March 29, 2010

Feng Shui, Pt. 1

Did you know… in the West, feng shui is usually associated with the placement of furniture in the home; the ultimate goal of modern feng shui is to situate human-built environments, namely furniture, on spots with positive qi, or life force. However, this ancient Chinese art originally encompassed aesthetics in every aspect of life, including the orientation of entire buildings and the alignment of stars. Therefore, the “perfect spot” for positive qi flow consists not only of a physical location, but an axis in time as well.

Feng shui incorporates five main elements: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. It is believed that qi moves differently through each of these elements, so it is important to arrange items associated with them in a manner which maximizes qi flow. The term feng shui literally translates as “wind-water.” The general belief is that qi scatters with the wind, but is retained when encountering water.

Many people use an energy map, known as a bagua, as a re-arranging guide in order to bring the right balance and harmony to a particular space. Something as simple as changing the position of a desk or adding live plants to a room can drastically alter the room’s qi flow.

Many people who incorporate feng shui into their decorating believe it can help them live healthier, more prosperous lives. However, some believe it can cause harm if improperly implemented. Regardless, feng shui remains a popular decorating option for those seeking a fresh and exciting way to decorate their home.

Stay tuned for some feng shui decorating tips to use in your home!

Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.

March 15, 2010

Furniture Facts: Chairs

Did you know… the chair, as we know it today, was originally reserved for only the highest and mightiest in noble society. It was a sign of authority, power, and wealth (just look at that lavish, intricately decorated throne). In fact, the chair didn’t become a common household item until the 16th century. Up until that time, stools and benches were the common seats of the time. Thankfully, ergonomics led to some revolutionary (and more comfortable!) chair designs, eventually giving rise to task-oriented chairs like the desk chair. The recliner (my personal favorite) became increasingly popular in the 50s, thanks to radio and television.

Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.

March 8, 2010

Furniture Facts: Beds

Did you know… the earliest accounts of beds date back to the 8th century B.C., and they didn’t sound very comfortable; they were essentially made from piles of straw or leaves on the floor. One of the biggest breakthroughs at the time was the idea to elevate beds in order to protect them from being washed away by floods. Bed designs improved over time, though — check out this Egyptian bed or “cot.” Hope those Egyptians kept a chiropractor nearby…

Narratives are for entertainment purposes only and frequently employ literary point of view; the narratives do not necessarily reflect the opinions of El Dorado Furniture, its officers, or employees.