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7 Simple Ways to Use Feng Shui in Your Home

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7 Simple Ways to Use Feng Shui in Your Home

Bright Ideas

Get that good energy going

Since you’re likely getting very familiar with the interior of your home, it’s a good idea to fill it with positivity. Enter feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice that charts the balance of energy, or chi, via scientific calculations. The goal of feng shui is to invite positive chi into your home so that your life feels both energized and balanced, and it’s a relatively simple way to improve the vibes of your space. While we’re no experts, and the calculations really depend on your exact space, there are general guidelines. So, we’re here to inspire some good energy for making your at-home time as pleasant as possible.

Make sure you can see the door when you’re lying in bed, but that you’re not directly in line with it.

Photo: Max Burkhalter

Check your commanding positions

In feng shui, one of the most important principles is the commanding position. Essentially, this is the position of some important pieces of furniture: the bed (it represents you), the desk (it represents your career), and the stove (it represents your wealth). Though you may not be able to move your stove, it’s probably fairly easy to get your bed and desk in a better position. The main thing here is to be able to see the door when using these items—can you see it when you’re in bed or sitting at your desk? You shouldn’t be directly in line with the door, but shouldn’t have your back to it either. All this comes into play so you can receive optimal positive energy.

Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves make this home feel full of height and space to breathe.

Go vertical

No, you don’t need to add a climbing wall or ladder to your decor, but integrating some vertical shapes and lines in your home represents growth and expansion. You can make this happen in a variety of ways. Add some lighting where the light travels upward. Add a tree to a corner to make the space feel taller. If you have the room, put in some tall bookshelves. Work with the parameters you have to create the feeling of height.

Even if your at-home workspace is a seat at the dining room table, make sure you keep it clean and clutter-free at the end of each day.

Alison Bernier

Keep things clean

Having too much clutter around is probably not going to do your mental clarity any favors, let alone your interior design scheme. In feng shui, clutter is believed to take up valuable space that new incoming energy needs. We recommend making a habit of cleaning up your workspace each day. Not only will it make you feel less stressed out, but it’ll also create a sense of order in such chaotic times. Plus, you’ll get a clean start each day, which should benefit your productivity. Other easy cleans for a big impact: your windows (they’re considered the eyes of the building). Give that glass a new shimmer to maximize your sunlight.

No matter the size and shape of your entryway, try to keep it clear and bright.

Declutter the entryway

Doesn’t it make sense that the first place you see when you open your door is an important place to have good energy? In feng shui, your entryway represents the way energy enters your home and your life. Get rid of piles and balled-up socks. Do some dusting and decluttering. If you’ve got the space, add some plants and artwork. Do whatever you can to make the area feel inviting. Kristin Esposito, an interior architect and designer who studied feng shui, says "always try to include a shoe rack, hooks for coats, and storage for rain gear/umbrellas. It's important that all these items have their 'own place to call home' as they hold the energy of the world beyond your front door. "

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Make sure that the routes you take throughout your day are obstacle-free.

Remove obstacles

Are the most frequent routes in your home—say, from the bedroom to the bathroom—free from tripping hazards? Is there an end table you bump into every day? Think about how you move through your space and try to make the paths as clear as possible. If this inspires a major rearrange, you probably needed it. Efficiency is everything in feng shui, so it’s important to clear obstacles from your path and make your flow as easy as possible.

Just add some green.

Photo: Max Burkhalter

Add plants

Your new life motto should be: When in doubt, add more plants. We’ve got a more detailed primer on which ones will help you find your ideal chi and where they can be best positioned, but the short answer? Plants embody life energy, so they’ll add freshness and vitality to your home.

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"The shape of the metal energy is round shapes and colors associated with the element are white and gray tones," says Kristin.

Incorporate Metal

"In the Chinese calendar, we are in the year of the rat and the element is metal," says Kristin. "The metal element is great to incorporate into your home office as it helps with clarity, sharpness of thought, calming and balancing energies, it can help with productivity as well. (This couldn't be more timely to incorporate into your home as we all navigate new working schedules and spaces during the coronavirus outbreak.) Bring in some decorative bowls, statues, or small sculptures.

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How to Create Good Feng Shui in Your Home

Create Balance With These Basic Rules

By

Anjie Cho

Anjie Cho

Anjie Cho is a certified feng shui consultant, professional architect, and author with over 20 years of experience designing spaces. She co-founded the Mindful Design Feng Shui School and wrote "Holistic Spaces: 108 Ways to Create a Mindful and Peaceful Home."

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 07/28/22

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida 

It can be overwhelming to figure out where to start when cultivating good feng shui in your home. What rooms should you begin with? How do you start fresh, or what do you do if a room is already decorated? What should you not do in feng shui?

5 Easy Ways to Create Good Feng Shui in Your Home

Thankfully, it doesn't need to be challenging. Here are a few ideas, including basic feng shui rules, to kickstart your journey to a happier and more energizing home. Feng shui is not design or decorating; its principles and ideals can inspire you to decorate your space in a feng shui way to bring more balance to your life.

So whether you're new to feng shui room design or an expert, here are nine essential steps to create good feng shui to apply in every room of your home.

What Is Feng Shui?

Feng shui is a metaphysical practice of understanding your place in the world as inspired by five principles or elements in Taoism. The five principles of feng shui are based on the cycles of nature: fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. The desired result is creating harmony in your life and spaces.

Feng Shui at home, Feng Shui room layout

DESIGNER TIPS

Feng Shui in your home, Feng Shui room layout

Feng Shui in Chinese means wind and water. This is an ancient practice of harmonizing the space in the house. Ancient philosophers believed that decorating your home according to the rules of Feng Shui would not only improve the space, but also improve your career, finances, and even family relationships. We will talk about how to create harmony in the interior using the teachings of the Chinese Feng Shui sages.

Zoning of the premises

The main aspect of Eastern philosophy is the layout of the premises. To make it easier, the Chinese have developed a special Bagua map, which contains the rules for creating a Feng Shui environment in an apartment. It is a grid in which each zone is highlighted in a specific color: for example, wealth is blue, fame is red, etc.

It is easy to use:
1. First draw a floor plan;
2. Then, using the compass, explore the room, find the north - this will be the starting point, which is responsible for financial well-being;
3. Next, identify the remaining areas of the room using the color map.

In this way, you can plan not only a separate room, but also Feng Shui in the interior of the entire apartment.

Why is it important to consider cardinal directions?

Each cardinal direction has a certain effect on the room. They have different energy, are able to influence a person in various ways. If the rules of Feng Shui are observed in the interior, then it will be comfortable to be in it. Otherwise, you will want to leave the premises as soon as possible.

The Bagua map looks like this:

With the help of such a visual scheme, it will be much easier for you to create an interior according to Feng Shui. In each of the parties you need to place certain elements that will feed their energy and create harmony. Let's talk about the main areas in the room:

•Zone of wealth. It is located in the southeast, in this place it is best to organize an office. Feng Shui room colors are light green and purple. Bright lighting will fuel the wealth zone - if natural light is not possible, then add lamps and sconces. It is also best to place figurines and paintings in the interior according to Feng Shui, symbolizing financial well-being - golden figurines of the Chinese god Hottei, a money toad or a tree. Also on this side you need to arrange things that symbolize water and water flow: an aquarium with fish, a vase of flowers, a small fountain.

•Zone of love. This is the southwest of the apartment - the place is most suitable for the matrimonial bedroom. Chinese philosophy says that in this area an atmosphere of love spreads, which will strengthen the relationship between lovers. The interior of the bedroom according to Feng Shui should be designed in red and yellow shades. These colors allow you to awaken passion and attract a soul mate. Paired decor items or those animals that symbolize fidelity are best suited for the bedroom: swans, mandarin ducks, pigeons. Butterflies in the interior according to Feng Shui should be located above the bed: for single people, they can bring a soul mate into their lives, and for lovers, they can “breathe” new emotions into relationships.

•Health zone. This area occupies the center of the room. For the interior according to Feng Shui, natural colors are best suited: green, brown, sand. The activation of this zone helps the owners of the apartment feel better and strengthen the inner spirit. For this, vases with fruits and indoor plants are placed here. According to Feng Shui, artificial flowers can also be placed in the interior, but they should be as similar as possible to living ones. The most "charged with energy": lotus, chrysanthemum, magnolia, peony and orchid. Aroma oils, incense sticks and candles are used to cleanse the health zone.

•Zone of happiness. It occupies the south of the feng shui room. Bright and contrasting shades should prevail here: red, brown, yellow. In this place you can place awards and pride of the owners of the house: certificates, diplomas, medals and cups. To attract the power of good luck and happiness, figurines of a phoenix, an eagle, a rooster are placed in the zone.

How to arrange furniture correctly?

Arranging furniture according to Feng Shui rules is extremely important, as this is how you create spaces for working, eating, sleeping or relaxing. Here you can use the techniques of minimalism and put only the necessary and functional items. The design will not look empty due to various details, accessories and decor items, without which no Feng Shui space can do.

Bedroom

To activate the marriage zone in the bedroom according to Feng Shui, you need to follow some rules for the arrangement of objects. The most important element of the room is the bed. It cannot be placed in front of the door - this is associated with the image of the deceased. It is also believed that if the bed is close to the entrance, then sleep will be restless. According to the rules of Feng Shui, the bed should not be immediately behind the wall from the bathroom - this can adversely affect the health of the sleeper. Do not place storage shelves above the bed - they will take energy.

No need to load the bedroom space with a lot of items. A few small bedside tables will suffice. If you want to put a massive chest of drawers or a wardrobe, it is better to build it into the wall.

According to the rules of Feng Shui in the bedroom, there should be a minimum of mirrors and reflective elements: they increase the flow of Qi energy, and if the sleeper is opposite his reflection, he may get an overabundance of it. This will make the person conflicted and gloomy. If you still want to place a mirror, then you do not need to put it in front of the bed.

Living room

All family and friends gather in the hall to spend time together. Therefore, according to the rules of the living room according to Feng Shui, comfortable furniture should be placed that will not create a conflict of the elements. Otherwise, there will be quarrels and disagreements in the family. Rounded interior items are well suited for the hall, all items should be located so as not to interfere with communication.

The living room is a good place to arrange plants, but it is best to put them in the center - the health zone. Lighting devices should be arranged in zones, the main source of light should be windows.

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the apartment. Here a person can be fueled by energy not only from food, but also from the environment. This zone can help activate family wealth, as well as improve relationships between its members. Some rules also apply to the arrangement of the kitchen:

• Place the stove opposite the entrance;

• The sink for washing dishes should be opposite the window, but away from the stove;

• Many people are accustomed to placing a trash can directly under the sink, but according to Feng Shui it should be as far away from it as possible.

According to the rules of Chinese philosophy, the kitchen should have as many drawers and shelves as possible for storing items, and the work surface should be free from food, utensils and electrical appliances.

The dining table must not be placed close to the wall. It is also better to arrange it so that each guest or family member can reach their place without obstacles. Ideal if you put a round table in the kitchen. This form symbolizes Metal, which means improving the financial wealth in the family.

Children's room

Decorating a child's room should contribute to his success in studies and hobbies. The bed should not “lie” on the floor - it is necessary that the flow of Qi energy circulate under it. For the same reason, it is better not to put boxes of clothes or toys under it.

The workplace must be positioned so that the child can see the entrance. If he sits at the study table with his back to the door, then you need to put a mirror.

Chinese philosophy does not recommend placing machinery and electrical appliances on site for study. But now not a single educational activity is complete without a computer, so you can reduce negative energy with the help of a living plant.

Every parent wants to see their child healthy and vigorous, so you need to pay attention to the area of ​​health. To activate it, a large chandelier is placed in the center on the ceiling, which will illuminate the entire room.

Bathroom and lavatory

The bathroom personifies one of the main elements of Chinese teaching - water. She is a symbol of material well-being, and is also able to activate positive energy in the apartment. Feng Shui bathroom colors are light and delicate shades, for example, light blue, gray, beige. They will not interfere with the circulation of water energy.

According to Feng Shui, the bath should not be located next to the toilet, but what if you have them combined? Then you can distinguish between these two zones using a partition or curtain. According to the rules of Feng Shui, the mirror should not be opposite the entrance. Clean air is very important for creating harmony, so the ventilation in the room must work properly. Another rule: keep the toilet lid closed so you don't miss out on the money.

Entrance hall

When entering an apartment, people immediately enter the corridor. This is a place by which you can evaluate the rest of the space, as “by clothes”. Therefore, when decorating a hallway according to Feng Shui, special rules must be observed.

No entrance hall is complete without a mirror - an energy multiplier. It should not be directly opposite the entrance, because this way it will reflect all energy flows, including positive ones. It is desirable that the mirrors be large, according to the height of the tallest member of the family and even higher.

Many do not notice such a decorative element as a rug near the front door, and this is a powerful magnet for positive Chi energy. It is also advised to put an oriental talisman under it: 3 Chinese coins connected with a red thread.

What attracts negative energy?

In this article we talked about how to activate positive energy flows. It is also worth discussing those things that can become a magnet for negative Sha energy. Your home should not have:

• Broken items. Old and damaged furniture is the keeper of the negative aura, so you need to get rid of it first. If an item is dear to you as a memory, then try to fix it. If this fails, then say goodbye to them, thanking them for their service.

• Sharp objects and corners. Horns, knives, swords, sabers, sharp candelabra - all these are symbols of aggression. If there are a lot of them in the house, then its inhabitants will constantly have quarrels and conflicts.

•Water items in the Love Zone. Recall that it is located in the southwest. If you place an aquarium or a vase in it, then your love will "leak".

• Massive furniture in the bedroom. They will create barriers to positive energy flow.

Harmony in life starts from your home. To create a favorable atmosphere in family and love relationships, to attract wealth and happiness, create comfort in your home. The simple rules of the world-famous Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui will help you with this.

Feng shui apartments. Proper organization of space

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Feng Shui — the Chinese theory of the great balance, which is based on the search for harmony in oneself and the world around — has long and firmly entered Western culture. In practice, this doctrine is used in the construction, repair and redevelopment of housing and office space. ELLE DECORATION considered the basic rules for organizing space in feng shui.

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One of the main principles of Feng Shui is the rejection of artificial materials. Another important component of it is natural light, which evenly penetrates into all rooms, so they cannot do without windows. The dimensions of the furniture should correspond to the area of ​​​​the room, and the cornerstone of the Feng Shui teaching is the presence of several mirrors in it, visually expanding the space.

In the home, it is recommended to maintain an optimal balance of the nine so-called "Bagua zones". So, according to the rules, the "career zone" should be located in the northern part of the apartment, "fame" - in the south, "creativity" in the west, "wealth" in the southeast, "travel" in the northwest, "knowledge and wisdom" in northeast, "family" in the east, "marriage" in the southwest, and the "health zone" is usually in the center.

In order to determine the location of the zones, a special octagon is superimposed on the floor plan before it is designed. In each zone, an object corresponding to the subject is placed, reminiscent of the purpose of a particular sector. They can be small, the main thing is to follow the laws of their distribution according to Feng Shui.

Photo
Getty Images

Bedroom

The average person spends a third of their life in the bedroom, and it is not surprising that feng shui focuses on this part of the apartment. The bedroom is the central room, designed to restore human vitality and protect against negative energy, so it should be located away from the entrance. A room can only be square or rectangular, and it is better to refuse a circular, triangular and L-shaped layout. The bed should be in the center, not touching the wall on any side other than the back. It is desirable that the mattress on the bed be solid: two mattresses under one sheet symbolize a split in family life or relationships. Water beds are also not welcome - they carry negative energy.

Living and dining room

Feng Shui attaches great importance to the living room as the heart of any home. Masters of the teaching advise hanging a large mirror in the dining room that reflects the dining table, building a TV in a closet or shelves with books, choosing a sofa with a high back and be sure to keep living plants in the living room. To create additional warmth and comfort in the central part of the house, you can use candles in beautiful candlesticks, saucers with natural stones and natural wood decor items.

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Fresh linen scented candle, Decogallery

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Made of paraffin and wax. Does not cause an allergic reaction. Has a very pleasant, light, natural fragrance

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My Hygge Candle, Candle Me

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Unscented, suitable for allergy sufferers and pregnant women, wooden wick

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Aromatic candle Invigoration Lemon

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Lemon aroma - a natural remedy for stress, overwork, emotional decline and other depressive states

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Aromatic Champagne, Candle Me

Eco-wick, natural vegetable wax (without paraffin and stearin). The fresh aroma of sparkling understands the mood

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Mi&Ko Ylang Ylang Scented Candle

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The exotic aroma of ylang-ylang will eliminate nervousness and irritability, relieve emotional tension and stimulate your intuition

Warning for fans of vintage furniture and decor : because these items are filled with energy from previous owners for it to be positive. To do this, before purchasing this or that antique item, it is better to take an interest in its history. Buying a used bed is strictly prohibited - a bed should only store the energy of its owners.

Apartment with vintage furniture and accessories in Stockholm.

Photo
Jonas Ingerstedt

Kitchen and bathroom

According to Feng Shui, the kitchen is a stronghold of the hearth, reliability and peace, and therefore should be arranged as harmoniously as possible. Organize the space in the kitchen as follows. It is recommended to place the stove and the sink away from each other, because they symbolize two opposite elements - fire and water.

House in Stockholm. The kitchen countertop with built-in sink is made of matte black granite.

The main requirements for a bathroom are minimalism in decor, pleasant smell and cleanliness. The role of the mirror should not be underestimated here either - visually enlarging the space, they fill it with positive energy.

Apartments in Moscow. Hot Walls studio project. Slatted partitions Stripe, Boca Room. Smart glass, IQ Glass.

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Alexander Volodin

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Floor Bea Mombaers, Serax

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Designed by Bea Mombars. Material: mirror, steel

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Mirror Carina, Maskota

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A round mirror in a thin frame in classic black color harmoniously looks in any interior. Size: 60x60 cm

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Mirror Ora 60, Doimo

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Oak veneer, glass.

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Wall mirror “Master Rio”

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MDF frame. Diameter 42 cm

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Mirror Janin, Ridder

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The main taboos Feng Shui

Making an interior on Feng Shui, it is important to take into account and its bans: 9000 Firstly, the house should not have sharp corners and ledges. In Feng Shui, they are believed to carry negative energy and bring good luck out of the house. The best feng shui layout is a rectangular or square room, the corners of which are hidden by various pieces of furniture or decor - in this way, the corners seem to be smoothed out, the space of the room becomes streamlined. When choosing furniture and decor items, Feng Shui experts also recommend stopping at those whose edges and corners are smoothed and rounded.

  • Secondly, when organizing the space according to Feng Shui, it is not allowed to combine the living room and kitchen into one space. The living room is responsible for home comfort, and the kitchen can break it and take luck out of the house.

  • Thirdly, Feng Shui sages reject the right to exist in the house of any broken furniture, cracked dishes, non-working appliances, leaking pipes or a dripping faucet - in their opinion, these objects only accumulate and spread negative energy around the house.

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    Feng Shui, as noted above, is extremely careful about mirrors. The mirror in the hallway should be hung so that it does not reflect the front door (otherwise, the vital energy enters the apartment through the door and immediately, reflected from the mirror, flies back). In the bedroom, the mirror should not be placed in front of the bed.

    Dust, dirt, general slovenliness of living space is the main enemy of Feng Shui. It is very important that the house always remains extremely clean and bright, exuding exceptionally positive energy.

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