This is an example of a truly amazing transformation I was fortunate enough to have been a part of. My clients had, in 1992, started a hair salon with 5 cutting stations. Over the years they expanded, eventually growing their small business into two, one which included a very lucrative and beautiful Spa located in St. James, Long Island, New York. However, the two businesses were in separate spots in a strip mall and they wanted very much to combine them.
It was a difficult task. A Salon is lively, open and often noisy. The energy of a Spa, however, should be darker, quiet and more serene and tranquil. They believed they had found the perfect building and called me in just before they purchased it. We sat on the floor on that hot day as the building was abandoned to try to work it out.
They purchased the building and implemented the Feng Shui principles to create the two distinct energies and IT WORKED! I wasn't even sure how it was going to turn out and although I had stopped by during construction it is difficult to envision the "finished product." Yesterday was opening day and I got the first "sneak peak." Please note that my clients decorated this entire place on their own while implementing Feng Shui but they did NOT hire a decorator!
The Spalon, as it is now called, is called T Carltons and is located on busy Smithtown ByPass in Smithtown, Long Island, New York. Anyone out that way is more then welcome to stop in and "feel" the energy! And see firsthand their beautiful decorating while keeping in mind many Feng Shui principles.
The "Spalon" in Smithtown, just before purchase
The entire place was "gutted" and completely renovated. *Please note since this building had been vacant for some time, it had been broken into several times.
The new T Calton's in Smithtown, Long Island. Please notice this is still during construction but all the elements are addressed, it is open and inviting and all the wavy lines indicate Water...the primary element upstairs with all the sinks.
On the left is a waterfall facing the Front Door which is the Center of this beautiful space. It is also where the cash drawers are located although they do NOT face doors or windows. The pillars are not well seen but there are four, to "support" the owners.
Stepping downstairs, into the quiet and tranquil Spa. Notice the rounded walls and furniture for a perfect flow of Energy.
Another beautiful area of the Spa. This area goes around the center and into the many treatment rooms.
And FINALLY:
I wish the owners Tom and Christine Many Blessings with their beautiful new space and for calling on me to assist them with it.
Hey Carole
Yes this was an amazing transformation. My daughter works in a Spa that has the same feel to it. I always find it a relaxing, pleasant atmosphere.
Phyllis Pafumi
Carole ,
Feng Shui is such a mystery to me. What did you do when you were sitting on the floor.
Inquiring minds want to know.
I love the name of the Salon. I will be getting my cat with the waving arm this weekend for my prosperity. I dare not ignore what works! Thank you for all your wisdom.
I think this is GREAT, Carole! Smithtown is my old stomping grounds, as I was born in Huntington, and my family lived on Lloyd Neck for ever before my dad retired.
Over the past few years, I've been dipping my toes into the Feng Shui concept, and love the logic and good spirit of what I'm learning. The things that I've applied in my home have really worked, and it feels like magic.
Since I'm too cheap to take the "good" classes and training on the art, do you have any wonderful books suggestions that I might find at the library (see how cheap I am?). There are many titles out there, and I feel lost in the search. Some, I find, are even contradictory to others....although that may just be my ignorance and mis-interpretation.
Thanks!
Phyllis, I love the tranquil feeling as well. That was the difficult issue on this, trying to create two very different energies. Thank goodness it worked!
Sheron, I should have explained it better. The place had been vacant and broken in to so many times there was no where to sit---hence the floor. I know the Bagua but I give out booklets to teach my clients so they can bring the knowledge to another space (their office, for example) and incorporate Feng Shui there as well. The forms, checklists and hundreds of principles are in my head (it's no wonder nothing else will FIT in there :)! And at least 90% of my clients do make the suggestions---once I explain the reason it makes sense to them.
Jaynee, a great book (you could try ebay) is Feng Shui Made Easy by William Spear. He was one of my mentors and he's got a terrific perspective on Feng Shui. The books ARE all contradictory because there are so many perspectives....and some are scare tactics now from what I've seen. I was recently told that some Feng Shui Schools are 80% marketing and 20% Feng Shui....it's become a business <---SIGH
Carole-
You did an absolutely beautiful job - the transformation is amazing! I'm sure your efforts will pay off handsomely for your clients.
Very impressive renovation, while still incorporating the principles as you suggest. Before I saw the images, I remembered a spa in the city where I go to the hair salon upstairs and the spa is downstairs, totally quiet and tranquil. It's a good solution. Nice to see all these images.
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