I think this is a really fabulous idea. My former acupuncturist's waiting and treatment rooms were just dreadful. I was only a patient for about a year but every time I went in, I was aching to suggest a few changes. I would have even painted the place myself...it was that bad! He moved away, ostensibly because there was not enough business here. I can't help but think the grotesque rooms made a difference in how people felt being there. Do you have any way to present a Gift Certificate of sorts for your professional services? Handing them something with a note attached about how grateful you are and how you want to give back... They would likely interpret that as a generous offer, rather than a friendly critique. I'd hand them the note and then disappear so they don't have to react in front of you...that can be difficult for some people. Or, you could start small with the plant "shares" and see what kind of response you get. If they later say how much they enjoy the plants, perhaps you can go on to suggest the benefit of some additional changes. I'll be eager to hear how it goes. There are so many places where I feel the colors need to be tweaked (like my dentist's office, decorated in a lovely shade of puss green!) and I'd love to just offer a bit of advice without being offensive. Oh, and I'm curious to know where you studied Feng Shui. Thanks! - Amy

very interesting points brought up again :) There are various forms of Feng Shui. Some that are more literal then others. Kate, I agree with you, coming in and knocking down homes as they have...I personally do not agree with that. Feng Shui is about respecting the land, not disturbing it, as it seems they have. Many of the changes that would be suggested to those who hire a "expert Feng Shui consultant" will come from that consultants perspective. So, if they see extreme changes need to happen, that is what they will suggest. If your consultant says we can work around this situation...then that is how they will approach the issue. The red envelope, that has a lot to do with your intention of why your addressing it. Traditionally it is to increase wealth. To help increase your finances means you have to act on your intention as well. Many times people think I just have to place this object over here and that will solve everything :) Remember, Feng Shui is 80% intention, why you are making changes and what it is your looking to achieve from those changes. 20% is taking action to make those changes happen. The red envelope cure says to place 3 like coins inside and put the envelope in your "wealth" section according to the Bagua Theory of Feng Shui. The location will be in the furthest back left hand corner of your entire home from your front entrance, looking inward into your home. As you place it there, think to yourself, why do I want to increase my wealth, is it to simply have enough money to pay my bills, maybe go on a trip...it can be anything. xc60, I like the way you think :) yes having a four is not recommended by the Chinese culture, but utilizing your numerology skills and seeing that everything adds up to 8, very lucky, as well as 9 :) Feng Shui is based on your own personal belief, if you feel it does not work for you, that is fine :) If it is not Feng Shui, perhaps you have another cultural belief system you choose to follow. It is recommended to find something that you belief in and that helps keep you grounded and happy :) Here is a link that might be useful: Feng Shui Manhattan New York

I believe that a small powder room is an opportunity to do something special, a little over the top. First off, the room has no window, right? So you always have to put the light on anyway when you go in. To me this just opens the door to dark/rich colors. Since the room is so tiny, you can also paint the ceiling the same color, maybe this would give you a feeling of endless walls. And as far as gloss goes, with a dark color--it just adds glam and makes it even more special. But, I would not go for semi-gloss, that would look like an accident to me (leftover paint, so I'll use this semi-gloss). High gloss, so the walls look wet, that is really cool. You should double check with your painter about how he will get the effect of high gloss, no roller marks. I'm currently struggling with this on my foyer ceiling. And I guess you should keep in mind that if the walls are not perfect, you will see every imperfection with the high gloss. Some people don't care, and others go crazy. Check out this article from House Beautiful! Here is a link that might be useful: Todd Klein- House Beautiful High Gloss Paint

OMG, the deep purple in Annie's library is gorgeous and perfect. And I've always loved her tangerine powder room and the orange in her kitchen. Brave use of two tough colors which turned out perfectly. this is the children's bunk room in my house, but I want to paint the woodwork white and the walls and ceiling BM Lemon Ice, a "lighter" (weight-wise) yello My favorite room in terms of color is my living room