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What’s on Your Walls?

This image certainly has passionate energy!

Art is so personal.

I found this great print in a decorating warehouse here in BC, already framed and ready to go! I identified with this immediately so, I pulled out my credit card!

What is it about choosing images and art that seems so difficult? When someone finally finds a great piece to jump into…they often don’t! Are you afraid of upsetting the balance of complacency in the home?

As the darker days descend upon us, our focus turns inside the home. Buying images for the walls is much like buying any materialistic items for the home: items cost money, and you can feel guilty about discarding them when you feel they are past their prime. So, how do you make room to bring in more inspiration?

Many of my clients need ‘permission’ to let go of these things. Often, the precious images and artwork are wrapped and stuffed in a closet…waiting…for what? At other times, pictures have been hung in the same place on the wall for decades. It is important to create new stimuli in your home; a few changes on the walls can bring a nice change of energy! Let’s start living!

You may first try to rearrange the prints that you already love. Displayed in a different area of your home, they can still support and inspire you. For many of the other prints and images, you could plan to ‘set them free’ to lead another life with someone else; i.e. sell or give away. The ‘perfect piece’ hung over the couch, which you picked out years ago, maybe ready to move on.

Here are a few ideas to open more space to hang inspiring wall images:

• Collect all the stray artwork done by your kids and keep the best pieces. You can laminate this artwork and use them as placemats or drawer liners. You’ll need to discretely recycle the rest.
• All awards and achievements can be placed in a folder or binder, so they are all together; keep the current award/degree framed if you need it to display for your profession. You may need to remind yourself of all these milestones, so, by keeping them together, you can to look up the originals for reference.
• Some of the ‘childish’ prints that brought you so much joy may need a facelift. If you still love it, take the print to a Framer to reframe. Everyone is allowed some ‘whimsy’ in the home, so if it works for you -go ahead and display this in your space.
• Family and heritage items can be gifted back into the extended family. Make sure you choose someone who can love it just as you have done. If you feel guilty about this, perhaps you can ask, ‘Could you keep it for me until I have more room?’ or ‘Would you like to enjoy Aunty Ethel’s lighthouse? (for a few years or so…)’
• Whimsical prints and knick-knacks can be fun, but an overload can be a burden. Unless someone announces: “I like to collect _______.”Then don’t assume they want more and more. As a recipient, you are entitled to pare down your collection; display only a few images or items at a time and rotate them any time you wish.
• Many feng shui practitioners encouraged people to scan and save their photographs and memories; yet, I have trouble with the concept of destroying the originals. A suggestion may be to scan the items and set up a digital file for each person in the photo, or for the parents, kids, etc. Then, each family member gets their own file of memories. The originals can be removed from their frames and placed between acid-free papers for preservation. Everyone will receive a piece of nostalgia and you have reduced the footprint of these items in your home.
• Another idea for blended families is to hang their family photos with the new family’s photos, thus ‘blending’ the family. Adults and children can both see the other group growing up, their past pets and whatever else you choose to hang. Designate a wall or staircase to amalgamate an eclectic display. You may not have the display up forever, but it is a great way to bring together the present.

Children and spouses each have their own personal ideas as to what to hang on their walls; different from yours. Yet, common areas should reflect and support the entire family. Private rooms and desk areas can feature personal whimsy and inspirational images.

Guide your children to choose their images properly as they will be affected by the imposed energy; negative or positive.

Did I need to buy another print to hang on the wall? Actually; no. But this one talked to me! It is a couple kissing under a red umbrella in the rain. The lady is wearing a short, gold-coloured shift and you can see her leg twist into an excited knot as she slides her left arm over the man’s shoulders.

The background persons are blurred, but the energy is wonderful! This couple seems terribly excited to see each other! Could they be reuniting from a long absence?

Images are powerful and can speak a thousand words. My husband travels a lot, so I can relate to this specific, sexy print. While he is away, this image reminds me of our strong, lovely relationship; and I trust he’ll be back, excited to see me too!

If I hang this in my Relationship Area, it can bring us continued support as a couple. Nice!

Have fun with this! I’ll ask the question again: What’s on your walls?

Warmth,
Kathryn

BTW: Why not take advantage of my FREE Q & A services? Send me picture of one of your images! Let’s discuss Practical Solutions to support you in creating an harmonious lifestyle! Let’s talk:  kathryn@kathrynwilking.com

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About Kathryn Wilking

Author, Home Stager, Feng Shui Consultant

Kathryn has inspired women for more than a decade to take charge of their lives; arranging their environment, home and office, to support a positive, prosperous lifestyle. She provides informative tips and talks to organizations and small groups through her Facebook Group and Blog Posts and recorded podcasts. Contact her today for more info about bringing the practical application of Feng Shui into your space.

Her book, Practical Feng Shui for the Office; never goes out of style!
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