Lemondrop

According to the laws of feng shui, all you need to have a sunny-side-up day are a few easy tweaks to your existing decor.

Nothing pricey, nothing fancy, but as we all know, nothing can bring you down faster than a leaky faucet or stuck door. And, as you're about to learn, nothing will take you from uber-cranky to "I want to throw a dinner party!" faster than these little pick-me-ups.

In fact, these seven mood-boosting rules are particular beauties because they won't break the bank. They don't require purchasing original art, or even that design evergreen, "a fresh coat of paint." Just a little elbow grease and two quick stops: a big box and farmer's market near you.

Without further ado ...

1. Love It or Lose It
When you look around where you live and love (or at least like or use) everything you see, your mood is obviously enhanced. And when you become used to this sparkly feeling of loving the things that surround you, you begin to expect -- and therefore magnetize -- a more beautiful life. So, take a good look at everything in your home, and if it's not something you love, need, or use, get rid of it!

2. Lighten and Uplift
No, we're not talking highlights and implants. But if you find you might often describe your mood as "heavy" or "depressed," consider this. Do you have heavy things hanging over your head, such as pots in the kitchen, or a large framed picture over the head of your bed? On a subtle level, this can feel threatening and ominous, and can cause you to feel that conditions or situations are uncomfortably bearing down on you. Similarly, make sure your address numbers slope upward or are positioned horizontally, as downward sloping numbers (higher on the left and lower on the right) can also bring you down in a slight but persistent way.

3. Chase Away the Shadows
There are places in many homes that tend to be shadowy even when the lights are on, such as unlit areas under kitchen cupboards or open areas under staircases. Shedding light into these areas by simply adding a lamp or two, getting recessed lighting, or even strategically positioning a strand of white twinkle lights can profoundly up the cheer quotient of the entire room. Done right, it will look 10 times more elegant, too.

4. Let the Doors Swing Wide
When there is a piece of furniture, a box, or anything else blocking the full range of motion of a door, whether you allow yourself to be conscious of it or not, it is slightly annoying, and gives you a feeling of limitation and hindrance. On the other hand, when your doors swing wide -- and ideally don't have anything hanging on doorknobs or hooks -- you feel lighter, freer, and more like life is easy, breezy, and fun.

5. Make the Front Door Sparkle
Does your front door need a paint job? Or is your doorbell on the fritz? Because the front door is the first impression of your home (even if you generally use a different entrance), it really sets the tone for the feeling of the whole house, and when it feels joyful and friendly, it's the equivalent of where you live smiling brightly and saying, "Welcome!"

6. Chime In
There are a few people who just don't get the wind-chime thing. But if you're like many, there is at least one type of chime out there that will make you feel good every time you hear it. When I was growing up, there was a huge chime in our backyard that sounded deep and hauntingly mystical. There are also cheerful chimes, soothing chimes, and tinkly little fairy-sounding chimes. Listen to many until you find one (or two!) that will help fine-tune your mood as necessary.

7. Add a Touch of Life
A bowl of fruit, vibrant plants and cut flowers can all inject your home with feelings of freshness and color. Not only that, but caring for plants is very grounding, helps you feel connected to the web of life, and is proven to make one's day-to-day existence feel more meaningful. If you're nervous about keeping plants alive, perhaps start with bamboo in water (all you have to do is keep it out of direct sunlight and keep it in water) or jade (which usually does well in any amount of sun -- just be sure not to over-water).


Tess Whitehurst is a Los Angeles–based feng shui consultant and the author of "Magical Housekeeping: Simple Charms and Practical Tips for Creating a Harmonious Home." She's appeared on the Bravo TV Show "Flipping Out."