When you learn that there's someone who thought to bring feng shui, interior design and the KonMari method together into one service, you think to yourself, why didn't I think of that? Luckily, Allison Krush is here to impart on us some of her lessons, as well as her A+ Compell'd lists. Learn more, below.

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We love your approach, bringing feng shui, interior design and the KonMari method together into holistic interior design. Tell us a little about your background and how you developed your expertise.

I was the happiest I had ever been, engaged to be married after being a single, divorced mom for eight years. When we moved into a fabulous house that would accommodate our new blended family, I was so uncomfortable in our bedroom and unable to sleep. It didn't make any sense! That is when I started researching feng shui. With the knowledge I gained, I made a few adjustments and did some intense decluttering and transformed my bedroom into a sanctuary! I found myself sleeping well again and excited to spend time in my new favorite room.

This transformation inspired me to evaluate the rest of the house, curious as to how else I could create harmony within my home. The changes I made had a positive impact on my health, relationships, and career - such an impact that I felt compelled to share feng shui with others. 

To further fine tune my organization and decluttering skills I decided to train with the master, Marie Kondo, and became a certified KonMari Consultant. All of these skills, combined with my Interior Design education, took me on this wonderful path towards a holistic approach in designing spaces.

We’re so fascinated by all of this, feng shui in particular. For someone who’s new to feng shui and organization, what advice would you have to get started?

Take some time and imagine the life you want to live. If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make? Is there a specific area of your life that needs attention? The Bagua Map is a great place to start.

The Western Bagua Map is one of the main feng shui tools used to analyze the energy in any given space. It shows how each aspect of your life is connected to an area of your home. This includes career, health, relationships, family, travel, creativity, fame, wisdom and wealth.

Once you have defined the bagua in your home, you can begin to adjust and improve each area and help the positive energy flow. This is accomplished by applying feng shui remedies that correspond to each section. The bagua map depicts colors, elements and shapes to enhance each area.  

"Take some time and imagine the life you want to live. If you could wave a magic wand, what changes would you make? Is there a specific area of your life that needs attention? The Bagua Map is a great place to start."

What are some of your favorite ways to get inspiration and recommendations?

My favorite place to get inspiration is from my clients. With each consultation, as I teach them I also learn. I really love what I do and get so much joy from helping others create spaces that nurture and support them.  

I am a member of the International Feng Shui Guild, ASID and KonMari Consultant FB group. These communities of professionals give me inspiration. I also follow current trends in Interior Design and Fashion. 

"My favorite place to get inspiration is from my clients. With each consultation, as I teach them I also learn. I really love what I do and get so much joy from helping others create spaces that nurture and support them."

Your post about survival being the new joy, and changing your philosophy about clutter in the midst of living through a pandemic, was so powerful. What are some other ways you’ve adapted while staying true to your mission this year?

The world is constantly changing and surprising us with new challenges. Even though change can be intimidating, our purpose in life is worth the discomfort. This year I dove in full throttle and learned about video conferencing. This was something new to me, and I made plenty of mistakes, but in the end I don’t know how I lived without it! Because of the pandemic, most of my business is performed virtually. The added bonus is I am now able to engage with clients beyond the NY metropolitan area with ease. Change is good!!

We love the thoughtfulness you have around living sustainably. What are some of the things you find are easiest to do to implement a more eco-friendly home?

Here are 3 easy ways to implement a more eco-friendly home:

1. Stop purchasing single use disposable products. Disposable paper products may be convenient, but you should know that over 20 million pounds of paper is dumped into landfills annually. Paper can take 20 years to decompose. Yes, reusable tableware requires cleaning, but it makes food taste better, helps with waste reduction and lessens environmental impacts.  

2. Use home and beauty products that are good for the environment and good for you! My favorite products are made by www.PublicGoods.com. They offer healthy and safe products with the option to purchase refills which cuts down on waste. I love their cleaning and beauty products!!!

3. Recycle! Whenever you can, Recycle.

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Thanks so much, Allison! Your Feng Shui Tips list is an instant favorite of ours.