and the chest of drawers are so close that you cannot get around with it. Imagine how irritated you might feel. And your home would not be very welcoming if the shoe bench is blocking the entire entrance. It’s time to reposition that!

Surely storage can be problematic for those who live in a small flat (myself included), but it does not mean that we need to pile items that eventually block our ways. There are always storage solutions (I can help you if you want, book a discovery call!) that will give us the space we need. Be creative, reposition your furniture, swap to a bigger/ smaller piece of furniture and see how you feel. It might be a small thing, but you are sending a sign to the universe that you are taking care of yourself and loving yourself by putting yourself at ease

I love this small bedroom I found in pinterest It’s very small but there’s no excess issue. Everything has its place. You can get to bed easily, and turn the light on easily. It just takes some planning!

The more love you shower to that place, the more support you receive

4. Create a wee loving soul space

It has taken me a long time to know that I need to honour my feelings - the bad and the good, the craziness and the calmness. Have a loving soul space corner that is dedicated to self-love. Put spiritual tools there to support you. Put books that give you insights. It does not need to be big. It can just be your bedside table - but make it so crushingly loving! Put flowers, scents, essential oils, anything that gives love. Use this corner to meditate, to connect with your spirit guides.

I would love to invite you to craft a special loving soul space. The more love you shower to that place, the more support you’ll get.

5. Use the colour pink

Pink might not be the cup of tea for most people, for me it definitely wasn’t. However it’s interesting that I subconsciously start to collect more and more pink items when I made it my mission to love myself. I find pink giving me comfort, and in Feng shui, it’s also a colour of love. Colour theory also suggests pink gives sense of love, so put it in your surroundings. I don’t mean that you need to make it a cartoon-y pinky home, we can do it tastefully by having touch of pinks here and there. Maybe a rose quartz together with a pink vase, or a pink curtain with some pink orchid. See what pink items you like - and introduce it!

How beautiful these coasters from etsy is! Rose quartz’s properties is love - and this colour is just really irresistible!

This poster from society 6 makes use of pink, but it is not overwhelming. And the slogan is just a call for us to love ourselves

There are many more ways to bring love to your home. These are some test and proven methods that I’ve harnessed the energy of my home to bring love. Your soul might call differently, and I’d love to learn more about that. Connect with me on instagram and share with me.

What is a Soul Space?

I’ve so thrilled to re-launch my interiors brand with the focus of my true calling - A soul space creator. I’ve struggled for a long time whether to show up using this word, worrying this might put off some people. The more I looked inwards, the more I’m convinced that only by showing up as who you are, being authentic and unapologetic of my core values, that I can serve my clients better.

So what is a soul space, exactly? you might ask, and I’ve attended a lot of events where people ask the same questions. To put it simply, it is a space where you can connect with your soul, your truest soul. It might sound vague, so let me break it down and tell you how, as a soul space creator, I can help you to create a soul space of your own

Soul Space nourishes you in all layers

In today’s world, we run around every day and we barely have the time for ourselves. How many times have you arrived home with an overwhelming feeling of fatigue and you were desperate for a massage because you just need to be nourished so badly? As much as I love massage (who doesn’t?) Sometimes it is just not readily possible. However, we still need nourishment! That’s why we need a soul space.

A soul space is there to nourish you, as soon as you step inside, you are filled with the positive vibrational energy that makes you feel present, feel happy, relaxed. If you do not have a soul space, you cannot be recharged. You know the feeling when you step inside a yoga studio and you feel instantly relaxed because it’s designed in a way to enhance the sense of nourishment, but believe it or not, you should bring that nourishment to your own space

Soul space supports you emotionally and physically

A few years ago the term hygge takes the world by storm, and afterwards several different terms also enter to the public domain. The one that I really resonate with is Coorie (which loosely means snuggle, comfort) Obviously because I live in Scotland.

I always love a good wool throw. It’s just super cozy and nourishing!

I remember feeling extremely lonely the first few months when I arrived in Edinburgh. It is a very beautiful city, full of histories, intriguing stories. However, knowing no one was hard. It’s even harder when it’s a rainy, dark day (which is probably most days, it’s Scotland…)

I knew this would happen; that’s why I put on some home decor pieces my friends gave me and filled it at different corners of my home. They fill me with a sense of joy everytime I look at them, and it also reminds my deep connection with these dear friends of mine, albeit they were not there. Also, I knew the coldness will hit me so I bought a Bronte by Moon Shetland throw, offering me warmth during these dark days.

Soul Space inspires you to be the best version of yourself

In decades, writers like to go to cafe also to write. It might be the aroma of the environment, or it is the energy a cafe gives. For those who work from home, is your space inspiring? Do you feel productive to take actions or you feel emotionally drained that you can’t get any work done unless you go to the cafe?

I’d like to invite you to create your own soul space, where you can be inspired to take actions.

When I was in Hong Kong, I could never work from home. I didn’t like the colour of my room, nor the cramped desk. The energy was wrong despite I was lucky enough to have my own room ( a lot of people in HK shared). When I moved to Edinburgh, I am convinced that the energy of my space needs to change because I want to be an interior designer who helps people to create their soul space. I take a time to create a corner, purchased a desk that I love, positioned accessories and books in such a way that it offers an optimal working environment. I was deeply connected. I felt my energy synchronised with my wee working corner, and slowly step by step my business idea is formed.

Soul Space enhances your wellbeing

With the interconnectedness of human beings, sometimes we just need a break from the outside world and be still. A carefully crafted soul space is therefore extremely important to help you achieve the stillness. It is a space where you can relax, and be you, without worrying the forever expanding to-do list. We all need this space to regain the energy. It is essential to our wellbeing and dare I say, sanity.

I don’t mean that you need to buy a lot of candles, incense (although they work for me tremendously), invested in an expensive couch, what I mean is to craft a space that relaxes you in every way. It might be the print of a sea in a nicely wooden frame that helps create that feeling, or it might be some magazines creating a beautiful vignette. Everyone’s different and that’s why I encourage you to craft your soul space, because believe me, we need it.

Everyone’s soul space is different, but we all need one in this hectic world. My mission is help you to bring out what nourish your soul, and using my interiors design and styling skill, to create a space that connects you, nourishes you, relaxes you. Contact me if you’d like to find out more

What makes me

First (Proper) Blog since I relaunched this website in January, 2019.

Finally. After spending a long time thinking what to write.

Then a dear friend of mine that I should write about how my background and my experience affect my interior design style. It’s my one year anniversary in Edinburgh on Saturday.. It was my yearning for space and my passion for creating personalised interiors that brought me to the Scottish Capital.

I was sitting quietly, reflecting on my growth and changes and I come to realise how much my childhood, my heritage affect my interiors style

Victorian Harbour in Hong Kong, where I lived before relocating to the Scottish capital. The busyness, the streets, the human connection have always inspired me,

Smart use of space

HK is one of the most expensive and packed city in the world. The average home size in Hong Kong is 484 square feet (45 square meters) so since childhood I’m taught to be clever with the use of space. I don’t recall having a home with dedicated study/ storage space. Utilising every space possible has been crucial to a comfortable living. As much as I dreaded it, I had no choice but to place boxes of letters, photos underneath my bed that I customised. Extra blankets, beddings are always stored at the top drawer, fully using all the height.

Although I’m now in a city where space is less scarce, this is still a very useful skill. I’m almost trained to organise things in a certain ways to maximise the sense of space. No one wants to go home to see things lying around. Just adding a drawer or a small box in the cupboard (and a bit of self discipline!!) could create a peaceful space without clutter

A set of storage boxes are useful to place things that are rarely taken out. Also, this set from Beautify is also very pretty to look at :) Making you more inclined to sort out your things !

When I was living with my parents we built a bar tables. To increase storage space we make cupboards next to it where we can also use the counterop for displaying bottles

The need for Sanctuary

As one of the economic centres in the world, Hong Kong is truly a city that never stops. Shops open till 9, if not 10pm everyday. Stress is basically something that everyone deals with on a daily basis. Everyday when I was on my commute, trapped in the MTR with my body right next to someone’s shoulder, I longed for the moment in my bedroom where I could recharge. It’s the busyness, the distractions that makes it even more important to have that moment, that space where you can feel truly connected, inspired. Because of my busy working life back home, I understand fully the importance of creating a comforting, calming, inspiring space and that’s what I wish to help my clients create the sanctuary

Image by Unsplash

People at heart

I’m fortunate enough to work with interesting people globally. Going to rural village in Thailand opened up my eyes - they have a different attitude to art, life. They brought their beliefs into crafting some of the most beautiful ceramic vases I’ve seen. The different shapes and colours are almost a symbolism of humanity. In the design industry, it’s key to form a harmonious relationship with people, and space. To me, design is really about people;, how to inspire, energise them? How to make them happier when they are upset? I guess it’s also my background in an international busy city like Hong Kong that makes me put people in front of everything else. An interiors will only be a good one if it is actively interacting with the people within. As cliche as it sounds, does it spark joy?

Ilse Crawford is my all time favourite designer. She designed the Cathay Pacific first-class lounge in Hong Kong. She carefully considers the needs of airport passenger and create a place for them to relax and recharge

Fusion of different styles

Hong Kong is a mixture of old & new, eastern & western. We have old Chinese styles temples dated hundred years ago, and every year there’s seem to be a new tall skyscraper entering the already-busy Victorian skyline. I grow up watching both local and western movies and I’m intrigued by both Eastern and Western culture. I like how both cultures interpret nature in a very different way. This uniqueness affect my style - I really like to mix different features from both culture. For example, I like to put a traditional Chinese urn next to some western handcrafted ceramic vase with victorian pattern. As long as you give some careful thoughts while curating the collection, the result is often a very pleasing one (of course, you can hire an interior stylist! contact me if there’s anything I can help!)

Photo credit: One King’s Lane