Bring prosperity and peace to your homes with these lucky bamboo plants. They not only bring positive energy and luck to the house but also enhance the look of the living space it is placed in. They are considered a good option for gifting purposes as a token of love and respect. Also, these plants are important in <keyword id="51979" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="feng-shui">Feng Shui</keyword> culture. They are mostly kept indoors and do not require much maintenance. To bring luck and prosperity to your home, we have created a list of the <keyword id="11684051" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="best-lucky-plants">best lucky plants</keyword>.<br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B08VCZD8T9" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B08VCZD8T9_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Glass Pot" msid="84593852" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B08VCZD8T9</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B08VCZD8T9_body"><bulletContentRow name="B08VCZD8T9_6074962537439078"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Phore 2 Layer Lucky Bamboo Plant</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This 2-layer lucky bamboo plant from Phore should add beauty to your decor. This lucky plant is said to come in a beautiful glass pot with coloured jelly balls. It is said to be an indoor plant. Keeping roots in water is the only care to be done.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B08VCZD8T9_7135581003809605"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This beautiful plant should add grace to your home setting.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B081X7GJ52" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B081X7GJ52_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Durable Build" msid="84593914" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B081X7GJ52</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B081X7GJ52_body"><bulletContentRow name="B081X7GJ52_3008140212744347"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Ugaoo Air Purifying Bamboo Palm Plant</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This bamboo palm plant from Ugaoo is said to be suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It should help you purify the air and is easy to maintain. This plant is considered a durable, attractive and tolerant houseplant. The plant's height is said to be 6-12 inches. It comes with a self-watering plant which should make it convenient to maintain.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B081X7GJ52_6671930204738098"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This plant should be easy to maintain.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07YL8JWSL" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07YL8JWSL_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Good Fortune" msid="84593981" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07YL8JWSL</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07YL8JWSL_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07YL8JWSL_7179100524842661"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Lucky Leafy 3 Layer Lucky Bamboo in Orchid Metal Pot</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This 3-layer lucky bamboo plant from Lucky Leaf should bring good fortune to your home. It claims to come in an orchid metal pot which adds grace to your home decor or workplace, wherever kept. It is said to be suitable indoors or in dry places and does not require much attention to grow. Changing of water twice a week should make it stay fresh.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07YL8JWSL_5312047037047861"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">It should bring good fortune and luck to your home.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07Q1N7LJ1" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07Q1N7LJ1_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="2-layered" msid="84594017" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07Q1N7LJ1</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07Q1N7LJ1_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07Q1N7LJ1_4909730731764476"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Ferns 'N' Petals 2 Layer Lucky Bamboo Plant</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This 2-layer lucky bamboo plant from Ferns 'N' Petals comes with a high-quality glass pot with jelly balls. It should help you bring peace and prosperity to your home as it helps generate energy flow from outside work to inside. It can be considered a good gifting option for home or office decor.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07Q1N7LJ1_7188547302264784"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">It can be considered a good gifting option as an expression of love and respect.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07T6YKW3W" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07T6YKW3W_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Indoor Plant" msid="84594077" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07T6YKW3W</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07T6YKW3W_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07T6YKW3W_9062582637211152"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Real Nature 2 Layer lucky Bamboo Plant</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This lucky bamboo plant from Real Nature has two layers which signify double luck. It should bring positive energy and peace to your home. This plant is said to come in a beautiful glass pot which should add grace to your home or office decor. It is easy to maintain and should be kept indoors. It can be considered a great gift option to show love or respect.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07T6YKW3W_5402095652350238"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">It is said to be suitable for keeping indoors.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B08HM5GSXL" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B08HM5GSXL_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb><div type="image" title="Air-purifier" msid="84594109" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B08HM5GSXL</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B08HM5GSXL_body"><bulletContentRow name="B08HM5GSXL_6328458432149487"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Vibrant Green Air Purifying 2 Layer Bamboo Plant</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Bring peace and prosperity with this lucky bamboo plant from Vibrant Green. Its two layers signify double luck and prosperity to your home. It claims to come with a simple-looking plastic white pot of 3X3 inches. It is said to be used as an indoor plant that helps to purify the air. It can be considered as a gifting option as an expression of respect.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B08HM5GSXL_7647533609252339"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">It should help you purify the air.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br />

Best indoor plants to buy for luck and prosperity

<ul class="summary-list"><li>F<strong>eng shui harmonizes your environment to balance the flow of Qi, or energy.</strong></li><li>P<strong>ositioning your bed auspiciously is the most important element of bedroom feng shui.</strong></li><li>D<strong>ecorations in the bedroom should balance the five elements - earth, fire, water, metal, and air.</strong></li></ul><p>Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice that influences the flow of life force energy, or Qi, to bring people into harmony with their environment. You can utilize elements of feng shui in your <keyword id="11898442" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="home" source="Orion">home</keyword> by orienting furniture and placing objects to redirect the flow of Qi in an auspicious way. </p><p><a href="https://www.anjiecho.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anjie Cho</a> is a New York-based architect and interior designer who specializes in feng shui. "Feng shui examines how we shape our environment so it can support us rather than deplete us or make our life more difficult with obstacles," she says. "The bedroom is one of the most private spaces in the home. You spend a great amount of time sleeping in bed, in an unconscious, receptive state, and you absorb the Qi of your bedroom."</p><p>Qi nourishes us, and in the bedroom, feng shui can promote feelings of love, intimacy, and well-being, and even promote healthy sexual relationships. On the other hand, if the bedroom is unbalanced, this could create feelings of strife and discomfort. Cho shares her top tips for achieving a more harmonious bedroom here.</p><h2><strong>1. Pick supportive colors</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="A bed with a cane headboard, green pillows, white bed spread, and matching nightstands with white lamps" height="1438" width="1918" msid="85807091" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Your bedroom is a place of serenity and relaxation. According to the principles of feng shui, you should use earthy tones and colors, such as brown or white, to help inspire feelings of simplicity and groundedness.</p><p>"Wood element colors can be healing too, like blue and green, so long as they aren't too energetic," Cho says. "Avoid colors that are too bright or stimulating. Especially if you have trouble sleeping."</p><h2><strong>2. Position your bed properly</strong></h2><p>Put your bed in the "command position" facing the entry door. This helps to relax your fight or flight response. </p><p>"Command position means you want to be able to see the door while lying in bed, but not directly in line with the door," Cho says. Usually, this means you're situated diagonally from the door. When you're not able to see the door, your fight or flight response is activated because you're under a subtle level of stress.</p><h2><strong>3. Invest in a nice bed frame with a headboard</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="Wide shot of a bed with night stands on either side." height="1500" width="2000" msid="85807097" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>"You want to have the Qi flow around you," Cho says. When you have your bed right on the floor, there's no way for the energy to flow beneath you. An elevated bed allows for optimal energy flow and a headboard attached to your bed fosters a sense of security.</p><p>"A headboard represents stability in your life," Cho says. "It also represents connecting you with your partner or future partner. When people are in transition and not stable, they don't buy a headboard."</p><h2><strong>4. Don't store anything underneath your bed</strong></h2><p>"When you're in bed you're in a passive state," Cho says. "If you're sleeping over anything that's emotionally charged, like photos or letters from an ex, that can hold you back from moving onto a new relationship. You're literally sleeping over that energy every night."</p><p>Similarly, if you're sleeping over running shoes, that energy is focused on movement and could negatively impact your quality of sleep. Ideally you want nothing under your bed. If you have limited storage space, linens or pillows are OK. </p><h2><strong>5. Replace your linens annually</strong></h2><p>Try to invest in the highest quality, non-toxic linens that you can afford and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-sheets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">replace them annually</a>. "You have a lot of skin contact with your linens, and absorb that energy," Cho says. Bamboo sheets are a great choice for something that's breathable and silky soft. </p><h3><strong>Best linen sheets </strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Best linen sheets overall:</strong> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?platform=browser&amp;postSource=bi%7C5ef0f0205af6cc710f1c2d99&amp;sc=false&amp;type=LINK-WITH-REVIEW-SLASH-OUT&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sijohome.com%2F&amp;sessionid=1629816879395sionid=1629816879395" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noindex noopener sponsored">Sijo</a></li><li><strong>Best linen sheets for variety:</strong> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?platform=browser&amp;postSource=bi%7C5ef0f0205af6cc710f1c2d99&amp;sc=false&amp;sessionid=1629816494071fdn3ewg5&amp;type=ALREADY-AFFILIATE-LINK-NOT-AMAZON&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fshareasale.com%2Fr.cfm%3Fb%3D999%26u%3D1088116%26m%3D80536%26urllink%3Dmagiclinen.com%252Flinen-bedding%252Flinen-sheet-sets%26afftrack%3Dxid%3Afr1629816882213agb&amp;afftrack=1629816879327ai1ymi26l&amp;xid=fr1629816882213agbl&amp;xid=fr1629816882213agb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">MagicLinen</a></li><li><strong>Best organic linen sheets:</strong> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?platform=browser&amp;postSource=bi%7C5ef0f0205af6cc710f1c2d99&amp;sc=false&amp;sessionid=1629816494071zcl85vkm&amp;type=ALREADY-AFFILIATE-LINK-NOT-AMAZON&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gopjn.com%2Ft%2FTUJGRkZNTUJGSEhLR01CRklLSUpN%3Furl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.coyuchi.com%252Forganic-linen-sheets.html&amp;sid=1629816879327auo3h0ezqd=1629816879327auo3h0ezq" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Coyuchi</a></li><li><strong>Best linen sheet design:</strong> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?platform=browser&amp;postSource=bi%7C5ef0f0205af6cc710f1c2d99&amp;sc=false&amp;sessionid=1629816494071zmhebb9c&amp;type=ALREADY-AFFILIATE-LINK-NOT-AMAZON&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pjatr.com%2Ft%2FTUJGR0VKSEJGSEhLR01CRkxKTkZG%3Furl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fprimarygoods.com%252Fproducts%252Fthe-complete-set-in-linen%253Fvariant%253D31100799418470&amp;sid=1629816879327amoucnmj1d=1629816879327amoucnmj1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Primary Goods</a></li></ul><p>For the full review, check out our guide on the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-linen-sheets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best linen sheet</a></p><h2><strong>6. Place the head of the bed against a wall with space on both sides</strong></h2><p>This balances your masculine and feminine energies, your yin and yang, and gives your partner space. </p><p>"Nobody wants to squeeze into the wall side of the bed and be trapped there," Cho says. "Otherwise it doesn't feel like a balanced relationship."</p><p>Even if you are happily single, having a bed pushed up against a wall creates an imbalance. Choose a smaller bed, and leave room on both sides. Having nightstands on both sides also helps to create a balanced environment to support a relationship or future relationship.</p><h2><strong>7. Stick to plants with soft, rounded leaves</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="Close up of a golden pothos on a window ledge." height="1414" width="1885" msid="85807100" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Plants strengthen the wood element in your bedroom, nurturing compassion and growth. Soft leaves promote a sense of healing. Don't have a cactus or prickly plant in your bedroom, especially if you struggle with internal aggression. For example, Cho has a golden pothos and <a href="https://www.insider.com/spider-plant-care" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spider plant</a> in her bedroom. </p><h2><strong>8. Avoid too many books in the bedroom</strong></h2><p>It's alright to have a novel by your bedside if you read to fall asleep, but if you have a whole library in your bedroom, that stimulates your brain and could contribute to difficulty sleeping.</p><h2><strong>9. Don't block windows with your bed</strong></h2><p>Windows represent your eyes, and having something - like your headboard - blocking a window stimulates your fight or flight response. "You're very vulnerable if your back is to that, especially if you're on the ground floor," Cho says.</p><h2><strong>10. Don't place a mirror facing your bed</strong></h2><p>If you're superstitious, avoid having a mirror face your bed. "The superstition is that while you're sleeping, the spirit leaves your body, and it might go into the mirror and forget to come back to your body," Cho says. </p><p>Cho's <a href="http://www.btbfengshui.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BTB Feng Shui School</a> believes that mirrors are okay in the bedroom so long as they aren't directly facing the bed. They can even be positioned to help you see the door in the reflection of the mirror if it's impossible to move your bed into the command position due to space constraints.</p><h2><strong>11. Control the lighting</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="Light coming through window blinds." height="1434" width="1912" msid="85807106" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>You want to be able to control the lighting, or fire element, in the bedroom with curtains or blinds. This allows you to create a yin environment that's dark enough to sleep in at night. "A lot of people don't have dark enough rooms to be able to sleep well," Cho says.</p><p>Window treatments can create acoustical insulation as well. During the day, you want to bring the yang energy of sunlight into the bedroom to clear out the space. Light fixtures that can be dimmed are helpful.</p><h2><strong>12. Clear energy from any second-hand items</strong></h2><p>If you have any second-hand objects in your bedroom, Cho recommends that you smudge or sage it, or leave it out in the sunlight to energetically recharge. Smudging involves lighting a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08589GXMM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=bihk_082421_bedroom-feng-shui-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B08589GXMM&amp;linkId=dcc5d07291244131f72db389eeaf03c191244131f72db389eeaf03c1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">smudge stick</a> and moving it mindfully throughout the room or around an object to clear negative energy. It's important to clear these items with intention because they retain energy from past owners.</p><h2><strong>13. Don't bring your work into the bedroom</strong></h2><p>Blurring the separation between work and rest is dangerous. Don't bring your computer or other work items into your bedroom. "If you can see your computer from your bed, it's really easy to get up and start working again," Cho says.</p><p>If you must have your desk in your bedroom, turn off your devices, and create a separation between work time and rest. "Shut it down and put a scarf over your desk to cover it up," Cho recommends. </p><h2><strong>14. Balance the five elements</strong></h2><p>The five elements are earth, fire, water, metal, and air. For earth, Cho recommends placing a neutral rug under the bed to help ground it. Add metal by having white, like white sheets, or a metal singing bowl. </p><p>For water, you can bring in a small black accent, like a vase, or flowy drapes for a soft, undulating pattern. Incorporate wood with a green plant or a piece of art. A decorative pillow that's green or blue will also work. </p><p>"Fire you want to use sparingly," Cho says. Fire represents dynamism and passion but is also connected to restlessness. "Something that's really nice is having a little candle by your bed."</p><h2><strong>Insider's takeaway</strong></h2><p>Bedroom feng shui is especially important because you spend so many passive hours in this room, nourishing and recharging your body and spirit. The positioning of the bed is of utmost importance to create a relaxing environment, balanced relationship, and flow of Qi around you while you sleep. Removing distracting items and balancing the five elements with bedroom decor can also help promote restfulness.</p><a data-type="60f089a1172f6c46df3cb986">12 garage organization ideas to help you overcome the clutter</a><a data-type="6112ba2b4ee3500b62070c62">15 laundry room ideas that'll make laundry day feel less like a chore</a><a data-type="60b9293dc29eae7308200fd2">Closet organization ideas for every type of clothing, because you deserve more space</a><a data-type="603fcd6d5c53db7a103779d4">How to organize a pantry in 7 simple steps</a>

14 ways to bring feng shui to your bedroom for harmony and balance

<ul class="summary-list"><li><strong><keyword id="51979" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="feng-shui">Feng shui</keyword> is about creating harmony by finding ways to connect manmade things with nature through <keyword id="6373314" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Design">design</keyword>.</strong></li><li><strong>Architects from around the world have made major design decisions based on feng shui.</strong></li><li><strong>Some of the popular buildings that were inspired by feng shui principles are the <keyword id="600998" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Louvre-Museum">Louvre Museum</keyword>, the <keyword id="13566" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Sydney-Opera-House">Sydney Opera House</keyword>, <keyword id="4086701" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="columbus-circle">Columbus Circle</keyword>, and more. </strong></li></ul><p><em>Following is a transcript of the <keyword id="21654" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="video">video</keyword>.</em></p><p><strong>Narrator:</strong> 1990. The famous <keyword id="104905" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Bank-of-China">Bank of China</keyword> <keyword id="26780" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="building">building</keyword> became the newest addition to the Hong Kong skyline with its sharp, pointed edges. Soon after the building was opened, the bank next door reported huge losses and two other businesses filed for bankruptcy. Those businesses specifically blame the design of the Bank of China building for causing this catastrophe. Why? Because with those sharp edges, that building shirks the principles of feng shui, supposedly cutting through the skyline's good fortune. It may seem like superstition, but architects from around the world have made major design decisions based on feng shui, decisions that we can see and that may even affect our lives.</p><p>So, what is feng shui? It's all about creating harmony by finding ways to connect manmade things with nature through design using the five natural elements: metal, water, wood, fire, and earth. The best way to understand it is to start small, with a living room. And each one promotes something different. Water can represent living flexibly, and you can include it in your home using the color black or by introducing a wavy pattern. Metal is represented by objects made of, well, metal, as well as the color white. You'd add fire elements if you want to ignite passion. Triangular shapes and the color red help to bring in a little heat. The wood element can encourage personal growth, and you can incorporate that with the color green in plants. Finally, earth elements provide stability, and you can incorporate it by adding heavy objects or something like a square rug. It's solid but can be refined. Good for creating stronger focus and disrupting unharmonious forces.</p><p>It may seem unlikely that these practices can bring about such major life results, but there's a reason some of the world's most successful and impressive architects integrate them into their designs. Put simply, they share the same purpose: to figure out the needs of a person and find ways to make the space functional. This can be done by using colors, shapes, textures, and even through the arrangement of things like furniture.</p><p>To see how architects use feng shui, let's start in New York City at the famous Columbus Circle, one of the first major locations to use feng shui in the United States. It's right next to Central Park, and the central feature is this roundabout. Roundabouts represent a huge problem in feng shui. They represent the water element, but in a more volatile way: whirlpools. There's an endless rotation of people, vehicles, and energy constantly flowing through the traffic circle. Like water, without something to interrupt the flow, a whirlpool begins to form. Feng shui experts say this can cause catastrophe, as wealth could potentially get sucked into the hectic flow.</p><p>One of those businesses concerned about this is the Trump International Hotel. Enter feng shui master and Trump consultant in the '90s Pun-Yin and her father, Tin-Sun. She suggested adding the now famous Columbus Circle globe, which literally disrupts the flow of energy as people stop and gather around. Its purpose is to stop the roundabout from sucking in all the potential wealth and opportunities. For example, people who may have otherwise just kept walking are stopped in their tracks, potentially bringing in more business and, therefore, more wealth. The globe was installed in 1996 by Donald Trump at the suggestion of the two feng shui masters. The move signaled to the <keyword id="51418" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="architecture">architecture</keyword> community that there was a new market emerging in the US for feng shui in architectural design.</p><p>After this, the number of feng shui businesses in New York state shot up from two to 65. Feng shui is used by architects in different places around the world for different reasons. But whether the architect has a casual interest in it, is culturally connected to it, or simply knows it helps sell newly developed buildings, it's being used everywhere.</p><p>Next, let's take a trip to Sydney, Australia, home to the Sydney Opera House, a feng shui triumph by combining two elements that seem at opposition but actually work together: fire and water. It was designed by architect Jørn Utzon, who wanted to create a space that uplifts the arts. According to Steven Post, a feng shui practitioner and teacher, the sail-like curves of the structure, which is literally built on water, represent that element and combine with the triangular shapes, which represent fire in feng shui, that prop up those curves. This combination can create a productive balance, using the passion of the arts to foster flexibility in its audiences and the largest city. That makes sense because the Sydney Opera House is all about promoting the performing arts.</p><p>Hopping over to Europe, let's look to the romance capitol of the world, Paris, which is home to the most famous collection of <keyword id="1105" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="art">art</keyword> in the Western world, the Louvre. It was designed by I. M. Pei, the same architect who designed the "disastrous" Bank of China building in Hong Kong, but this one is a feng shui marvel. The Louvre includes classic European architecture coupled with more modern glass pyramids in the center. Pyramidal structures are regarded as a classic fire structure in feng shui, and its base is flat and square, representing the element of earth. The combination of these two elements encourages passion through the element of fire to fuel the need for art to continuously evolve, while the earth element helps ground the place and teaches us to respect the invaluable treasures of classical art that are already in the museum.</p><p>But not all buildings can be so lucky. The Bank of China building had one of its sharp edges pointed directly at the HSBC building, the neighboring bank that reported losses as a result of this. So HSBC responded with feng shui adjustments of their own by installing canon-like structures on the top of their building, a feng shui tradition that deflects negative energy.</p><p>But experts say there are a few relatively easy fixes that could put the building back in harmony. Steven Post says changing the crisscrossing metal components from white to green would promote wood energy and making the antenna at the top red would promote fire energy. Making these changes would shift the sharp nature of the building into a naturally harmonious one, where wood is fueling the fire, leading to success.</p><p>As architects and interior designers continue to include the practice of feng shui into their work, you can expect to see more buildings and landmarks with the aim of creating a healthy, harmonious city life. Maybe one day, they'll be able to even remedy the growing feeling of fleeing big cities for wide-open spaces. So, the next time you're out and about in your own neighborhoods, take a look around. There could be feng shui elements at work and you didn't even know it.</p><p><em>EDITOR'S NOTE: This video was originally published in October 2019.</em></p>

How architects use feng shui to design famous buildings

Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky<ul class="summary-list"><li>Jade plants are the preferred beginner plant for bonsai enthusiasts and are considered lucky in feng shui.</li><li>Jade plants are <keyword id="12412337" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="succulents" source="Orion">succulents</keyword>, which makes them hardy and quite easy to care for.</li><li>LIke their natural habitat, jade plants prefer bright direct light and warm temperatures.</li></ul><p>The trusty, hardy jade plant is one of the <a href="https://www.insider.com/types-of-succulents" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most popular succulent houseplants</a>. Native to South Africa and Mozambique, this enduring plant requires an infrequent watering schedule and, though they prefer direct light, they can tolerate low light conditions. Also known as the lucky plant, jade plants represent friendship and prosperity in countries throughout Asia. </p><p>Erin Marino, editorial lead and plant expert at <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesill.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">The Sill</a>, shares her best care tips on the beloved jade plant so you can maintain it as a good luck charm. </p><h2><strong>Identifying a jade plant</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="A closeup of a jade plant against a black background" height="1841" width="2454" msid="87345928" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>With thick stems and plump, shiny, and oval-shaped leaves, the charming jade plant has a mini tree-like appearance. There are dozens of jade plant varieties, but most are easily identified by their dark green leaves that can sometimes have a reddish hue. </p><p>"The word crassus in Latin means 'thick.' The name Crassula was given to this group of succulent plants because they have thick leaves and stems that store water," says Marino.</p><p>Jade plants also have bonsai capabilities, meaning they can take on a mini tree-like appearance and are the preferred beginner plant for bonsai tree enthusiasts. "Many bonsai beginners start with a jade plant since they are so hardy and can easily take on the shape of a bonsai tree when pruned correctly," says Marino.</p><h2>At a glance</h2><ul><li><p><strong>Botanical name:</strong> Crassula ovata</p></li><li><p><strong>Commonly known as:</strong> Jade plant, Lucky plant</p></li><li><p><strong>Hardiness zone:</strong> 10-11</p></li><li><p><strong>Toxic to pets:</strong> Yes</p></li><li><p><strong>Watering frequency:</strong> Once every two to three weeks</p></li><li><p><strong>Soil type:</strong> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Succulent-Professional-Draining-Pre-Mixed/dp/B08NF2N3HJ/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Succulent mix</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Light exposure:</strong> Bright direct light</p></li></ul><h2><strong>Water</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="A hand using a yellow watering can to water a small jade plant" height="1410" width="1880" msid="87345933" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>As with all succulents, overwatering can be fatal and the jade plant is no exception. Marino recommends watering your jade plant only when the potting mix is completely dry. To check this, stick your finger in the soil - if soil sticks to your finger, do not water; if there is no soil, it's time for a drink. </p><p>"If you're nervous about overwatering, wait for your jade plant's leaves to wrinkle before watering again," says Marino. "This is a sign of thirst in fleshy, succulent plants."</p><h2><strong>Soil</strong></h2><p>Traditional potting soil mix will not work with jade plants or other succulents. These plants need a rocky soil or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Succulent-Professional-Draining-Pre-Mixed/dp/B08NF2N3HJ/?th=1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">grainy soil</a> that will allow for proper drainage and avoid root rot. Choosing a terra cotta pot for your jade plant will also retain some moisture so you can maintain the infrequent watering schedule that it prefers.</p><p>"Opt for a well-draining, sandy soil to pot your plant in, like a succulent mix," says Marino.</p><h2><strong>Light and temperature</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="A jade plant with bright red leaf-tips growing outside in a terra cotta pot" height="1411" width="1882" msid="87345935" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Because jade plants originate from a warm, dry environment, it is best to replicate these conditions indoors as closely as possible for your jade plant to thrive. If your plant is getting enough sunlight, its leaves may reward you with beautiful red edges.</p><p>"Keep temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and place in a spot where it receives bright direct light," says Marino. "If your space doesn't receive great natural light, position your jade plant under a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/APLANT-Function-Spectrum-Seedlings-Succulents/dp/B08RRXX9MK/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">grow light</a> instead."</p><p>If you live in a colder area, Marino recommends bringing your jade plant indoors before temperatures dip below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.</p><h2><strong>Propagation</strong></h2><p>There are two ways to propagate a jade plant: leaf cutting and stem cutting. To propagate by leaf cutting, be sure to choose the healthiest leaf from a mature branch and gently remove it.</p><p><strong>"</strong>Make sure to remove the stem of the leaf with it, which is where new roots and baby leaves will grow," says Marino. "Leave the leaf out in a dry spot until the bottom has scabbed over, then place on top of new potting soil and lightly mist it weekly." </p><p>A new baby jade will eventually grow from where the leaf was removed from the mother plant. Marino also suggests speeding up the propagation process by dipping that end in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AA8WPGY" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">rooting hormone powder</a> once scabbed over and before placing it on top of the soil. </p><p>To propagate by stem cutting, Marino says to use pruning shears to take a healthy stem cutting - a piece of the stem or branch of the plant - that is a few inches long and let it sit in a dry place until the bottom scabs over, then repeat the same steps as the leaf-cutting process.</p><h2><strong>Common problems</strong></h2><p>Like most <keyword id="12021028" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="houseplants" source="Orion">houseplants</keyword>, the jade plant can suffer from being overwatered and is also susceptible to common pests such as mealybugs and spider mites. To overcome this, Marino recommends a simple solution using household items.</p><p>"Spot-treat visible bugs with a cotton swab or cotton pad dipped in alcohol," says Marino. "Make sure to get all the nooks and crannies where these pests like to hide, and examine your plant weekly for signs of reinfestation."</p><h2><strong>Insider's takeaway</strong></h2><p>With enough bright direct light, warmth, the right potting soil, and an infrequent watering schedule, your jade plant can grow and thrive with the same strength and beauty as the trees it resembles.</p><a data-type="60fefb0dbd6912489c66a23f">10 popular types of succulents and how to care for them</a><a data-type="5e45be454b661b0bb3069709">We compared 3 of the most popular online plant shops - here's how their shipping and return policies and plant care advice stack up</a><a data-type="617871b1b19e807c9d54568a">8 low-light houseplants that can tolerate even the darkest corners of your home</a><a data-type="60ca71f8bee01c3f4c0324f9">How to grow and care for orchids</a>

How to grow and care for a jade plant

Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky<ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>Money trees are popular in <a href="https://www.insider.com/bedroom-feng-shui" target="_blank" rel="noopener">feng shui</a> because they represent the practice's five elements.</strong></li><li><strong>As <keyword id="12021028" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="houseplants" source="Orion">houseplants</keyword>, money trees have braided trunks that do not occur in their natural habitat.</strong></li><li><strong>This houseplant has long been said to bring good luck and fortune, according to lore.</strong></li></ul><p>You might think of <a href="https://www.insider.com/bedroom-feng-shui" target="_blank" rel="noopener">feng shui</a>, the ancient Chinese practice and philosophy of arranging pieces in a living space to bring harmony and balance, as only relating to furniture. Plants, however, are essential to feng shui practitioners for bringing in a connection to the natural world. </p><p>One of the most popular plants used in feng shui is the charming money tree, which represents the five elements of feng shui - wood, water, fire, metal, and earth. It is also a symbol of good luck and fortune for many, making it the perfect housewarming gift.</p><p>While money trees are a tropical tree native to Central and South America, they have been popularized throughout East and Southeast Asia. Erin Marino, editorial lead and plant expert at <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesill.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow sponsored">The Sill</a>, shares her best care tips so any money tree can keep ushering in good luck and fortune.</p><h2><strong>Identifying a money tree</strong></h2><p>Money trees can be easily identified by their long, palm-like leaves and distinct braided trunk. While their interlaced trunks may seem like a naturally occurring feature, money trees with braided trunks were woven this way by farmers or gardeners in their young form due to their pliable stems by braiding three or more separate stems into one money tree.</p><p>"In their native habitat, the trunks of money trees are not braided," says Marino. "This is something that's become the norm over time for these plants when sold as houseplants. Some suggest it's meant to 'lock in' the good fortune of the plant."</p><p>Two species of the money tree are the most popular: <em>Pachira aquatica</em> and <em>Pachira glabra. </em>While P. aquatica is used as the umbrella species name for both species of money trees, P. glabra grows in lowland rainforests and bloom flowers with white stamens, while P. aquatica grows in coastal estuaries and bloom flowers with red stamens. </p><p>"Both plants are aesthetically similar when cultivated as houseplants and their scientific names are synonymous with the common name 'money tree,'" says Marino.</p><h2><strong>At a glance</strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Botanical name:</strong> <em>Pachira aquatica, Pachira glabra</em></li><li><strong>Commonly known as:</strong> Money tree, water chestnut, Guiana chestnut</li><li><strong>Hardiness zone:</strong> 10-11</li><li><strong>Toxic to pets:</strong> No</li><li><strong>Watering frequency:</strong> Once every 7-14 days</li><li><strong>Soil type:</strong> Succulent mix</li><li><strong>Light exposure:</strong> Bright indirect to medium light</li></ul><h2><strong>Water</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="An elderly man misting a money tree." height="1286" width="1714" msid="86968594" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Despite their tropical origins, money trees can be sensitive to overwatering and overly moist soil. To maintain consistency, Marino recommends keeping a humidifier around a money tree or gently misting them weekly. </p><p>"The best watering schedule for your money tree is every one to two weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings," says Marino. "Expect to water more often in brighter light, and less often in lower light."</p><h2><strong>Potting and fertilizer</strong></h2><p>While Marino says that most indoor potting soils will work for money trees, one with adequate drainage, like a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesill.com%2Fproducts%2Fcacti-mix-organic" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow sponsored">sandy succulent mix</a>, is preferred for this plant. </p><p>As for fertilizer, money trees can be fed about once a month in the growing seasons of spring and summer with a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength, following the instructions on the fertilizer's label. </p><p><strong>Quick tip: </strong>Our <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/insider-reviews-expertise-in-product-reviews" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Insider Reviews team</a> tests different fertilizers to determine <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-fertilizers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the best ones you can buy</a>. The top pick for indoor plants is the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?platform=browser&amp;postSource=bi%7C5ecd7aa1f0f4192fdf007729&amp;sc=false&amp;sessionid=1634049433340ozdj8db1&amp;type=ALREADY-AFFILIATE-LINK-NOT-AMAZON&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D35871X943606%26xs%3D1%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.acehardware.com%252Fdepartments%252Flawn-and-garden%252Fgardening%252Fplant-food%252F7364854&amp;xcust=1634049439544an2txg1hbt=1634049439544an2txg1hb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Osmocote Indoor Outdoor Organic Plant Food</a>.</p>Indoor Outdoor Organic Plant Food (small)<h2><strong>Temperature and light</strong></h2><p>To replicate the warm, tropical environment of the money tree, it is best to give it plenty of consistent lighting, rotating it weekly for all leaves to get the same amount of sunlight. </p><p>"Money trees thrive in bright indirect to medium light indoors. It prefers temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit - on the warmer end is ideal," says Marino. "Keep away from cold and hot drafts, like AC units, heaters, or open windows and doors."</p><h2><strong>Common problems</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="A money tree plant in a white pot." height="709" width="946" msid="86968596" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Like most indoor houseplants, money trees may fall victim to typical problems such as overwatering and underwatering. Marino suggests looking out for leaf drop, which usually means not enough sunlight or water; yellow leaves and/or black stems, which usually means overwatering; and curling leaves and/or extra dry soil, which usually means underwatering.</p><p>"As for pests and diseases, money trees are susceptible to most common plant pests," says Marino. "Most, if caught early on, can be treated with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesill.com%2Fproducts%2Forganic-neem-oil" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow sponsored">neem oil</a> or an insecticide."</p><p><strong>Quick tip: </strong>To keep a money tree healthy, Marino suggests constantly examining the plant when watering it, checking stems and under the leaves for any early signs of pests. Once spotted, quarantine the infected plant away from others to avoid pests spreading.</p><h2><strong>Propagation</strong></h2><p>Propagating a money plant can be done through a simple cutting process. To begin, Marino instructs to take a healthy cutting from the bottom part of the plant that has multiple leaves and nodes (points of attachment that look like small bumps), which will be where new roots will begin.</p><p>Next, Marino recommends dipping the bottom of the cutting in a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Safe-Rooting-Hormone-93194/dp/B00AA8WPGY" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow sponsored">rooting hormone chemical</a> to promote root development, but only the section that will be planted, and then stick it into a fresh, pre-moistened potting mix.</p><p>Lastly, secure the plant in fresh potting soil in a new pot by patting down around the base. Keep it in a warm spot, with indirect bright to medium light, and water when dry.</p><h2><strong>Insider's takeaway</strong></h2><p>For a money tree to stay healthy and thriving, it's important to monitor the watering schedule and prevent overwatering, while also keeping it in a brightly lit area with well-draining soil. With this simple care routine, this hardy houseplant can reward anyone with years of good luck, good fortune, and positive energy.</p><a data-type="615dc63cea58a43204562af0">How to plant and care for mums</a><a data-type="615cbe34ea58a431f727ea53">How to grow and care for peace lilies</a><a data-type="613fb1e90cf12a7d4d1ba6bd">How to grow and care for a Venus flytrap</a><a data-type="613278e0654b02473a45191d">How to grow and care for a fiddle-leaf fig plant</a>

How to grow and care for a money tree

There’s something appealing about greenery. You can’t go wrong with having a little something green around the house. Pots and plants make for great home décor. But the real ones can be really challenging to maintain. Don’t fret, we have a list of some great artificial ones you can consider buying. <br /><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B01LHNLJT4" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B01LHNLJT4_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb>                <div type="image" title="Top Pick" msid="78563905" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B01LHNLJT4</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B01LHNLJT4_body"><bulletContentRow name="B01LHNLJT4_9665510983269620"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Fancy Mart</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This artificial bamboo leaves plant is a market favourite. The hexagon shaped wood base has a lovely natural texture and finish. This artificial plant has the consumers very satisfied because it brings nature’s beauty into your home without the hard work that comes with real plants. You can place it on your coffee table, study table, kitchen counter or anywhere else as part of your home décor.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B01LHNLJT4_0481280388283577"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Not too large or small, available in eight colours, and maintenance free</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B00VTDRVHC" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B00VTDRVHC_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb>  <div type="image" title="Editor&amp;#39;s Pick" msid="81564672" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B00VTDRVHC</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B00VTDRVHC_body"><bulletContentRow name="B00VTDRVHC_6898691995972351"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Fourwalls Beautiful Artificial Areca Palm Plant Without Vase (21 Leaves, 75 cm Tall, Green)</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This plant from Fourwalls is an artificial palm plant. The plant has twenty one total leaves and is 75cm tall. This green colour artificial plant is made up of high quality plastic and synthetic material. The plant doesn't come in with a pot. It is a high quality product and is extremely good looking.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B00VTDRVHC_6059334115599254"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Easy to maintain and washable whenever required.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /> <bulletContentEmbed name="B079GZ7TDB" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B079GZ7TDB_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb>                <div type="image" title="Popular Pick" msid="78563927" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B079GZ7TDB</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B079GZ7TDB_body"><bulletContentRow name="B079GZ7TDB_4920307526746419"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Pindia</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Money plants bring good luck and fortune according to Feng Shui. Well, the Pindia artificial money plant can easily pass off as a real money plant. It can probably bring you some luck and fortune too! The silk leaves and plastic stem are decorated and painted so beautifully that the finish is very natural.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B079GZ7TDB_8882232759705606"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Home décor product, no toxic-materials, and long-lasting.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B07HLYWKYG" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B07HLYWKYG_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb>  <div type="image" title="Must Have" msid="81564951" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B07HLYWKYG</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B07HLYWKYG_body"><bulletContentRow name="B07HLYWKYG_4657716513905459"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Fancy Mart Artificial Bamboo in Round Long Pot (32 cm, Green)</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">This artificial plant from Fancy Art is a beautiful piece. It is an artificial bamboo plant and comes in a beautiful pot. The plant is green in colour and made up of high quality plastic material. The plant is extremely good looking and enhances your space very well.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B07HLYWKYG_2599759250672028"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Light in weight and easy to maintain.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br /><bulletContentEmbed name="B084RJPD3N" columns="1"><bulletContentHeading name="B084RJPD3N_head"><columnHead col="1"><columnHeadThumb>              <div type="image" title="Also Consider" msid="78564027" hostid="261"></div></columnHeadThumb><columnHeadTitle>B084RJPD3N</columnHeadTitle></columnHead></bulletContentHeading><bulleteContentBody name="B084RJPD3N_body"><bulletContentRow name="B084RJPD3N_5649426173470858"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1">Quick Unbox</bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">If you like bluebells and can’t find them anywhere or you simply don’t want the responsibility of growing them at home, your search ends here. Quick Unbox brings you the most gorgeous artificial bluebell flower plant that is a treat to the eyes. You can keep it on your bookshelf or side table, or simply gift it to someone and make their day.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow><bulletContentRow name="B084RJPD3N_4028364760816016"><bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowHead col="1"></bulletContentRowHead></bulletContentRowHeading><bulletContentRowBody><bulletContentRowCell col="1">Firm base, natural look, and zero maintenance.</bulletContentRowCell></bulletContentRowBody></bulletContentRow></bulleteContentBody></bulletContentEmbed><br /><br />

Bring a natural look to your home with these artificial plants

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Interior designer Vicente Wolf shared which decor items he'd never have at home.</li><li>Fluorescent lights are not only harsh on the eyes but wreak havoc on decor colors.</li></ul><p>When designing your space, it's essential to choose the right pieces— but <a href="https://www.insider.com/popular-interior-design-trends-that-dont-look-good-photos-2022-7">deciding what not to bring into your home</a> can be just as important. </p><p>Insider asked Vicente Wolf, an interior designer with over 40 years of experience and principal designer of <a href="https://vicentewolf.com/">Vicente Wolf Associates</a>, to share the things he'd never have in his own home.</p><h2><strong>Mass-produced decor pieces are a missed opportunity for home design</strong><strong><br /></strong></h2><p>According to Wolf, mass-produced decor pieces in one's home are the opposite of sophistication.</p><p>"I like my home, and those of my clients to be an expression of how they live and who they are," Wolf said. </p><p>There is always a way to have a home that is personal with <a href="https://www.insider.com/interior-designer-small-apartment-decor-tips-to-make-it-bigger-photos-2022">elements that are special and meaningful</a> while staying within your budget, he said. For example, try looking for discounted secondhand pieces that are unique and well-made.</p><h2>Coffee tables serve a real purpose in homes, so Wolf avoids small ones</h2><div type="image" title="gray living room with panels and small coffee table" height="4464" width="5952" msid="95361226" hostid="261" sizebytes="1136610"></div><p>"Coffee tables offer people a place to put things down – even your feet, should you choose to," he told Insider.</p><p>A generously sized coffee table is especially necessary if you don't have end tables or other conveniently located ones, Wolf added.</p><h2><strong>Plastic flowers are drab and have the same look year-round</strong></h2><p>According to <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/home/bedroom-feng-shui">feng shui</a>, every room should include something living. Plants are the perfect example of this, as they promote wellness and growth. </p><p>Therefore, Wolf <a href="https://www.insider.com/things-a-designer-would-never-have-in-own-living-room-2022-6">avoids plastic flowers in his home designs</a>.Plus fake plants are lifeless and don't change.</p><p>"I like the evolution of real flowers," Wolf told Insider. "There is a joy in seeing things grow."</p><h2><strong>Fluorescent lights can be harsh on the eyes and wreak havoc on decor colors</strong></h2><p>Though fluorescent bulbs are energy efficient than incandescent ones, Wolf would never want them in his space. </p><p>"They are <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-ways-to-make-living-room-better-from-interior-designer-2022-3">way too harsh for the eyes</a>, and wreak havoc on the colors in the decor," he told Insider. "Plus they are a disaster for skin tones."</p><h2>Wolf recommends staying away from matchy-matchy bedroom sets</h2><div type="image" title="matching furniture set" height="787" width="1267" msid="95361228" hostid="261" sizebytes="69772"></div><p>Bedroom sets may be a one-stop way to decorate a bedroom, but they lack originality, according to Wolf.</p><p>"In my opinion, they also <a href="https://www.insider.com/popular-trends-interior-designers-dont-like-get-rid-of">look dated</a>, as society has moved toward a more relaxed vision of home styling," Wolf told Insider. "Coordinating pieces that work together is so much more fun – and alluring – but do take an extra bit of thought."</p><h2><strong>You won't find the wrong-sized curtains in Wolf's space</strong></h2><p>According to the designer, <a href="https://www.insider.com/interior-designer-living-room-things-to-get-rid-of-2022-9">having curtains that hang above the floor</a> is akin to wearing clothing that doesn't fit properly.</p><p>"Drapes should either touch the floor, puddle a 1/2 inch to an inch, 2 to 4 inches or in more traditional settings, or puddle up to a foot," Wolf told Insider.</p><h2><strong>The designer replaces synthetic napkins for cloth ones</strong></h2><p>Although paper or synthetic napkins are easier to clean up, Wolf told Insider that it's best to opt for cloth ones if you want a more sophisticated look. Cloth napkins are not wonderful for entertaining guests and are <a href="https://www.insider.com/cheap-ways-make-home-look-expensive-according-to-interior-designers">a personal luxury to use in everyday life</a>.</p><p>"Whatever you do, buy cotton napkins that have some absorbency," Wolf said. "You have to be able to wipe grease off your face properly."</p><h2>He avoids reproduction art when designing his or his clients' homes</h2><p>"You can find an original that won't break the bank," Wolf told Insider. "Even if it's a black-and-white photo of a picture you've taken. In a beautiful frame, most everything will work beautifully." </p><p>There's also something special and authentic about having a personal relationship with authentic art in your home, he added.</p><h2><strong>Fake fireplaces don't offer the same feel as a real one</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="round mirror and white faux fireplace in room" height="3840" width="5719" msid="95361230" hostid="261" sizebytes="379942"></div><p>Wolf said electric inserts can't even come close to the look and feel of a real fireplace. Plus, he said, they're tacky, <a href="https://www.insider.com/interior-designers-things-you-should-get-rid-of-2020-1">making them a definite no for his home</a>. </p><p>"If you must, a gas-powered fireplace is acceptable, but there is nothing like the real thing with real logs," said. "So, if it doesn't light, I don't want it."</p><h2><strong>Televisions that retract into the footboard of the bed are a thing of the past</strong></h2><p>Wolf isn't against having a television in the bedroom, but he avoids those designed to retract in and out of a bed's footboard. </p><p>"Instead, I always have a flat-screen on the opposite wall," Wolf told Insider. "And <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-ways-to-make-a-bedroom-look-better">if you don't like the way it looks</a>, you can use an app service to display a family photo or art."</p><h2><strong>He said furniture with visible branding is tacky</strong></h2><p>Wolf also avoids displaying labeled or branded furniture in his home. </p><p>"It's just tasteless," Wolf said. "Why do I want to give a company free advertising?"</p>

An interior designer with over 40 years of experience shares 11 things he would never have in his own home

<ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>From 5-star hotels to quaint hostels, <keyword id="13684553" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="bangkok" source="Orion">Bangkok</keyword> offers a variety of stays for every traveler's needs.</strong></li><li>Here are 10 of the best places a local <keyword id="11896628" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="travel" source="Orion">travel</keyword> writer suggests you stay while visiting Bangkok.</li></ul><p>As a local who has been living and working in the Thai capital on and off since 2010, I know firsthand how intoxicating yet all-consuming Bangkok can be. The key to finding balance is having a comfortable home base (and in a traveler's case, the perfect hotel) to retreat to.</p><p>Thankfully, Bangkok has a wide range of intriguing accommodations to fit every budget and style. Choose from sleek spa-like sanctuaries, classic five-star luxury, no-frills cheap hostels, historic boutique spaces, and tall towers from trusted brand names.</p><p>In my countless hours pounding the pavement as a local travel guidebook writer and TV host, I've come across many hotels that offer equal access to Bangkok's frenetic energy as well as a reprieve from it. These are some of my favorites.</p><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Thailand Pietro Lo Casto for Insider" height="1666" width="2222" msid="92064159" hostid="261"></div><p><strong>Mandarin Oriental</strong></p><p>Opened in 1876, the <a href="https://www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok/chao-phraya-river/luxury-hotel" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Mandarin Oriental</a> is Bangkok's oldest and grandest accommodation, offering iconic stays in a timeless, historic hotel. Nowhere else in Bangkok will you feel quite so luxuriously taken care of, from the traditionally-dressed valets opening the door to the magnificent lobby, the free river shuttle service in a teak boat, and dedicated butler service on every floor.</p><p>The rooms underwent an extensive $150-million renovation, and starting room types are decorated with modern-print carpets and pillows and are more open, while rooms like the Chao Phraya Suite maintain original architectural layouts with antique cabinets, custom Victorian-style night tables, and traditional Thai silks.</p><p>Beyond stays here, I love the Mandarin as a destination for dates with my girls. More than once, a boozy dim-sum brunch at China House has turned into afternoon tea at the 19th-century Author's Lounge, followed by Italian food on Ciao's riverside terrace, and, finally, live jazz and cocktails at Bamboo Bar. </p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fth%2Fmandarin-oriental-bangkok.html%3Faid%3D356929%26label%3Dmetagha-link-LUUS-hotel-331349_dev-desktop_los-1_bw-2_dow-Thursday_defdate-1_room-0_gstadt-2_rateid-0_aud-0_gacid-6623578701_mcid-50_ppa-0_clrid-0_ad-1_gstkid-0_checkin-20220609__lp-1023191_r-249173624267986918%26sid%3Db5c0bc14079528079cc2c8ba540701a5%26all_sr_blocks%3D33134902_348792679_2_2_0%3Bcheckin%3D2022-06-09%3Bcheckout%3D2022-06-10%3Bdest_id%3D-3414440%3Bdest_type%3Dcity%3Bdist%3D0%3Bgroup_adults%3D2%3Bgroup_children%3D0%3Bhapos%3D1%3Bhighlighted_blocks%3D33134902_348792679_2_2_0%3Bhpos%3D1%3Bmatching_block_id%3D33134902_348792679_2_2_0%3Bno_rooms%3D1%3Breq_adults%3D2%3Breq_children%3D0%3Broom1%3DA%252CA%3Bsb_price_type%3Dtotal%3Bsr_order%3Dpopularity%3Bsr_pri_blocks%3D33134902_348792679_2_2_0__1689230%3Bsrepoch%3D1654613223%3Bsrpvid%3D8e7867f2737303ce%3Btype%3Dtotal%3Bucfs%3D1%26%23hotelTmpl" rel="nofollow sponsored">Book Mandarin Oriental</a></p><div type="image" title="The COMO Metropolitan Bangkok Thailand Pietro Lo Casto for Insider" height="1666" width="2222" msid="92064161" hostid="261"></div><p><strong>COMO Metropolitan</strong></p><p>The <a href="https://www.comohotels.com/en/metropolitanbangkok/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">COMO Metropolitan</a> is one of my favorite Bangkok hotels thanks to its focus on healthy, comfortable living. My days here always begin with a lot of joy thanks to free morning yoga classes every day, yummy nutritious breakfasts such as smoothie bowls and fruit pancakes (included with the room cost), and a few laps in the 100-meter pool. The COMO is also home to one of Bangkok's most beautiful and unique gyms, furnished with white and hardwood elements, and the on-site spa has an extensive menu of detox treatments and massages.</p><p>Since the hotel is tucked off of the main road, you'll enjoy a lot of peace and quiet. The rooms are big, bright, and airy (which is rare among Bangkok hotels), and designed with minimalism and energy flow in mind, from space-saving shelves wrapped around rooms to teak benches designed specifically for feng shui.</p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fth%2Fthe-metropolitan-bangkok.html" rel="nofollow sponsored">Book COMO Metropolitan</a></p><div type="image" title="The Okura Prestige infinity pool Bangkok Thailand" height="1365" width="1820" msid="92064162" hostid="261"></div><p><strong>Okura Prestige</strong></p><p>The <a href="https://www.okurabangkok.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Bangkok outpost</a> of the luxury hotel chain Okura brings a uniquely Thai twist on a Japanese aesthetic and ambiance. The beautiful grand top-floor lobby will transport you away from downtown Sukhumvit with walls styled after Shoji doors, silk decorations, and taupe marble, and kimono-clad receptionists welcome guests with a cool cloth and juice at check-in.</p><p>All 240 rooms have yukata robes and slippers for lounging, and one of the first things I noticed when staying here was how exceptionally quiet my room was. I later found out that the floor-to-ceiling windows are triple-soundproofed against the commotion of downtown.</p><p>Besides awesome sleep, my favorite amenity was waking up to the choice of breakfast in the Japanese restaurant, Yamazoto, or the international dining restaurant. After several weeks of eating similar buffets at several hotels, a Japanese bento box was an invigorating start to my day.</p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fth%2Fthe-okura-prestige-bangkok.html" rel="nofollow sponsored">Book Okura Prestige</a></p><p><strong>Siam Heritage</strong></p><p>The <a href="https://www.thesiamheritage.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Siam Heritage</a> is a well-kept secret among Bangkok's mid-range-priced accommodations. The hotel, which has been owned by the same family for generations, is one of the last independent hotels in the busy part of Silom next to the Patpong Bazaar, and is in my opinion, the homiest.</p><p>Each of the 73 rooms is decorated with simple, characterful antiques varying from room to room such as handwoven throws, silk curtains, and leather recliners. Sure, the teak floorboards and sliding doors creak and there may be a permanent dust bunny or two, but I find that only adds to the charm.</p><p>While the rooms are fairly small, the multi-story hotel's wonderful common areas are what really up its value for travelers on a budget. There's a little rooftop pool surrounded by a garden (it may not be fancy, but does the trick). The breakfast buffet, included in the room price, is served inside a restaurant connected to a tiny shopping mall and makes for good people-watching with the morning's scrambled eggs.</p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fth%2Fthe-siam-heritage-boutique-suites.html" rel="nofollow sponsored">Book Siam Heritage</a></p><div type="image" title="Bangkok Tree House" height="3081" width="4109" msid="92064164" hostid="261"></div><p><strong>Bangkok Tree House</strong></p><p>Located in a riverside nature area, the <a href="https://www.bangkoktreehouse.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Tree House</a> is an eco-retreat offering a chance to experience greenery and sustainability in Bangkok. The hotel's multi-level bungalows boast beautiful design elements made from organic and recycled materials, such as bamboo staircases and facades canvassed completely in lush vines. My favorite room type is "View with a Room" featuring a bamboo balcony with a tent for sleeping under the stars and waking up overlooking mangroves.</p><p>For locals like me, the Tree House has been a beloved staycation escape during the pandemic since there are so many perks on-site. I like the very good on-site cafe and restaurant that serves delicious cappuccinos and dishes made from organic veggies from the Tree House's rooftop garden, plus the use of free mobile phones, laptops loaded with movies, and bikes for exploring. Free drinking water, coffee, tea, and homemade ice cream are also served around the clock.</p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fth%2Fbangkok-tree-house.html" rel="nofollow sponsored">Book Bangkok Tree House</a></p><div type="image" title="The Lub d Siam hotels offers modern, no-frills private and shared rooms. Pietro Lo Casto for Insider" height="1666" width="2222" msid="92064165" hostid="261"></div><p><strong>Lub d Siam</strong></p><p><a href="https://lubd.com/destination/bangkok-siam/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Lub d Siam</a> is one of Bangkok's busiest hostels. A prime location in Siam Square, between many downtown shopping malls, and a blend of budget room types (private rooms with shared or en-suite bathrooms and mixed dorms) keeps a steady stream of travelers coming through. I think it's one of the best hostels for meeting new people.</p><p>The rooms are modern and therefore priced a bit higher than the hostels you'll find on, say, Khao San Road (around 900 baht or $26 for a dorm bed or rooms starting from $40), but you'll certainly receive a lot more amenities, including an on-site coworking space (from 150 baht or $4.40 per day), plus washing machine and a luggage room where you can leave bags for up to two months for free if Bangkok is your launchpad to elsewhere.</p><p>There's a restaurant and bar as well, but there's nothing wrong with picking up street food and bringing it back to the comfy communal space. A games cupboard and a cinema room with popcorn and beanbags are great for chilling out on a shoestring, too.</p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fth%2Flub-d-bangkok-siam-square.html" rel="nofollow sponsored">Book Lub d Siam</a></p><div type="image" title="AriyasomVilla Bangkok Thailand Pietro Lo Casto for Insider" height="1666" width="2222" msid="92064166" hostid="261"></div><p><strong>AriyasomVilla</strong></p><p>I think that the <a href="https://www.ariyasom.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">AriyasomVilla</a> is one of Bangkok's most architecturally stunning hotels. Located in a 1940s villa fashioned with uber-high ceilings and teak frames accented by Siamese tapestries, paintings, and chandeliers, there are 24 rooms spaciously spread out across four levels. Each one is elegantly decorated with upholstered chairs and four-poster beds draped in Thai silk.</p><p>Big leafy plants and colorful flowers peek from big floor-to-ceiling windows everywhere, giving the pool, spa, and balconies (most rooms have them) a cozy jungle vibe. I'm no early riser, but the on-site restaurant had me hooked on never missing breakfast thanks to a great vegetarian set menu and iced coffee served next to big sunny windows overlooking the tropical garden.</p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fth%2Fariyasomvilla.html" rel="nofollow sponsored">Book AriyasomVilla</a></p><div type="image" title="The SO/ Bangkok overlooking Lumpini Park. Thailand Pietro Lo Casto for Insider" height="1666" width="2222" msid="92064167" hostid="261"></div><p><strong>SO/ Bangkok</strong></p><p>The <a href="https://www.so-bangkok.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">SO/ Bangkok</a> is a hip yet upscale hotel attracting a young crowd with room amenities encouraging indulgence, like a free minibar full of iced teas and sodas to sip on while bathing overlooking Lumpini Park. The four <a href="https://www.so-bangkok.com/rooms-suites/#utm_source=Microsite" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">sleek room aesthetics</a> have each been dreamed up by a local Thai designer bringing in elements of Thai heritage homes, Art Deco, and industrial minimalism, respectively.</p><p>The infinity pool is a great spot for sunset cocktails, with underwater electronic music, live DJs, and a buzzy pool bar setting the vibe for a night on the town. A little tip: The 24-hour fitness center has a sauna and solarium for sweating out any potential hangovers.</p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fth%2Fso-sofitel-bangkok.html" rel="nofollow sponsored">Book SO/ Bangkok</a></p><div type="image" title="multi-level wooden house in Old Town Arun Residence Bangkok Thailand" height="5488" width="7317" msid="92064261" hostid="261"></div><p><strong>Arun Residence</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.arunresidence.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Arun Residence</a> is a rare hotel offering a front-row seat to the Chao Phraya yet without the luxury fuss and high price. Situated in a multi-level wooden house in Old Town, the lower-level rooms feel like you're staying at a family member's home, with compact rooms decorated with silks and traditional prints. Meanwhile, the top-floor balcony suites are beloved by honeymooners, where you can hang out in a bathrobe and slippers while watching Wat Arun sparkle (make sure to book these rooms well ahead of your visit).</p><p>The lovely on-site rooftop bar and restaurant, The Deck, is one of my favorite spots in Bangkok for taking out-of-towners on a classy dinner date. The food is authentically Thai and the sunset views of Wat Arun (probably my favorite temple in Bangkok for the stellar way it reflects off the river) can't be beaten.</p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fth%2Farun-residence.html" rel="nofollow sponsored">Book Arun Residence</a></p><p><strong>Sala Rattanakosin</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.salahospitality.com/rattanakosin/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Sala Rattanakosin</a> is an upscale, contrastingly modern alternative to Arun Residence, located a few steps away and sharing the same impressive views of Wat Arun. The rooms are white and hardwood and feel contemporary and minimalistic with glass bathroom partitions and tiled showers. Choose a suite, with a standalone bathtub directly facing the river, as it is a favorite among Bangkokians for romantic staycations. A couple of my friends have even been proposed to here.</p><p>The stylish rooftop restaurant and bar of the same name is also worth a special occasion dinner, with a broad menu of authentic northern Thai dishes against moody lighting and white tablecloths. While the hotel doesn't have any other on-site amenities, there are plenty of cafés, massage spots, and shops to explore in the surrounding area.</p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fth%2Fsala-rattanakosin-bangkok.html" rel="nofollow sponsored">Book Sala Rattanakosin</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-traveling-to-bangkok-thailand" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Bangkok, Thailand.</em></a></p>

I've deeply researched Bangkok's best hotels as a travel guidebook author. Here are my 10 top places to stay, from magical tree houses to no-frills hostels.

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54ac1734eab8ea8b48cf6c1a-1200-924/standing-desk-6.jpg?maxX=600" border="0" alt="standing desk" width="600" style="float: right;"><p class="source"><span><a href="https://flic.kr/p/pjmSyN">Flickr/Juhan Sonin</a></span></p><p class="caption">Command position.</p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">When Anthony Minko was designing his new office in Brooklyn, the estate planning attorney knew that it needed to feel calm and supportive. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"></span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">After all, a place where people talked about what will happen after they die should feel secure.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">So Minko - who had studied the spend idly slow martial art tai chi - hired RD Chin, a New-York based feng shui architect. </span></p>
<p>"The whole process started with our values in the law firm," Minko said said, "how we care about keeping families together across the generations, where grandparents can come with children and grandchildren."</p>
<p>"What surprised me was how practical the feng shui principles were," he said.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Literally translating as </span><em style="line-height: 1.5em;">wind-water </em><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">from Chinese, </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"></span><a href="http://www.trinity.edu/sfield/Fengshui/Dragons.html" target="_blank">feng shui has been practiced for at least 1700 years</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> in Asia before becoming popular in the US in the 1980s.</span></p>
<p>Chin, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BI9M1Rpx7k">whose lectures are on YouTube</a>, argues that everybody can sense feng shui - it's simply the <em>how-it-feels</em> quality of being in a place. If you feel inspired, creative, and capable in an office, then it's got some positive feng shui going on, but if you feel trapped, blocked, and insecure, then it's some poor feng shui, and your productivity will suffer as a result.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Vancouver-based feng shui consultant <a href="http://www.rodikatchi.com/" target="_blank">Rodika Tchi</a> said that feng shui is "acupuncture for a space," a way of increasing the sense of harmony in a room.  </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">So how can we use these principles to improve our work spaces? Here are some tips from Chin and Tchi:</span></p>
<h2>Pay attention to the quality of air. </h2>
<p>"In most businesses, somehow we overlook the quality of air," Tschi said, because "we get used to poor quality air very quickly." </p>
<p>This is insane, <a href="http://www.epa.gov/region1/communities/indoorair.html" target="_blank">given that the EPA estimates that indoor air is <em>two to five times more polluted</em> than outdoor air</a>. </p>
<p>That's where plants come in, she said, citing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA_Clean_Air_Study" target="_blank">NASA's list of the most air-purifying plants</a>, like the <a href="http://houseplants.about.com/od/palm1/p/Areca-Palms-Growing-Areca-Palms-Indoors.htm" target="_blank">areca palm</a> and <a href="http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/boston-fern/boston-fern-care.htm" target="_blank">Boston fern</a>. </p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">"Any business can have plants," she said. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">It doesn't require anything new agey, you don't need to run out and buy a set of healing crystals. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">"</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Just to starting to pay attention to the air will do wonders," Tchi said. "You have to be aware of what you're inhaling, what you're feeding your brain." </span></p>
<h2>Then improve your light. </h2>
<p>"Light is nutrition," Tchi said. </p>
<p>Most of us are malnourished.</p>
<p>Because while direct sunlight gives you <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lux" target="_blank">100,000 lux, or units of luminance, office lighting only provides around 500 lux</a>. </p>
<p>The solution - beyond going for a walk - is to install "full spectrum" lights in your office, which are more nourishing than fluorescent lights, which have been shown to <a href="http://lrt.sagepub.com/content/early/2014/04/22/1477153514531518.refs" target="_blank">make you feel less alert</a> and <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/04/the-optimal-office/358640/" target="_blank">screw with your quality of sleep</a>.</p>
<p>If you can't control the overhead lights, then add a nice incandescent to your desk. </p>
<h2><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54bfcbab6bb3f7814001c459-640-480/desk-placement-rd-chin.jpg" border="0" alt="desk placement rd chin"><p class="source"><span>RD Chin</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div></h2>
<h2>If possible, give your desk a "commanding position." </h2>
<p>In feng shui, the commanding position is where you have your back to the wall and your face to the door, so you know who's coming and going.</p>
<p>"You want to position your desk so that you feel very safe, very protected," Chin said. "You want to position your desk so you can see out the window and see who's in front of you. People coming behind you creates a lot of distraction - you can get the feeling of being attacked, feeling of someone looking over your shoulder." </p>
<h2>And something to look at. </h2>
<p>"You reduce stress by looking out the window," Chin said, "because physiologically your eyes relax when you look out into the distance. That's why you feel so great looking at the ocean - you can see a long, almost infinite distance into the horizon." </p>
<p>So the obvious application is to make sure you can see out your window. If you don't have ready access to a window, then make a window to another world: put a painting or a photo on your wall so you can stare "into the distance." If you work in a windowless space, put a mirror up, since Chin said it will expand the space. </p>
<p>For managers, taking care of feng shui is way of investing in your team. </p>
<p>"Ideally, a successful business has people who are energized," Tchi said, "and there's no way to have that unless you have a space that supports that energy. You can use feng shui to support that human well-being, creativity, and talent.<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> If you put people in a space that has no light, no color, no images, you can't expect that energy from them."</span></p>

Here's How A 2000-Year-Old Chinese Art Can Make You More Productive

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/547e2181eab8eacc52c4e1f9-800-581/skyscraper-diagram_small-(1).jpg" border="0" alt="Skyscraper Diagram_small "><p class="source"><span>Emporis</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div></p>
<p>As <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/tallest-buildings-of-the-future-2014-11">skyscraper heights grow higher, and higher</a>, the cost to build increases as well. Not only are some of the newest skyscrapers in the world getting taller, they are also getting fancier, with the newest technologies, latest materials, and sustainable concepts.</p>
<p>Emporis, "a leading database <span>of information about building and construction projects, based in Germany," compiled a list of the 10 most expensive skyscrapers in the world. </span></p>
<p>At $3.9 billion, One World Trade Center in New York City is the most expensive building by far, beating out the second place finishers by $2 billion.  </p>
<h2>1. <a href="http://www.emporis.com/building/one-world-trade-center-new-york-city-ny-usa">One World Trade Center</a>, New York, N.Y.-$3.9 Billion</h2>
<p><span><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/547ded0b6da811986e10debc-1200-1800/1_one-world-trade-center,-copyright-khalid-mahmood.jpg" border="0" alt="One World Trade Center"><p class="source"><span>Copyright Khalid Mahmood via Emporis</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div><br /></span></p>
<p><span><strong>Height: </strong><span>1,776.02 ft</span><br /></span></p>
<p><span><strong>Completion: </strong>2014<br /></span></p>
<p><span>One World Trade center is the same height as the Twin Towers which formally stood in the same place. Inside, the building has a stairwell dedicated to the firefighters lost in 9/11.</span></p>
<h2>2 (tie). <a href="http://www.emporis.com/building/the-palazzo-las-vegas-nv-usa">The Palazzo</a>, Las Vegas, Nev.-$1.9 Billion</h2>
<p><span><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/547def436da811977910debb-1200-1600/2_the-palazzo,-copyright-ed-lewis.jpg" border="0" alt="The Palazzo"><p class="source"><span>Copyright Ed Lewis via Emporis</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div><br /></span></p>
<p><span><strong>Height: </strong><span>642.01 ft</span><br /></span></p>
<p><span><strong>Completion: </strong>2007<br /></span></p>
<p><span>Upon completion, The Palazzo became the highest building in Las Vegas. The hotel contains a casino, a shopping center, and a theater.</span></p>
<h2>2 (tie). <a href="http://www.emporis.com/building/the-shard-london-united-kingdom">The Shard</a>, London, England-$1.9 billion</h2>
<p><span><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/547df0ea6da811200710debb-1200-799/3_the-shard,-copyright-eric-smerling.jpg" border="0" alt="The Shard"><p class="source"><span>Copyright Eric Smerling via Emporis</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div><br /></span></p>
<p><span><strong>Height: </strong>1,003.94 ft<br /></span></p>
<p><span><strong>Completion: </strong>2013<br /></span></p>
<p><span>The Shard uses 30% less energy than other buildings of its size because of an "extensive use of energy-saving materials." It is also the tallest building in London.</span></p>
<h2>4. <a href="http://www.emporis.com/building/taipei101-taipei-taiwan">Taipei 101</a>, Taipei, Taiwan-$1.76 billion</h2>
<p><span><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/547df29e69beddc0796044d3-1200-1517/4_taipei-101,-copyright-michiel-van-dijk.jpg" border="0" alt="Taipei 101"><p class="source"><span>Copyright Michiel van Dijk via Emporis</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div><br /></span></p>
<p><span><strong>Height: </strong><span>1,670.60 ft</span><br /></span></p>
<p><span><strong>Completion: </strong>2004</span></p>
<p><span>Taipei 101's construction is based on the number 8, which is a lucky number Chinese culture. A Feng Shui expert approved most of the design and layout of the building.</span></p>
<h2>5 (tie). <a href="http://www.emporis.com/building/burj-khalifa-dubai-united-arab-emirates">Burj Khalifa</a>, Dubai, United Arab Emirates-$1.5 billion</h2>
<p><span><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/547df3caeab8ea7819c4e1f2-1200-1680/5_burj-khalifa,-copyright-colin-capelle.jpg" border="0" alt="Burj Khalifa"><p class="source"><span>Copyright Colin Capelle via Emporis</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div><br /></span></p>
<p><span><strong>Height: </strong><span>2,719.82 ft</span><br /></span></p>
<p><span><strong>Completion: </strong>2010<br /></span></p>
<p><span>The Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest building. The building uses the condensation from the air conditioning system to irrigate the landscaping.</span></p>
<h2>5 (tie). <a href="http://www.emporis.com/building/sheraton-huzhou-hot-spring-resort-huzhou-china">Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort</a>, Huzhou, China-$1.5 billion</h2>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/547e1a886bb3f79a1e6044d2-1200-800/6_sheraton-huzhou-hot-spring-resort,-copyright-mad-architects,-xiazhi.jpg" border="0" alt="Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort"><p class="source"><span>Copyright MAD Architects, XiaZhi via Emporis</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div></p>
<p><strong>Height: </strong>330 ft</p>
<p><strong>Completion: </strong>2013</p>
<p>The resort, designed by MAD Architects, gets completely lit up and night and is meant to resemble the moon rising over Lake Tai. Every room in the hotel is designed to get daylight at all hours from every direction.</p>
<h2>7. <a href="http://www.emporis.com/building/capitagreen-singapore-singapore">CapitaGreen</a>, Singapore-$1.4 billion</h2>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/547e1b7f6da811de6210debd-1000-1509/7_capitagreen,-copyright-mith252.jpg" border="0" alt="CapitaGreen"><p class="source"><span>Copyright Mith252 via Emporis</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div></p>
<p><strong>Height: </strong><span>793.96 ft</span></p>
<p><strong>Completion: </strong>2014<span style="font-size: 1.5em; color: #000000;"> </span></p>
<p>Much of the building's facade will be covered in live plants and the building's roof will have a "sky forest." The sky forest's cool air will be pushed down through the building to naturally cool the offices.</p>
<h2>8. <a href="http://www.emporis.com/building/elbphilharmonie-hamburg-germany">Elbphilharmonie</a>, Hamburg, Germany-$1.03 billion</h2>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/547e1dfbeab8ea9044c4e1f6-1200-1600/8_elbphilharmonie,-copyright-daniel-schuldt.jpg" border="0" alt="Elbphilharmonie"><p class="source"><span>Copyright Daniel Schuldt via Emporis</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div></p>
<p><strong>Height: </strong><span>360.89 ft</span></p>
<p><strong>Completion: </strong>2016</p>
<p>The Elbphilharmonie is being built on top of a former storage facility and uses the original structure's base. The building will have residential housing, a hotel, and a concert hall.</p>
<h2>9 (tie). <a href="http://www.emporis.com/building/bankofamericatower-newyorkcity-ny-usa">Bank of America Tower</a>, New York, N.Y.-$1 billion</h2>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/547e1f3aeab8ea944ac4e1f2-1200-1625/9_bank-of-america-tower,-coipyright-john-w.-cahill.jpg" border="0" alt="Bank of America Tower"><p class="source"><span>Coipyright John W. Cahill via Emporis</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div></p>
<p><strong>Height: </strong><span>1,200.01 ft</span></p>
<p><strong>Completion: </strong>2009</p>
<p>The Bank of America Tower is the 4th tallest building in NYC and is used as a commercial office. The building reuses rainwater and has an "automatic daylight dimming system."</p>
<h2>9 (tie). <a href="http://www.emporis.com/building/chifleytower-sydney-australia">Chifley Tower</a>, Sydney, Australia-$1 billion</h2>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/547e203d6bb3f7fc316044d3-1200-1805/10_chifley-tower,-copyright-john-bek.jpg" border="0" alt="10_Chifley Tower"><p class="source"><span>Copyright John Bek via Emporis</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div></p>
<p><strong>Height: </strong>800.85 ft</p>
<p><strong>Completion: </strong>1992</p>
<p>Chifley tower is used for offices and retail and is one of the "most prestigious" in Australia. A 400 ton steel pendulum hangs on the top floor of the building to counteract the building's sway in the wind.</p>

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