The following space revitalization project was facilitated by Kim Colwell, from the Shambhalla Institute. Kim is an eco interior designer and second generation feng shui master:

Kim's client, Melissa, wanted to set up a space to exude a cozy, warm feeling for her guests while showcasing her personality in a stylish, more sophisticated way.

Kim's specialty is designing a space that articulates a strong sense of personal identity within the space, incorporating techniques such as feng shui to enhance the chi-ful (or energetic) feel of the space.

The first step was a series of explorative conversations with Melissa, even delving into childhood and other significant experiences throughout her life to get a deeper sense of her personality, desires and interests.

Using the Shambhalla Institute's psychological perspective Kim sometimes evaluates how people are stuck in their lives and may be surrounded by an environment that is cluttered with an excess of belongings that define painful memories or a décor style that no longer reflects who they are. This can have a profound effect on their mental state and quality of life.

By identifying life patterns that have manifested physically within the space she is able to expand the client's awareness of where they are blocked. This work provides new tools to take a more objective view of yourself, thus taking more control of your life and living in an environment that is healthier and more nurturing.

The conceptual design for Melissa's new living room and kitchen showcases her strong, fun, eclectic personality. The process was a series of decisions all based on the principles of good design, sustainability, feng shui and psychology.

The biggest challenge in this space was the size. There were charming architectural details, but the amount of furniture and objects in the space made it feel cluttered without a sense of order or flow.

The existing space had two large sofas, one sitting in front of the window seat which was covered with plants. To open up the room, Kim had Melissa recycle her furniture into the homes of her friends and start from scratch.

The window seat was a perfect area to customize a banquette.  To be eco- minded, Kim used recycled content for the upholstery along with a Knoll sustainable fabric. She lined the windows with sheers and added twinkle lights to the trees outside to aid in the magical feel she wanted to create.

Much of the new furniture was vintage, including the Noguchi knock off coffee table and the 1960's side tables that were revitalized into stools with natural fibered fabric. Even the chair was purchased for $35 at a flea market and re-shaped with high-end fabric. Tons of vibrant pillows were added to the room to create more texture, color and life to the décor style.

The walls were painted with at least 10 shades of paint, creating more depth to the tiny room. One prominent wall was stylized with wallpaper to enhance the overall design direction.

Mirrors, lights, plants and flowers were carefully placed to effect the energetic feel of the space. Each artistic object represented a personal sense of harmony, creativity and happiness for Melissa, thus leaving her with a space that was customized just for her.
















"I continually gained respect for Kim's professionalism and her talented approach...she tackles problem solving from every angle. And in the most subtle of ways guides you through the process, always patient."
-Melissa Robke, owner of Hairlo, Inc.