Nearly everyone has probably heard a horror story about someone trying to either put up or remove wallpaper. Over the years wallpaper has changed quite a bit and can offer a wide range of colours, patterns and textures. If you are trying to decide if wallpaper is right for you, consider a few of the advantages and disadvantages of using it.

Pros

• Versatility- wallpaper can offer a much wider spectrum of colour and design than paint
• Durability- wallpaper can typically last longer than paint, as paint needs touching up every 2-5 years whereas quality wallpaper can last 10-15 years
• Aesthetics- the incredible variety you can get with wall paper means you can create a much higher level of creativity with minimal effort

Cons

• Cost- wallpaper is typically more expensive
• Removal/Replacement- whilst if done right, removal may not be that hard, but it is time consuming
• Installing- if you are not experienced, putting up wallpaper, then matching patterns, seams can be difficult

If you choose to try wallpaper, be sure to do your research and learn as much as you can about installing and removal before attempting it.

Have you heard of the ancient pseudoscience of Feng Shui? It was developed in 4000 B.C. and historically was used in many hallowed structures as a guide to orienting the contents of a building in such a way as to collect and circulate energy or chi. More recently it has grown in popularity as a way of arranging the contents of one’s home. It can be a very complex process but here are a few simple Do’s and Don’ts.

Do

• Always keep bathroom doors closed and toilet seats down. This relates to the ancient belief that water and wealth coincide, you do not want water/wealth escaping your home.
• Use Crystals to generate energy, in spots that may be lacking.
• Have a nice fountain or aquarium to generate good energy.
• Utilise symbols such as Buddha, lucky bamboo, Fu dog, or dragon statures as talismans for good energy.

Don’t

• Place your chair facing away from the door in a home office as it does not put you in a commanding position.
• Place a baby bed near the door or electrical devices as electronics are thought to put an electromagnetic energy around the child.
• Neglect to use mirrors to activate, circulate, expand and deflect energy.
• Forget to apply Feng Shui to less used rooms, as all parts of the home need to incorporate the practice to generate good energy.