Lisa Martin's published articles in Columbia Home magazine

Coming home after a long day, you , breathe a sigh of relief as you turn into the drive and see your home, your retreat from the world and all its hassles. Walking up the gently curving stone path, your eyes feast on the glow of bright flowers by the porch and your ears detect the soft music of the chimes hanging there. A light has been left on to welcome you, and your spirits lift as you open the handsome front door.
    
An attractive, welcoming approach to your home is vital to conducting healthy energy into the house. Applying some of the philosophies and techniques of feng shul will help create an entrance area that will be inviting to guests and restorative to you and your family. Feng shul cures and antidotes can work like magic, but the primary magic happens within as your surroundings affect you in wonderful ways.

Stand in front of your house and survey the area. What are your first impressions? Is what you see pleasing to the eye and uplifting to the soul? Or do you feel burdened as you notice shrubs need trimming, the sofitts need washingd and the step you've been meaning to get fixed still broken?

Will friends stride easily to your door, admiring the beauty of the surroundings and arriving excited and happy to be there? Or will they have to struggle to negotiate a path between discarded toys and yard tools and duck under overhanging branches to reach the doorway, only to be greeted by a dying geranium and a large spider web? What your senses experience as you enter a space does much to set the tone of the time you spend there.

The path from the driveway or street to the front door should be distinct and wide enough for two people to walk comfortably side by side. It should be well- and attractively lighted at night and free of any obstructions. A pretty gate or arbor or even a small bridge adds beauty and interest. Fragrant flowers or herbs bring color and scent to the area, but steer clear of any with thorns or a spiky appearance. The overall impression should be one of softness and warmth.

Landscaping details, such as a graceful piece of statuary or a sundial, add beauty and can be a focal point in a lovely garden. An outdoor water feature, such as a small waterfall or Koi pond, adds life-giving chi, or energy, to any yard, and a comfortable bench or pair of chairs invites you to sit and enjoy Near the house, small ornamental trees or shrubs lend privacy and soften architectural angles, but be careful not to plant a tree directly in line with the front door where it will block the flow of chi to the house.

What impression does the front door of your home give? In feng shui, the front door is traditionally considered the mouth of the home, very important for bringing in fresh chi. A doorway with positive energy will attract great experiences and relationships. It must always convey a desire and willingness to receive blessings. It should be the largest of any exterior doors and readily visible. Beneficial colors, thought to bring prosperity, are red, burgundy, pink or orange tones, particularly if the house faces south.

The door handle should operate smoothly and the door itself open easily. A seasonal wreath gives a friendly greeting to visitors.

Upon entering your home, pause to examine the foyer. It should be spacious and not cluttered, though if space is limited, a mirror or wall art with with depth will make it appear larger. Symbols of welcome should be prominent, such as a beautiful rug, a lampor a chair to rest in. The impression should be that cares are left at the door, and to this end, many homes provide a basket of slippers for guests so they can remove their shoes, promoting cleanliness and comfort.

Terah Kathryn Collins includes this wonderful quote from Christopher Alexander in The Guide to Feng Shui - Room by Room: "A seat, an armrest, a door handle which is comfortable to hold, a terrace shaded from the heat, a flower growing just along the entrance where I can bend down and smell it as I pass ... so that I know, with a small leap of the heart, that I am back again." Creating a pleasing approach and entrance to your home tells everyone, including yourself, that you are ready and willing to receive all of the good things that life offers. And it welcomes you home at the end of a long day.

Lisa Martin is a master housekeeper with Housekeeping Specialists of Columbia.