We all want to feel more peaceful and relaxed, and often go to great lengths to create atmospheres to promote these feelings. Whether it is a beautiful artwork, plant life, or a nice scent, humans modify and personalize their interiors to suit their needs, practically and also emotionally. It is possible to mesh these ideals with healthy and nourishing home décor.
 A great way to love up your home, and the event of coming home, is to create a nice, de-cluttered entryway. Sometimes this is the hardest area to keep tidy, as things enter and leave the house through it, but it is still hugely important. It is one of the first things many guides on Feng Shui will talk about. It is the “first impression” of the home, and not only for visitors, but you! After a tough day, we often look forward to coming home to our sanctuary, and we deserve to have that experience as we cross the threshold into it.  In addition to the functional things, such as having a place to sit and take off ones shoes, hang a coat or other items, there are “beauty without function” things that can be done. Personally, I think beauty always has a function of sorts, and that is to connect us to the source of all life, and inspire us with good feelings. I have read that a non-drooping plant (droopy being like spider plants and ivy), but something upward such as a jade, dracaena, snake plant, or the like, can create a strong positive energy here.   A piece of artwork well placed can also increase the good “vibes” of the entryway.
 Another consideration is the type of candles, incense or other scented things you use. It is wise to pay attention to the ingredients. Synthetic chemical air fresheners are a no-no. Stick with something natural such as an oil burner for essential oil, or high quality incense. You have the option to affect your mood with specific essential oils Soy or beeswax candles are a safe bet, and tend to last a long time as well. They are natural, better for the planet, and better for the air you are breathing inside. Someone knowledgeable once advised me that even with high quality incense (not gas station incense) such as Nag Champa, it is still wise to have good air circulation, to keep the density of the smoke down to a minimum, and that incense smoke is still never “good” for you. I have heeded that ever since. Still, a pleasant smell has a very direct impact on a person’s experience. Smell is the most primal of all senses, and one must actually take molecules into their body to perceive them. Always keep this in mind.