How to Recognize Good Feng Shui in a Home

The Home’s Curb Appeal The moment you pull up to this gorgeous modern farmhouse, you’ll be impressed by its charming curb appeal. The home’s clean, contemporary exterior combines classic farmhouse elements like wraparound porches, a …

The Home’s Curb Appeal

The moment you pull up to this gorgeous modern farmhouse, you’ll be impressed by its charming curb appeal. The home’s clean, contemporary exterior combines classic farmhouse elements like wraparound porches, a welcoming front door, and thoughtfully-designed landscaping.

The inviting wide front porch showcases charming wood columns and railings. Potted plants and rocking chairs create a cozy gathering place to enjoy your morning coffee. A set of front steps framed by decorative planter boxes leads up to the dark wood front door with sidelights that bathe the entryway in natural light.

The home’s landscaping is designed for both aesthetics and functionality. Carefully placed trees provide shade while native flowers and plants reduce water usage. The trees frame the home beautifully while the flower beds burst with color. The oversized paved driveway provides plenty of parking.

Thoughtful exterior lighting illuminates the home and landscape at night. Upgraded features like stone accents on the exterior walls, copper gutters, and metal roofing add style and dimension. This picture-perfect exterior gives you a taste of the custom details found inside the home. With its inviting curb appeal, you’ll love coming home to this property day after day.

The Neighborhood

This charming home is located on a quiet tree-lined street in the highly desirable Downtown neighborhood. Known for its walkability, proximity to parks and schools, and historic architecture, the Downtown neighborhood features many amenities for residents to enjoy.

Tree-lined streets with brick sidewalks give the area a quaint, small-town feel while still being located right in the heart of the city. The neighborhood elementary and middle schools are just a few blocks away, earning top marks on standardized tests and providing enrichment programs. Families take advantage of the neighborhood public library, community center, and well-maintained public parks dotted throughout Downtown.

The historic district showcases beautiful Victorian and Craftsman style homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the charming homes have been impeccably maintained or restored, adding to the desirability of the area. Popular local restaurants, cafes, and shops are located just around the corner on Main Street, making it easy to enjoy a nice meal or some retail therapy without traveling far.

With its ideal location, family-friendly amenities, and charming architecture, the Downtown neighborhood provides an excellent quality of life for residents. This home’s location allows owners to immerse themselves in the tight-knit community and pedestrian-friendly environment.

History of the House

This charming home was originally built in 1952 by the Smith family, who were prominent local business owners at the time. It was designed in the mid-century modern style, which was very popular in the post-war era. Architectural hallmarks include an open floor plan, large windows to maximize natural light, clean lines and minimal ornamentation.

The house remained in the Smith family for over 30 years and saw the addition of a family room and updated kitchen during that time. In 1985 it was purchased by the Jones family, who carried out renovations to modernize some of the bathrooms and electrical systems while retaining the mid-century charm.

In the early 2000s, the Browns bought the house and completed a tasteful remodel that opened up some of the partition walls and refinished the original hardwood floors. They also added the wraparound porch to increase the curb appeal. The current owners purchased it in 2020 and have preserved the mid-century roots while giving the interiors and fixtures a contemporary update befitting 21st century living.

Through its seven decades, this home has been well cared for by owners who respected its architectural pedigree. It retains the mid-century features that define its style while adapting seamlessly to modern family life. This rare combination of vintage charm and modern amenities makes the house a truly special find.

T-Intersections

T-intersections, sometimes called 3-way intersections, are road junctions shaped like the letter “T”, with two roads perpendicular to each other. The top road continues straight, while the intersecting road ends at the intersection.

T-intersections impact traffic flow and safety in a few key ways:

  • They eliminate left turns across traffic. With only 3 entry points instead of 4, there are fewer conflict points where crashes can occur. This improves safety.

  • They can calm traffic. Since vehicles can only turn right, drivers must slow down more to navigate the turn. This helps reduce speeds through intersections.

  • They allow for stop signs or signals to better control traffic. With only 1 direction able to continue straight, it’s easier to assign right-of-way.

  • They reduce wait times for side streets. Without left turn phases, the side street usually has fewer delays before entering the main road.

  • They can cause some out-of-direction travel. Without the ability to turn left, drivers may have to overshoot their destination and make a U-turn or 3 right turns instead. This increases travel distances.

  • They may concentrate more traffic to main routes. Since side streets can only turn right, they funnel more vehicles onto the continuous main road.

Overall, T-intersections promote safety and traffic flow control at the expense of some directionality and increased traffic on the main intersection approaches. Cities often use them on smaller side streets intersecting major arterials. They represent a good compromise for balancing access and mobility.

Flow to the Front Door

The home’s layout naturally draws you into the front door through a series of harmonic spaces. As you walk up the front path, your eyes are drawn ahead to the charming covered entryway. The path gently curves, building anticipation before revealing the beautiful solid wood door with sidelights that perfectly frames the interior.

Stepping inside, your gaze is directed through the foyer and towards the light-filled great room. The open concept floor plan creates an intuitive flow from the entry to the spacious, airy living spaces beyond. No awkward hallways or unnecessary barriers disrupt the seamless transition through the home.

The strategic placement of windows fills the foyer with natural light. Your view extends through the great room’s abundant windows overlooking the private backyard. This transparency establishes a visual connection with nature even from the front door.

Overall, the home’s deliberate design guides you through an elegant procession of spaces, seamlessly connecting the curbside to an inviting interior filled with light and views. This graceful flow is a testament to the home’s impeccable layout and harmony with its natural surroundings.

The Commanding Position

Situated on a small knoll at the entrance of the quiet subdivision, this charming home enjoys lovely vantage points from every room. With no other houses crowding it, the home’s south-facing rear takes full advantage of passive solar gain.

The great room and both west-facing bedrooms have gorgeous views of the sun setting behind the hills. To the east, the sunrise glimmers above the tree line. Out front, the home faces the greenbelt and walking trail that borders the community.

The elevated site provides excellent visibility in all directions while retaining a quiet, private setting. Out back, the tiered decking cascades down the slope to maximize outdoor living and entertaining space. Large overhanging eaves on the rear help shade the interior from summer sun while allowing low winter sunlight to warm the home.

Friends often remark on the spectacular 270-degree views and how peaceful it feels nestled into the terrain. The tiered landscaping merges home and garden beautifully. Inside, vaulted ceilings enhance the commanding views and natural light throughout the day. This is a rare property that feels at one with its surroundings.

Good Qi

The flow of positive energy, or qi (pronounced “chee”), in this home is exceptional thanks to thoughtful feng shui design principles incorporated throughout. Feng shui focuses on harmonizing human environments with natural forces and energy patterns to promote optimal health, prosperity, and overall well-being.

Several feng shui elements can be seen in this home’s layout and orientation. For example, the front door faces south, which allows nourishing energy to flow in while blocking cold northern winds. The entryway opens into the home’s social spaces and avoids directing guests immediately toward bedrooms, supporting open circulation.

Inside, the open concept floor plan removes blockages to qi flow between rooms. Vaulted ceilings in key areas like the living room draw energy upward and enhance feelings of spaciousness. Abundant natural light streams in through large windows, keeping the home bright and airy. Curves in architectural details soften sharp edges and corners that could otherwise create stagnant qi pockets.

Overall, this home’s intentional design supports the free flow of revitalizing qi energy throughout its interior and exterior spaces. Living here nourishes the body, uplifts the spirit, and promotes a deep sense of harmony for residents.

Living Spaces

The flowing open floor plan is ideal for entertaining and everyday living. As you enter from the front door, you’re greeted by the spacious living room anchored by a beautiful stone fireplace. Windows along the back wall allow ample natural light to flood the space.

Just beyond the living room lies the heart of the home – the gorgeous chef’s kitchen. Granite countertops, high-end stainless steel appliances, and a large island make cooking a joy. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining area, perfect for family meals or dinner parties.

Sliding glass doors in the dining area lead out to the flagstone patio, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Gather here in the summer months for backyard barbecues or an evening cocktail under the stars.

Adjacent to the kitchen is a cozy family room, providing a relaxed space to unwind after a long day. Built-in bookshelves flank the fireplace, offering plenty of room to display photos, treasured antiques, or your favorite titles. This multi-purpose room also makes an ideal home office or playroom.

Upstairs, the bedroom retreats offer a quiet respite from the activity downstairs. The large master suite provides a spa-like bathroom with dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a walk-in shower. Walk-in closets offer ample storage space. Additional bedrooms and a loft area give family members room to spread out.

Whether you’re looking to host large gatherings or spend quality time with loved ones, the well-designed living spaces accommodate it all. This home truly has room for making memories that will last a lifetime.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

This home features 4 spacious bedrooms and 3.5 luxurious bathrooms, providing plenty of room for a growing family or overnight guests.

The master bedroom is the ultimate retreat with a king-sized bed, walk-in closet, and spa-like en-suite bathroom. Unwind in the soaking tub or walk-in shower and get ready in style at the double vanity. Natural light pours in through large windows that overlook the backyard.

Down the hall are 3 additional well-appointed bedrooms, each with large closets and ample space for a bed, dresser, and nightstands. These bright and cheery rooms share a hallway bathroom with dual sinks, tub/shower combination, and stylish tilework.

On the main floor, a powder room offers convenience for guests with a pedestal sink and elegant wallpaper.

The sizeable bedrooms provide plenty of room to spread out, while the bathrooms offer spa-like relaxation. This home was designed with both comfort and style in mind.

Outdoor Spaces

The expansive backyard offers plenty of room for entertaining and outdoor activities. Mature oak trees provide ample shade over the large patio area, perfect for relaxing or dining al fresco. An built-in outdoor kitchen makes it easy to grill up meals for a crowd.

Beyond the patio, there’s a sprawling lawn dotted with flower gardens. Kids and pets will love playing in this safe, enclosed space. At the back of the yard sits a charming gazebo, wrapped in twinkling lights – a magical spot for evening cocktails or brunches.

Walkout access from the basement leads to an additional patio seating area with a firepit. Gather around on cool nights for s’mores or cozy conversations under the stars. The adjacent sunroom with screens allows you to enjoy the fresh air regardless of weather or season.

With abundant room for play, gardening, or quiet contemplation, the backyard offers an outdoor oasis just steps from the home. Its versatile spaces are designed for family fun and making memories that will last a lifetime.

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