Launch of “Prosperity” - Feng Shui-Designed Hospitality Furniture

Christine A. Bushell

From an early age I had a fascination for furniture: its color, shape and materials and, above all, its placement within a room.  My mother, a petite lady, would constantly be re-arranging the furniture in our home and explaining that it made her feel good. She would install new pieces, reposition the accessories, and regularly set out fresh blooms. “It lifts my spirits” she would say. I admit to having no sense of what this actually meant at the time, but many years later as a certified Feng Shui consultant, I get it!

Back in early Spring, I was approached by Wilson Associates, a top international architectural interior design firm and Mark David Inc. (part of the Kohler Interiors group) a global manufacturer of hospitality furniture, to consult on the design of a line of Feng Shui-inspired furniture for the hospitality industry.

“It only felt natural for Wilson Associates to develop a Feng Shui line after applying the principles and seeing them work in our own office space” said Margaret McMahon, principal of the New York office. “We agreed that there is an opportunity in the furniture community to create a collection for discerning clients who seek a more holistic environment.” 

The inspiration for the conceptual design for the “Prosperity Collection” is derived from the five natural elements – drawing its strength from wood, fire, earth, metal and water:

• Wood: Realized through the choice of decorative Macassar ebony wood veneer and its naturally irregular vertical striping

• Fire: The fire element is represented by the fine leather used on the headboard’s circular design, the leather upholstered chairs and ottoman; illumination and triangle shapes are displayed to also represent the element.

• Earth: Shown in the incorporation of square and rectangular shapes and the beautifully-honed cream marble

• Metal: Brilliant polished chrome appoint the dresser, desk and nightstand legs, the lounge chair and ottoman feet, and the hardware pulls; the circular shape was introduced to the bed and mirror to complete this element

• Water: The round mirror’s crystal glass signifies the flow and undulation of water; the tablets on the nightstands are crafted in mirror to represent the water element. Black glass toppers to the desk, dresser and a black trim in the design of the chairs and ottoman introduces the water element in the rest of the Collection.

It is envisioned that once integrated into any interior space, the Collection will create a balanced and harmonious environment. The practice of Feng Shui is increasingly becoming a part of the design process today; Prosperity was designed to meet this need. The line composed of stand alone pieces as well as pieces that work together reveals an aesthetic of a relaxing retreat.

The harmonious balance, or flow of ch’i, is articulated in design elements found throughout the collection. Corners are softly honed and rounded. The desk, dresser, and nightstand legs wrap around the sides, opening up the frame and encouraging air movement. The polished chrome, glass, and rich lacquers capture and reflect light lending a welcoming aura to a room.

The utilitarian design also adds a contemporary component to the forms to speak to a broad audience and utilize space effectively. The Collection can be customized to fit special needs and also comes in a variety of colors. According to Mark Norcross, president, Mark David, “With this collaboration, we have created a collection that is not only sophisticated and versatile but designed to create positive energy and sense of balance in a room. I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome or the initial reaction from our clients.” 

“The Prosperity Collection” was launched recently at the Hospitality Design Expo in Las Vegas to rave reviews and I could not be more thrilled to have had the opportunity to bring together my fascination of furniture and my passion for Feng Shui, in the creation of Prosperity.