From The Entryway we step out into the world. Armed with our exterior objects, we are ready and able to face the day. First and foremost, the exterior of a space offers us protection. The physical structures of our homes shelter us, keeping us safe from the elements. A space with a leaky roof, unstable floors, or permeable walls does little for us in this department. Keeping the physical structures of our homes in working order whenever possible ensures our space is serving its primary purpose.
The secondary purpose of the exterior is to attract energy. A clear and unobstructed path from the road pulls opportunities, connections, and experiences to us. In the world of spatial energetics, curb appeal functions like a magnet.
Since energy can neither be created nor destroyed, the exterior aims to invite energy inside. A well-designed exterior invites us in, functioning as a beacon, calling us home each night and welcoming guests daily. To ensure energy can circulate, linger, and—hopefully—stay a while, we must ensure we can be found.
How? The address.
Every space has a unique address. With the help of a map, we can pinpoint our homes within the greater landscape of the world and orient ourselves in space. Knowing our address ensures we can always find our way home. It is important to display addresses prominently as this is how energy finds us.
Listing our name and/or number on the door (either or both is fine, whatever floats your boat!) connects us to the rest of the world. In this way, posting one’s address is a declarative act. We are open and ready to receive because we can be found. Even in the era of modern banking and direct deposits, money finds us where we live. After all, our paychecks and bills are addressed to us at home. Since checks and bills land in our physical and digital mailboxes (ahem email), keeping them neat, tidy, and in working order is paramount.
From a design perspective a bright, pleasing exterior light fixture cements this metaphor while illuminating the way home. A front door with a window or peephole is nice because we can see who is coming. An appropriate doormat helps us filter the energy of our day and keep the outside, out. Sturdy locks and latches let us determine what and who passes through. A well-functioning doorbell and/or door knocker ensures no one can sneak up on us.
After all, when opportunity knocks, we want to be able to answer.
To Contemplate:
Consider the physical structure of your space. Is it supportive? Is everything in working order? Is anything in disrepair? Is there anything lingering around the exterior of your space? Are there any metaphors lingering in your field?
Examine the exterior of your space from a distance, perhaps across the street. Consider how it looks. What is your eye drawn to? Do you feel pulled to cross the street? Do you want to step inside?
Consider your addresses. Can you be found? What is the state of your physical mailbox? What is the state of your inbox?
*In apartments, it is interesting to examine these questions for the building as a whole and for your individual unit. There are no set rules here—play around with it and see what works.
Interested in learning more? Book a Space Reading! And, of course, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
-MRD