GREEN GABLES

A GUEST IN YOUR OWN HOME

If you checked into the Ritz Paris, you'd expect to be pampered like royalty, and your immediate surroundings would suggest nothing less. Sequestered in your own home, try to imagine that you and your housemates are now guests in that space; how do you expect to be treated by your host[s]? What does this place suggest to you about these expectations? Now is the time to occupy yourself, establishing some permanent changes to these surroundings.

I'm not talking about Feng Shui; not familiar? Okay, here's one interpretation:Feng shui—or good energy flow—can be easily applied in any space, by arranging furniture appropriately, like the placement of your bed, doors, the , mirrors, and water features. The 'Ritz formula' relied more upon creating an environment suggestive of a less-oppressive bygone period. The forces I'm calling your attention to are much more mundane. All of you sharing the limited space, at the same time, and for hours on end, will be revealing.

You crack your knee, bumping into something... probably a piece of furniture that has only been moved for housecleaning purposes. Now that new traffic patterns have emerged, perhaps the obstacle should be moved... or eliminated. You are both guest, and host. Pamper yourselves and create this friendlier environment.

Some spaces can be repurposed. No repainting, new purchases or special tools need be required, to transform the look and feel of your now crowded residence. Changing your ideas about the true value of certain furnishings you've grown accustomed to, may be what is required.