Feng Shui is an ancient practice, originating in China more than 3000 years ago. Unlike Western ideals of decorating and placing furniture, Feng Shui delves into the person living in the home and how their physical environment can affect their mental health, success, and relationships.
Whilst it can seem very complicated, there are lots of small things you can do in your home to improve its Feng Shui and your happiness living there.
In this article, we’re going to take you through the basics of this ancient art of placement. We’ll make some suggestions that you can do in the rooms around your home to make it a brighter and more inviting place.
But First, What Is Feng Shui?
The main principle of Feng Shui is allowing energy, or Chi, to flow freely around your home so you can enhance the different aspects of your life in accordance with your environment. The term translates to wind (Feng) and water (Shui) which are the two main elements associated with good health in Chinese culture. They’re used with the Bagua Map (more on that in a moment).
There are certain Feng Shui rules and techniques to follow. These ensure you’re mindfully placing objects and furniture to promote a positive living space that reflects you.
In order to do this, you need to know about the five Feng Shui elements which are based on the cycle of nature. They are: wood, water, fire, earth and metal. When these are used in the correct place in the house, they create a sense of harmony and peace both in your living environment and life.
Some examples of objects you can use for each of the elements are:
- WOOD. Plants are a hugely important part of interior design. You can also use wooden furniture, mini trees and dried sticks/branches.
- WATER. This includes fountains, aquariums and other soothing water features.
- FIRE. Think candles, fireplaces, bright reds and oranges, and star shapes.
- EARTH. Use earth tones such as browns, dusty oranges and yellows. Ceramics and stone are another option.
- METAL. This includes colours from bright white to light grey as well as mirrors, metal furniture and circular shapes.
What’s the Bagua Map?
The Bagua Map helps to analyse energy in your home and the elements you can bring into any segment of the map to enhance the flow of energy there. Each segment of the map has an element and a colour that can help you when decorating your home. The nine quadrants are:
- Wealth (wood)
- Fame (fire)
- Love (earth)
- Family (wood)
- Health (earth)
- Children (metal)
- Wisdom (earth)
- Career (water)
- Helpful People (metal)
You lay the Bagua Map over the layout of your home and it helps you to work out which room/area corresponds to which segment. For example, if your living room is in the Love segment (which has the earth element), you should use warm neutral tones and decorate with ceramics.
Still with us?
Here are some other Feng Shui tips you can use to bring harmony to your home.
Ways to Create Good Feng Shui
#1. Think About Your Entrance
It’s not only people who enter through the front door, energy does too. It’s therefore the first and most important place to create good Feng Shui.
Eliminate as much clutter as you can in the entranceway (and, to be honest, in the rest of the home). This isn’t always easy, especially when shoes get kicked off and keys are left out, but try to always leave them in their place. Obstacles in the way can block the energy from passing which is a fundamental Fung Shui no-go.
It’s also important to clean the area, including both sides of the door. Use a natural cleaner with vinegar, water and some essential oils. Lighting is essential in Feng Shui, especially in the entrance. Let in as much natural light as possible or use bulbs emitting welcoming light.
#2. Find The Command Position
Every room in the home has a command position which is fundamental in Feng Shui. It’s the location in the room that empowers you and allows you to be in control of the space and your own energy.
The command position is the area furthest away from the door, with a great view of the entire room, including the door. But, it can’t be in direct line with the door, diagonally far away from it is best. You also need to have a strong backing, like a wall to help you feel in control of the area.
So how exactly do you use a command position? Well, for example, when you’re sleeping, you’re at your most vulnerable. Placing your bed in the command position, against a wall will help you have a better night’s sleep. Furthermore, placing your desk in the command position of the office will help you to feel in control of your career and both internal and external energies.
#3. Use Plants!
Plants are particularly good at strengthening the wood element in your home. They’re great at bringing in colour, light, energy and fresh air, which is why all kinds of plants are a staple in interior design. Generally speaking, foliage plants are the best for bringing positive energy in Feng Shui, which include money trees, birds of paradise, pothos, snake plants and rubber plants.
#4. Clean Your Windows
Windows are an essential part of Feng Shui. They need to open and close properly (preferably outwards) to help the flow of energy and all cracks or broken seals should be mended quickly. Windows are also the easiest way to get sunlight into your home, which helps to energise you, make you feel more positive and give you clarity.
#5. Think About Your Doors
In Feng Shui, doors represent communication and the possibilities that can enter into your life. It’s therefore really important that your doors open to at least 90 degrees so you’re not shutting yourself off to possibilities. Clutter behind the door or other obstacles will restrict you from potential experiences. You also need to make sure that all doors are clean and working well. They shouldn’t squeak and all hardware must work effortlessly.
#6. Think Carefully About Mirrors
Mirrors can be tricky to place according to Feng Shui and there are a couple of rules to follow. You shouldn’t hang a mirror directly opposite the front door. Rather than letting energy in, it reflects it out. It’s better to hang the mirror perpendicular to the door so that it’s reflected around the house.
Most Feng Shui experts also advise against hanging mirrors in kitchens, especially near a stove. This generally creates bad energy that can be reflected around the home. In contrast to this, however, dining rooms are great places to hang mirrors. They often represent wealth and who doesn’t want a bit more of that reflected in their life?
#7. Find Balance and Harmony by Trusting Your Gut
You know when you walk into a room and something just doesn’t feel right? The proportions are off, the sofa is in the wrong place or the colours aren’t in tune with the rest of the decor? That’s quite often because things aren’t in balance according to the rules of Feng Shui.
Take a look around your room and trust what your gut is telling you. If your kitchen countertops look busy and cluttered, find storage solutions that will make everything neater and easier to find/clean.
Balance and harmony are at the heart of Feng Shui and your gut will tell you if something doesn’t look quite right.
Decorating with Feng Shui – Final Thoughts
Learning about Feng Shui doesn’t mean you need to remodel your entire house. But it does encourage you to look at aspects of your home and make them feel more balanced. Small things such as removing obstacles, hanging mirrors in the correct places and bringing plants into your home can make it feel stylish, happy and totally harmonised.