Feng Shui Basics
Some people instinctively know how to arrange their environment and work with colours to create a welcoming feeling and most people can distinguish spaces between feeling really good to feeling draining and uninspiring. Basic contemporary Feng Shui works off common sense and can make most spaces feel better. Bespoke and intricate Feng Shui applications however can take a space and transform it into an environment that sets its occupants up for success. Read on to discuss some general feng shui tips to improve your environment.
Feng Shui your home in 7 steps:
To improve your home with feng shui doesn’t need to be as complicated, here are some simpler steps to follow to achieve a happier and more positive environment:
1) Declutter each room, starting at the front door as this is where the energy enters your home
2) Clean your windows to allow for natural sunlight to enter your space
3) Remove objects that take up unnecessary space by prioritising items that best represent you and the purpose you want for the space
4) Place certain objects as the focal point of the room which is a key feng shui known as the commanding position. For example, ideally the bed should be centralised in the bedroom and positioned so that you can see the door when lying down, the desk in your office positioned so you face the door when sitting and the objects you use to cook the most with in the kitchen in the best space for their purpose. The focus is on creating good space that is functional and supportive to you
5) Look at the flow of traffic in the environment, how people move around and create pathways for moving with ease. Start by removing obstacles and items that may appear as clutter or inhibit the flow of the “chi” around the room. This doesn’t mean removing everything, but looking at the space in the way we like to live and how we would move around.
6) Bring in items that feng shui considers to bring positive energy into a room; whether it’s fresh flowers that make your home smell nicer, houseplants or specific positive feng shui plants like money trees
7) Balance colours and bring in the lucky colours for each segment of the room. This is where artwork can really help to balance out a room and bring happy energy to the space by choosing items that are pleasing and uplifting to you. For example, red is linked to fire and can be used to add warmth and excitement, making it ideal for social spaces like the living room. Conversely, blue, associated with water, promotes calm and is perfect for bedrooms. Read on to discover lucky feng shui colours for each sector of the home.
Basic Feng shui principles
The Bagua Map
The Bagua map is a tool used in Feng Shui to analyse the energy of a space. It's like a map that guides you to areas in your home that correspond to different aspects of your life, such as wealth, love, and health.
It effectively divides the home into nine sections, each representing a life area. By aligning the Bagua map with your floor plan, you can identify which areas need attention. For example, the southeast corner is linked to prosperity, so enhancing this area with symbols of abundance, like a money plant, can boost your financial luck. The Bagua map serves as a roadmap to understanding and optimising the energy flow in your home.
Creating Balance with Yin and Yang
In Feng Shui, balance is achieved by harmonising yin and yang energies. Yin is soft, passive and nurturing, while yang is bright, active, and dynamic.
Think of yin as the quiet of the night and yang as the vibrancy of the day. A home with too much yin might feel dark and lethargic, whereas too much yang can be overwhelming and chaotic. For example, a bedroom should lean towards yin, promoting rest and relaxation, whereas a home office might benefit from more yang energy to enhance productivity. It all about balancing these energies and ensuring that every room in your home supports its intended purpose.
The Power of Colour in Feng Shui
Colours in Feng Shui are more than just aesthetic choices; they are powerful tools for influencing mood and energy. Each colour is associated with one of the five elements and can be used to balance or enhance energy in a space. Choosing the right colours for your home is like wearing the perfect outfit for an occasion, setting the tone and atmosphere for the space. Here is the feng shui colour code map for each sector. Remember it is all about balance so you could just bring in a piece of artwork with predominant colours for that sector in rather than changing the entire room to match the colour of intended direction.
North: Black, dark blue
Northeast: Yellow, beige, light brown
East: Green, brown, gold
Southeast: Purple, green, brown, gold
South: Red, pink, purple, orange
Southwest: Light pink, skin tones, earth tones, beige
West: White, silver, gold
Northwest: Grey, white
Centre: Yellow, beige, light brown
Furniture Placement and Energy Flow
The placement of furniture in Feng Shui is important to maintaining a smooth flow of energy. Imagine energy as a gentle breeze flowing through your home; furniture should facilitate rather than obstruct this flow. A key Feng Shui example is placing your bed against a solid wall and away from doors as this enhances feelings of security and stability. In living areas, furniture should be arranged to encourage conversation and connection, avoiding sharp angles and clutter. A well-placed sofa or table can act as a heart of the room, drawing people in and fostering a sense of connection.
The Significance of the Entrance
The entrance of your home is often referred to as the "mouth of chi" in Feng Shui, as it's where energy enters your space. A welcoming entrance can attract positive energy, much like a handshake sets the tone for a meeting. Ensure your entryway is clean, well-lit and free of obstacles to invite good fortune. Incorporate elements like plants, artwork, or a doormat that create a positive first impression. Your entrance sets the stage for the energy that flows throughout the rest of your home, making it a vital area to consider in Feng Shui.
Incorporating Nature and Natural Elements
Integrating nature into your home is a fundamental principle of Feng Shui that connects you with the earth's natural rhythms. Houseplants, natural light and outdoor views can bring life and vitality to your space, much like opening a window lets in fresh air.
Plants are especially beneficial as they purify the air and symbolize growth and renewal. Consider placing a plant in the wealth corner of your home to invite prosperity, or use wooden furniture to introduce the element of wood which is aligned to prosperity.
Natural elements help ground your space, creating a serene and balanced environment.
Decluttering for Positive Energy
Clutter is often seen as a major energy blocker in Feng Shui A cluttered space can lead to feelings of overwhelm and stagnation, preventing the flow of positive energy.
Regular decluttering and organizing your home can rejuvenate the energy, making room for new opportunities and experiences. Start with small areas like your desk or a closet, gradually working through your home.
Remember, decluttering is not just about discarding items but about creating a space that supports your lifestyle and aspirations.
Enhancing Your Home with Feng Shui Cures
Feng Shui cures are adjustments or enhancements used to correct imbalances and improve energy flow in a space. They are like remedies that restore harmony and vitality.
Common cures include mirrors, crystals, and wind chimes, each serving a specific purpose. Mirrors can be used to expand space and reflect positive energy, while crystals can attract specific types of energy, like love or prosperity.
Wind chimes can disperse negative energy and invite harmony. By thoughtfully incorporating these cures, you can transform your home into a sanctuary filled with positive energy.