Feng Shui Design: Art For Every Budget

Photo & Sacred Space Design by Elana Kilkenny.

THE FENG SHUI OF ART:

Art is a wonderful way to add beauty, personality, and inspiration to your home. From a Feng Shui perspective, I always suggest that you buy art that you love and that makes you feel the way you desire to feel...which is not necessarily the same as what you are currently feeling.

For instance, maybe you are single and wanting to be in a relationship. Are you drawn to art that contains solitary figures or images? While you may be attracted to these pieces, it might be echoing back to you a sense of living a solitary life that you may no longer desire. Try adding some other art into the mix and consider taking down some art that may not be nourishing your dreams. In this instance, consider adding some art to your home that has duality, reflects how you want to feel in a relationship, or somehow signifies love to you.

If you are feeling overworked or stressed in your life, look for some art that is more calming, serene, and/or joyful. Do you find yourself vigilant in your life, feeling a need to be protective and avert getting hurt or possible danger? Having a collection of tribal war masks might not be the best choice for you. Are you prone to fiery spurts of anger or simmering rage? Art that depicts or symbolizes conflict whether in abstract or figurative form might just be fanning your flames rather than helping you get to a more peaceful place in your heart. You get the picture...

Our relationship to art is ultimately very personal, what one piece of art might mean to you, might mean something else to another person. Understanding your own relationship to the art you already own and to that which you are drawn to bringing into your home can be a very significant form of support and catalyst for creating the life that you desire.

ART FOR EVERY BUDGET:

Now that you are thinking about the art in your home, below are some tips and resources for Art For Every Budget that I use frequently with my Sacred Space Design clients:

• Prints and Photography: are wonderful options for adding art to your home. While this option can run the gamut of pricing from reasonable to pricey there are some great options out there in all price categories. Many of the resources I have listed below also offer a limited selection of framing options that are often cheaper than having it framed at a frame store.
  
  Here are some resources I often use for my Sacred Space Design clients: 
  1. My Pinterest board "Prints I Love"
  2. Etsy
  3. Minted 
  4. Domino Magazine
  5. Specific sales from One Kings Lane
  6. Some of the artists you love but can't afford at this time, might sell prints of their more expensive works. For instance, many painters now sell prints of their in-stock and/or sold pieces of artwork. 
      
• Misc Options: Beautiful pieces of wrapping paper, fragments of wallpaper or fabric are a great and often cost-effective way to add art to your home. Another option is framing cards or postcards with a design you love. As these are generally smaller in size, think about hanging a bunch of different pieces that work together or adding them to collection of art that is on one of your walls.
  
  For Example: To add more meaning to our home I took a handmade sheet of wrapping paper that I used to make our wedding invitations and I had it matted and framed. It now hangs over our couch in our living room as it is a beautiful reminder of our love and commitment to one another.
  
  Here are some resources I often use for my Feng Shui Design clients:

1. Etsy
2. Paper Source
3. My Pinterest board "Wallpaper"

• Paintings: Paintings are one of my favorite ways to add depth, texture, beauty and soul to your home.While paintings can get expensive, there are plenty of options for every price range.
  
  Here are some resources that I often use for my Feng Shui Design clients:  

1. Etsy 
2. My Pinterest Board "Artists You Should Know About"
3. Local flea markets and craft fairs
4.  Ugallery

• Make Your Own: Last but not least, one of my favorite ways to bring art and new energy into you home is by making your own art. You don't have to have dreams of showing your art in a gallery or call yourself an artist to create your own art. Whether you love to draw, paint, make collages, etc. it's never too late to unleash the inner artist in you. It's one of the most soulful, fulfilling and budget-friendly ways you can bring art into your home.
  
  If you need a little help to get your artistic juices flowing, look for some local art classes that resonate with you in your area. My beloved journey into painting started with some amazing classes that I took with Rebecca Schweiger (one of my favorite artists and people) at her amazing The Art Studio NY .
  
  As always, I'd love to hear from you!
  
  Does you home's art currently reflect your dreams and, if not, what tip or resource are you going to utilize to create a home that inspires your desires?
  
  Who are some of your favorite artists or resources for art?
  
  Let us know in the comments below.
  
  As always, deep gratitude to you for reading and sharing so generously! Enjoy feathering your nest!
  
  Much love and blessings,
  Elana

Watch My Video on "How to Feel More Connected."

Is the velocity of life feeling too fast for you? Like a train speeding toward a destination, there is so much to get accomplished within a small window of time. While this time of year can be particularly busy, if you were to take a moment to pause and take stock you might realize that the pace of your life in general is such that it can contribute to a sense of disconnection. Disconnection from yourself, loved ones, your children, spiritual connection, etc.

The uplifting news is that alongside all the ways in which you may feel disconnected that there are just as many anecdotes available to you right now that will assist you to feel a deeper sense of connection. Over the course of many sessions with my Intuitive Counseling and Feng Shui clients and my own experience, I have distilled a number of practices that can assist you to feel more connected. This in turn can create a ripple effect in your life of opening up your heart and life to even more joy, peace, and possibilities. In conjunction with the inspiring wellness website Happiness Series, I created a video that offers you two very effective and accessible ways to feel a deeper sense of connection in your life.

I would love to hear from you on which tip resonates with you the most. Do you have any suggestions on how you create more connection in your life?  Leave them in the comments area below and share the love!

Watch...Enjoy...Share...Comment...Put Into Action...

P.S. For more inspirational and empowering videos in my series with Happiness Series, please click here.

"We forget we're mostly water til the rain falls and every atom in our body starts to go home." Albert Huffstickler (via Arianna Huffington from "Thrive")

Blessings and love,
Elana

Watch My "How to Calm Down" Video

Hello beloved all,
This has been a very full autumn for many of us. I have heard from many of you that there have been a lot of changes happening in your life and loved ones just over the past few months. That coupled with generally fuller schedules this time of year, has resulted in your feeling more overwhelmed or anxious. You might have even been told by those around us to "just calm down."

Many of us are not sure what to do when we hear that or how to actually "just calm down". So as an anecdote to feeling so frenzied I created a video for you on "How to Calm Down" in partnership with the wonderful website Happiness Series http://happinessseries.com/. Hopefully watching it will give you some insight on how to calm down and also on why we often we react so badly when people tell us to "just calm down".

Watch the video below...enjoy...and please leave a comment here or below the video on YouTube. I would love to hear from you about where you are struggling with this so that I can be of more service to you in future videos!
 

Watch My Video On What Does "Getting Grounded" Really Mean

Hi beloved all,
I am thrilled to share with you all the first in a series of videos I am doing in conjunction with the wonderful website http://happinessseries.com/. So often in life and books these days we have been hearing certain catch-all spiritual phrases such as just "get grounded" or "manifestation" or "abundance." When I am working with clients I find that while these concepts sound appealing, most people don't really know what they really mean and how to apply it to their every day lives. With this is mind, my first video for Happiness Series focuses on the idea of "Getting Grounded". What does this mean in real life in terms of grounding your energy and also what does it mean in the area of money?

Stay tuned for more inspirational and practical videos in our series over the next few months as well as upcoming articles I am writing as a blog writer for http://happinessseries.com/! If you like what you see, please leave me a comment below I would love to hear from you!

Watch...Apply...Share!
Blessings,
Elana

Revitalizing Your Home: De-clutter and Redesign

Photo by Elana Kilkenny. Taken at a Jonathan Adler store in NYC.

With temperatures climbing across the country, it is a great time to spend some time indoors de-cluttering and re-decorating your home. I have found with myself and clients that so much energy gets stuck in our homes when clutter accumulates and when your home no longer reflects who you are. De-cluttering can be a bit overwhelming for many of us,  I have found that since becoming a mother and having less disposable time that for the first time in years I am needing to do a de-cluttering overhaul. It is often wise to start with a small defined area and to identify first the items that simply need to be sifted through for outdated material (i.e. papers, magazines, etc.) that are no longer of use. I start here first as it gives an instant boost in de-cluttering confidence as you have an instant clearing in space. The areas that have items that require you to create more systematic organization in order to properly place them takes more time and thought.

Karen Kingston has a great and simple book called "Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui" that I refer to a lot of my clients when I help them with the Sacred Space design of their homes and office. A simple tenant that I try to keep in mind as often as possible is to keep that which you truly use and that which you love. Those things that you are keeping out of obligation, attachment to the past, fear of not having enough..all contribute to a constriction in your energy and general flow of not only your space but also your life to receive what is trying to come through to you.

While not all of us have the budget or desire to completely redesign your home, this time of year provides a great opportunity to be creative in bringing the style of your home into your own inspirational present. As an example, our family is still in the process of allowing our new home to speak to us and to acquire meaningful pieces to fill it. In the meantime, there are spaces that I know I don't want to commit to hanging pictures with nails as I know the furniture arrangement will probably change shortly. So I have taken some of my children's art and used simple blue painters tape to artfully arrange some pieces to add instant color and meaning to our home. When new artwork comes home or new inspiration hits I simply take down the old ones and replace them with new ones leaving my walls completely unharmed.

Another cost-conscious way to add instant pop to your walls is to frame pretty wrapping paper, wallpaper remnants, or reasonably priced prints (Etsy has some great ones). The summer is a great time to also unleash your inner artist and even if you have never painted before  you can buy a canvas and simply buy paint whose colors attract you and paint. My inner painter was unleashed years ago at Rebecca Schweiger's wonderful The Art Studio NY (see below for resources) as her classes provide tremendous support and freedom to simply create regardless of whether you have ever painted before or consider yourself an artist.

Another instant re-boot for your home is to simply rehash some current furniture and pieces in your home by placing them in different locations and/or for different uses. For instance an old shelving piece with doors once used for books can be re-jiggered to be a min-wardrobe for a child. Simply switching out or adding some decorative pillows are great ways to instantly refresh your current decor and can be switched seasonally if you like.

For more design inspiration from everything from great interiors, furniture, pillows, etc. follow me onPinterest and Instagram. Need some more one-on-one guidance, contact me about my transformative Sacred Home Design and Space Clearing and Blessing services. Happy clearing and decorating!!!

P.S. More tips forthcoming!

Resources:

1) For Design Inspiration and Resources follow me on Pinterest and Instagram.

2) Art Classes: The Art Studio NY.

3) Pillows of all price ranges (Ikea, Jonathan Adler, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters and more on my Pinterest "Pillow Talk" board)

4)For art at all price ranges follow your own muse or check out my "Artists You Should Know About" board on Pinterest.

5)"Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui" by Karen Kingston

6)Resources and great idea for organizing at my "Uncluttered Home, Peaceful Home" board on Pinterest.

What Will You Bring To This New Year

Photo by Elana Kilkenny. Taken at ABC Carpet and Home.

"This year will bring whatever this year brings, but what you bring TO it will make all the difference" Marianne Williamson

Dear Friends,

It has been a while since I have written to you and I am thrilled to reconnect to you. As I wrote about in my most recent newsletter (see link in my "Read My January 2011" post) what will elevate this new year from a time of intention to fruition is what you will bring to this year. This is an opportune time to get clearer about what you want to create and to be fearless in moving toward that vision. As we continue to live in a time where that which is hidden and a hindrance to our fullest expression is no longer supported, it is wise to recognize that if obstacles are coming up for you they are probably doing so that you can be clearer and more receptive to experiencing a deeper level of joy and manifestation that perhaps has eluded you in previous years.

I have heard from so many people how already in these early days of the new year one of two things seem to be happening, a tremendous amount of challenges seem to be coming up all at once or amazing breakthroughs and alignment is taking place.

Wherever you fall in this spectrum I urge you to have faith and not judge but rather be clear that both seemingly opposite experiences are connected. So much this year will be about completion. So wherever you have been stuck, perhaps for a very long time, might come up strongly for you this year so that you can choose to release these patterns more completely. While it could be incredibly tempting to allow yourself to spiral into old patterns of scarcity and fear, it might help to recognize that perhaps what is presenting itself has been keeping you from experiencing more flow, love, joy, in your life and that it just might be presenting itself now so that you can approach it differently and truly move beyond it.

Even at times in my own life where I have felt overwhelmed, I have found that it is important to be a "good parent" to your thinking and literally stop yourself from going deeper into negative thoughts. One way I have found that it powerful to start turning the tide is to find a balance between connecting to some authentic sweetness in life while also honoring my shadow side. Sometimes you need to start shifting your perspective by going to a place of gratitude, as this brings some necessary sweetness to an experience that might feel bitter.

Even if in the moment you can only access a few things (or even one thing, start somewhere) that you are grateful for, it is a powerful practice to shift your mind to gratitude as it also opens your heart and creates more space for something more positive to take root. Instead of repressing what is upsetting you, journaling is often a powerful tool. I would suggest always having a balance between expressing what is bothering you and having some practice that adds energy to the sweetness of your life.

While this tool has been around for a long time, Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" to be one of the most transformative tools I have ever come across to move beyond "stuckness", fear and sadness. While it is a great book for artists of all natures, don't let the title fool you it is potent for anyone wanting to be in better flow and manifestation in your life.

Sometimes we all need a little assistance to get clearer and receive support to move into a more peaceful and abundant place in our lives. In this spirit, I am offering new sessions and workshops to empower, awaken and inspire you to live your most essential life. In addition to these new offerings, I also want to share a few of my favorite resources with you that can help you to bring more to this new year! More to come in the upcoming weeks and months...

My Session Offerings:

*Intuitive Counseling Hour and a Half Sessions

My signature hour and a half Intuitive Counseling sessions  offer you greater personal insight and energy to create and manifest your empowered vision for yourself. Theseguided sessions offer you intuitive and practical guidance that does not center on predictions, although they can be a part of the process. These sessions assist you to build a stronger connection to your own intuition and creative possibility.

During this time where even the support we seek is often rushed, these session's length offers you the time to deeply explore where you are today and helps you to manifest a more fulfilling present and future. You will receive tangible suggestions to pro-actively assist you to move through the obstacles that are challenging you. These sessions also provide an energetic experience that is both nurturing and inspiring. 

*NEW: Intuitive Counseling One Hour Sessions

Many of you have expressed interest in receiving support on a more consistent basis (weekly, monthly, etc.) to help you focus on specific areas of your life and/or business. In response to these requests I am happy to announce that I am now offering one hour sessions to meet your needs.

These sessions offer you powerful guidance and tools to empower you and assist you in times of personal or professional challenge, transition, or growth. I will provide you with clear suggestions on what can best assist you to authentically move through pain, obstacles and confusion to a place of more peace, empowerment and manifestation!

*Couples Sessions

These hour and a half sessions are meant for all relationships whether romantic, professional or familial. I will guide you together to attain more clarity, direction, and tools on how to connect more authentically, peacefully and joyfully to one another.Whether you need assistance with obstacles that are facing you in your relationship or simply would like to go to another level in your relationship, couples sessions offer you a safe and powerful opportunity to receive the support that is most beneficial for you.

*Intuitive Feng Shui Home & Office Consultations

These consultations offer a personalized, intuitive and transformational approach that assists you in the creation of home and business environments designed to fully support your personal and professional goals. 

I will help you arrange, decorate and revitalize your home, office, indoor and outdoor spaces so that your life is more harmonious and your dreams more fully realized. While classically trained in Feng Shui, my unique approach is anything but traditional.  IntuitiveInteriors consultations synthesize a combination of psychic information, Feng Shui techniques, and interior design sensibility.

*Host a Workshop...
I am thrilled to offer private workshops in the comfort and convenience of your own home or office.  These workshops are all psychically guided and can be customized on a specific theme that would resonate with you and your friends, family, and/or colleagues.

Workshops are offered on a range of subjects such as:  Creating the Year of Your Dreams; Opening to Love: Bringing in and Connecting Deeper to Love; Intuitive Parenting; Creating a Beautiful and Transformational Home, Work Environments that Inspire and Motivate...and much more. 

Workshops are available both for individuals as well as specifically designed for couples. To hosta workshop that inspires you or for more information, please contact Elana by email at elanakilkenny@yahoo.com or by phone at 877-858-2100. 

*Book a Session

Sessions for all of Elana's services are available in-person and over the phone.  If you would like to book a session or for more information please contact Elana by email at info@elanakilkenny.com or by phone at 877-858-2100.

Inspirational Books For The New Year:

1)"A Return to Love" by Marianne Williamson. This is truly one of the most powerful and profound books I have ever read. I strongly suggest reading this book and once you have I have often found it to be very helpful to open this book randomly when a question is presenting itselfand as a way to ask for guidance on a particular subject. http://www.marianne.com/

2)"Creating the Work You Love" by Rick Jarow. Rick puts it best: "Now is the time to honor your life’s calling and create a self-sustaining career that resonates with your deepest levels of integrity, passion, and purpose" Rick is truly a profound teacher, author and counselor. www.rickjarow.com

3)"The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron. http://www.theartistsway.com/

4)"Ask and it is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires" by Esther and Jerry Hicks http://www.abraham-hicks.com/lawofattractionsource/index.php