FENG SHUI HAS been used by designers, healers, architects and landscape designers. This month's column is about the outside curb appeal of your home/townhouse or office. First impressions are critical when thinking about adding curb appeal. The hardscape (concrete/slate/pool decking) should be clean and free of cracks. Trees, shrubs and plantings need to have a manicured presence and taller palm tress should not have layers of dead palms. Fragrance is a great way to greet visitors at the front door but be aware that some vines like jasmine may be too sweet and attract bees. Make sure the front door is visible to the street, and that the address number can be seen clearly. Add large colorful pots to show where the entrance is.

Look for architectural elements to build into the prominent features and accents to the front. Consider trim, color on the front door, windows, shutters and fixtures. What positive elements can be highlighted and what needs to be concealed. Step outside your property and take in the view from across the street. Even adding a beautiful fountain to the right of your font door/entrance (facing the front looking in) is good Feng Shui.

Making your home or office memorable can be accentuated by generating a unifying design theme. This should reflect the style of the structure. Think in terms of English Tudor, Contemporary, Mediterranean, Ranch or Bungalow. Take your design theme and develop strong consistent accents that set the stage. The theme can be reflected in accessories like lighting, mailboxes, and house numbers.

Nothing generates curb appeal more than color. Adding the colors of the five Feng Shui elements can strongly enhance curb appeal. Here are some examples:

WOOD — represents upward growth and movement—rectangular shapes, bushes/trees, the color green

FIRE — summer heat, triangular shapes, or the color red or orange

EARTH — stability, square shapes, pottery and the colors yellow and gold

METAL — circular shapes, metal sculptures, wrought iron furniture, the color white

WATER — wavy designs (rounded black doormats), the colors deep blue and black, fountains

With the advent of spring, before the summer heat comes, this is the ideal time to evaluate your front entrance and plant various colorful flowers like lantana or verbena and green foliage to enhance your curb appeal. Adding color will break up the muted desert and cream tones of the outdoors. Check out my website at www.insideoutfs.com.