The Feng Shui Laundromat


By Renae Jensen

Step into Frank's Laundromat and you will instantly feel uplifted and welcome ! This commercial space was recreated from the shambles of an old pizza parlor and is now a bright active thriving business in the community.

Designing with the intention of love is a request that is usually designated for a client's personal home or apartment. When Frank and Sheila Wood decided to open a laundromat in Northern New Jersey, they insisted on bringing their fengshui consultant on board to create, consult and guide them in their vision. Frank is not a typical "laundromat" owner. He is a talented interior redesigner, graduate of the School of Graceful Lifestyles, and professional painter, owner of Frank Wood Interiors.

One of the first assignments for the new business owners was to have them define their goals and intentions for the business. Along with the goals of prosperity and success, they wanted Frank's Laundromat to be a place where the community felt welcome. They wanted not only a clean, bright atmosphere, but one that was joyful and comforting as well. The task of "going to the laundromat" does not have to be a negative experience !


Fengshui suggestions included retaining the former office location which was in a back corner, providing a control and prosperity anchor for Frank and Sheila. The deep shape of the store was beneficial as it represented a strong
longevity for the business and was much preferred over a shallow storefront.

The bathroom location was very negative, and was moved to a side location, against the wishes of the onsite contractor at the time. The bathroom was then accessible to customers but public enough to prevent it from becoming a hang out. It also moved out of the back anchor of the store where it would have represented a draining energy.

Bright uncomplicated signage with reds and orange in the window attracts customers from a distance and identifies Frank's Laundromat immediately.

  


The space was designed in a retro theme making the laundromat fun and different.
A blue color with the white machines brought in a feeling of crisp, clean and cool into the space - Blue also allows people to get their work done individually without too much talking or loitering. The community has a large Spanish speaking population, and Frank and Sheila brought in television with Spanish and English stations, as well as Spanish & English signage to make their clients feel comfortable. A children's area was created with easy to clean wall mounted play areas. The children are visible and the floor area remains uncluttered. Easy to clean tile was carried up onto the walls for cleanliness and also brought in earth element to contain the large amounts of water being processed. The large nature mural is representative of the beautiful green forests and flowers of New Jersey and provide uplift and connection.

 

  

Welcome to Frank's Laundromat !

 

 

Conscious Design Magazine -May 07 Franks Laundromat
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