Looking to fill your space with positive energy? The design philosophy of feng shui will do the trick!
Feng shui is an approximately 4000 years old Chinese practice that promotes the flow of chi (or energy). It aims to attract good chi into your space whilst achieving harmony with the environment. Feng shui believes in the world being driven by several unforeseen forces. It aims to remove any blockages in the way, allowing the forces to flow freely and create balance in your interior — and life. After all, research says our environment plays a massive role in how we feel!
If you’re hoping to leverage the benefits of feng shui, this blog post will be your quick and comprehensive guide. Here’s how to incorporate feng shui principles into your home:
Adjust Furnishings According To Commanding Positions
One of the most essential feng shui principles is making the most of commanding positions. These are the spots of the room that give you a clear (ideally diagonal) view of the door, plus a decent overview of the rest of the space.
Essentially, this relates to the position of several important furnishings:
The bed — which represents you
The desk — which represents your path in life and career
The stove — which represents your wealth
Position each of these pieces so you can view the door as you sit on them (or work behind them). However, ensure the furniture isn’t directly in line with the door. The best-case scenario would be a diagonal view.
Feng shui also believes in strong backing; place the headboard of the bed or one end of the desk against a wall. This promotes security and strength.
Leveraging the commanding position allows the flow of optimal positive energy. It also provides a clear view of your surroundings, making it the most powerful spot of the space.
Spruce Up The Entryway
Credit: Studio McGee
It goes without saying that the entryway is where chi enters your home — also why it is sometimes termed as “mouth of chi”. So, you’d want to spruce it up as one of the first steps.
First and foremost, clear all the clutter. You don’t want anything blocking the positive energies! However, this does not translate to a bare entryway. Use decor minimally and position it correctly to ensure energies can smoothly flow in. Next, brighten up the space by installing new lighting or using bare windows to allow natural light to enter.
Proceed by thoroughly cleaning, mopping, and dusting the area — and don’t forget to wipe down the door. Additionally, go the extra mile to make the space feel more inviting. From upgrading to a cosy rug saying “Welcome” to incorporating houseplants, an inviting ambience at your doorway will attract positive energies to enter.
Surf through our top entryway decor ideas to create a fabulous foyer!
Incorporate Plants
Credit: Balcony Garden Web
Whilst stunning flowers are perfect for your summer garden, be sure to make room for plants inside, too. Feng shui believes that plants bring nourishing energy and vibrancy to your interior. They foster a connection with nature and contribute to the overall well-being of your space.
Here are a few plants fantastic for feng shui:
Money tree: brings wealth and good fortune
Snake plant: offers a feeling of protection
Heartleaf Philodendron: attracts feelings of love
Aloe Vera: prevents bad luck and wards off bad energies
Be sure to choose the varieties that you can look after. For example, plants that can handle neglect are ideal for someone with a busy routine, whilst varieties that thrive in low-light conditions would suit a dark room. Learn about the general care guidelines of feng shui plants (including the above) here.
Declutter Pathways
Think about the pathways in your home, such as that from your bed to your bathroom, or the kitchen to the study. Are there obstacles hindering your path? Are you having to squeeze through small spaces to make it around your home?
If your answers are in the affirmative, it’s time for a major rearrangement. Remove unnecessary clutter and obstacles from your pathways — and rooms in general, too. Ensure you can smoothly walk around your house. Only then will good chi be able to flow around easily, too!
Add Vertical Shapes & Lines
Feng shui believes that adding vertical figures to your home promotes growth and expansion. There are a multitude of ways to achieve this.
Install wallpaper with vertical stripes (keep the design minimal, though), incorporate a hanging seat, or place a tree in a corner. Play around with parameters to create a space with vertical elements. Added benefit: these create the illusion of more height, and some of them (such as striped wallpaper) may even make your ceilings appear higher!
Final Words
Your home is where you rest, rejuvenate, and can be yourself. Make the most of your experience by incorporating feng shui principles into your home — and the ways given in this blog post are a great place to start!
Need some help with incorporating feng shui principles into your space? Just book Interior Design Guru, Emily, here! She has experience in holistic home design and is inspired by feng shui, biophilic principles. She can look at your space over video chat and give you tips, ideas and guidance on how to achieve an interior that you love.