A Feng Shui Consultation for the Draper Residence

I am a huge fan of AMC's hit show Mad Men, so I am excited that they have finally begun filming Season 5.
I'm doing a fantasy feng shui consultation for the Draper residence in today's blog, but first, the latest buzz about the show~The 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards is only 33 days away, airing Sun 9/18 & Mad Men is nominated for 19 categories including Best Drama, Best Actor (Jon Hamm), Best Actress (Elisabeth Moss) and Best Writing (Matthew Weiner). Hamm's toughest competition: Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire), Globe and SAG awards winner, & Mad Men hasn't won any acting Emmys, yet. Good luck this time, Jon~you have my vote.

Feng Shui Consultation for the Draper Residence by Kathleen Ho Feng Shui

During Season Four, Betty continues to live in the Draper residence with her new husband, Henry Francis~a year after her divorce. Don Draper is paying the mortgage which is a point of bitter contention between Don and Betty. Betty seems discontent in the home that she once shared with her ex-husband.

In the season finale, "Tomorrowland", Betty and Francis finally move from the Ossining house to a home in Rye. Don is meeting a real estate agent at the house, but is surprised to find Betty still there. They share a drink from a bottle of liquor Don retrieves from a cabinet and he tells her that he is engaged.

I don't know if Don Draper will move back into the Ossining house once he and Megan are married, but a feng shui consultation would bring balance and harmony to the home as they begin their married life. Because this is my fantasy, I am consulting the Draper residence fully furnished as it was in Seasons 1-4 by set decorator, Amy Wells. I've done my research. I combed through episodes, taking a "virtual tour" of their home, making notes.

First, the house is in need of space clearing to revitalize stuck energy that has been building up in the Draper residence over time. A space clearing is a good idea anytime there is a major energy shift in a home including a new home purchase to clear out previous tenant energy, a baby's birth, a new job or career change, illness, death or even a bad argument. The Draper household has been on an emotional roller coaster the past few seasons~that's a lot of stuck energy in those walls!

The Consultation
Prior to my on-site feng shui visit, I request floor plans and a property site plan for review. I also explain that payment is traditionally paid in one-nine red envelopes to the feng shui expert. The red envelope acts as a protection for the feng shui expert who is imparting sacred feng shui knowledge to the client. The client demonstrates respect and openness to the feng shui expert by finding a red envelope to make payment, and presenting it at the time of the consultation. The color red is protective in Chines tradition and "burns" away negative chi.

When I arrive, I follow the straight walkway to the Draper's front door. Ideally, paths to the front door should be curved and winding to slow the chi down. Flowers and shrubs planted along the walkway edge will help slow the chi. I take a walk around the exterior of the property taking note that there are no missing areas at the front of the house and that the front door opens in Knowledge and Career areas of the bagua. The front hedges need trimming to allow vital chi to flow freely in through the windows during the day.

The red front door is a symbol of good fortune for the residents. The color red helps chi to find its way to the home and raises the chi as it enters. A welcome mat, porch lights and a pair of planters with seasonal plantings would enhance the front entrance.

Once inside the well-lit foyer, I notice the staircase to the second floor that is across from the entrance. When a doorway is directly across from a staircase, chi rushes out the door and takes with it good fortune and opportunities. I recommend hanging a 30mm faceted crystal from the lantern to disperse the chi and keep it flowing through the home. In my virtual tour I am happy to note the red rug in the foyer, a perfect cure to slow down the chi. A heavy planter placed near the top of the stairs will slow down the chi, also. There is a tiered round table by the door with a vase. Keep fresh flowers or cuttings from the garden to welcome guests and bring vital living energy into the home.

The Draper's living room is located in three areas of the bagua, Knowledge & Self Cultivation, Family and Wealth. The door opens in Knowledge. The fireplace is in a good location, Fame & Reputation (Fire is the element for this area of the bagua). The stereo is also in a good spot: Creativity and Children, Metal is the element and electronics with their metal components belong here. So go ahead and crank up your Sinatra albums, Don! The main seating, usually a sofa, should be in a commanding position so you can see the door. This is so you feel protected and secure helping you to be comfortable and relaxed.  I love this curved sofa, but your back is to the door, leaving you exposed and unaware of what is happening "behind your back". A narrow table placed behind the sofa provides support. Hang a mirror across from the sofa so you can see anyone entering.  Also, the shape of the sofa and color are Metal attributes. Metal "chops" Wood in the controlling cycle. The coral carpet and pillows (Fire) help to weaken the metal element of the sofa. The blue walls and pillows (symbolizing water) help nourish the Wood element of Family & Wealth.

In Season 3, Episode 7 "Seven Twenty Three"   Betty hires a decorator to redo her living room. The room now feels more balanced. The sofa is in the commanding position. The carpet and draperies are lighter. The two chairs in a graphic print are not considered the primary seating so they are fine. Don suggests to move the end table and lamp to the other side of the sofa which blocks the flow if you are walking through the room (there is a door to the right of the sofa leading to the study).
The bookshelves are highlighted with lighting and coral paint. It's always a good idea to enhance corners of the room so that energy doesn't stagnate there. In the video you can see that there is a table with a lamp and framed photos to the left of the door (Knowledge in the room's bagua). Light sources, as I have mentioned before, are excellent ways to enhance any area of the bagua. The living room decor tells your guests something about you. Amy Wells has chosen Murano glass for the Drapers, and a modern chinoiserie breakfront. There are decorative accents in pairs throughout the room. Feng Shui Plus for this room! Well, until Betty adds her own decorative touch:

Her decorator is horrified and doesn't want to be considered responsible for it. Amy Wells also asks production designer Dan Bishop if it has to be added. Feng shui consultant Kathleen Ho suggests to move it across from the sofa and angle the chairs on either side of the fireplace if it's staying, otherwise remove it to improve the flow of the room.