Feng shui often gets a bad rep as being overly complicated and confusing. In reality, there are plenty of simple components that are easy to use in daily life.
In layman’s terms, feng shui translates to “wind and water” and puts a lot of emphasis on proper energy (also known as ‘chi’) flow within a space. This is done through the placement of furniture, objects and accents in specific colors and materials based on basic guidelines.
“Feng shui translates to “wind and water”
and puts a lot of emphasis on proper energy (‘chi’)
flow within a space. This is done through
the proper placement of furniture, objects and
accents in specific colors and materials.”
These guidelines are illustrated by a bagua chart that can act as a map to focus energy flow in your home:
The bagua chart is broken up into different segments that symbolize with multiple spheres of life. These include wealth, reputation, love, family, health, creativity, knowledge, career and friendship. Depending on your desired area of improvement, place certain objects known for their optimal chi in each corresponding section.
To start, line up your home’s front entrance with the bagua chart. Next, view your home’s layout from above and match up the floor plan as best you can to the individual areas.
All that’s left to do is take a personal inventory of your goals and choose which spheres of life you’d like to improve. Add furniture, objects and accents that will help create positive chi within the space.
Now that we’ve taken a look at the basics, give these feng shui tips a try to unlock your true potential.
1. Pay Attention to Materials and Shapes
Materials and shapes in feng shui are very important. Many of these choices correspond with the five feng shui elements of earth, fire, metal, water and wood.
Earth and fire related items should be placed in east, south and north rooms with a strong emphasis on triangular or square shaped objects in fiery or earth tones. The metal element thrives in the north and west sectors of the home with round or square shapes in reflective surfaces like mirrors. Fill the north and east areas with the water and wood elements through wavy, flowing shapes in natural or wooden materials.
2. Declutter
Decluttering is not just good feng shui — it’s good for the mind. After a long day, the last thing you want to worry about when you get home is cleaning up. Keep things organized by purchasing pieces with built-in storage that will hide any unsightly messes.
Better yet, get some spring cleaning done. When you have a little extra free time, use it wisely by determining what stays and what goes in terms of personal belongings. Go through your closets, medicine cabinets or that one drawer in your kitchen that holds all the random utensils.
3. Stay Well-Rounded
Avoid straight lines in living spaces that may create a “poison arrow” of bad energy. Look for sofas with rounded or curved edges. When it comes to wall decor, try a gallery wall of photos or art in feng shui specific colors. Don’t forget to utilize the water element’s shapes and colors when using this tip. Just make sure these objects are focused in areas that would benefit most from the water element’s presence.
4. Go Green
Incorporating plants into your home is a great way to bring in some good vibes. Find your individual spirit plant to boost positive energy that is specific to you. Take advantage of rooms that are in the wood and earth elements sectors for an extra addition of optimal chi.
Bamboo and money trees are popular feng shui choices that also add a little pop of color to an otherwise bland space. Mix different textures by choosing plants in varying sizes and shapes. Succulents and cacti are great options that require very little attention on the gardener’s part.
5. Keep Things Clear
Similar to decluttering, pathways should remain clear and free of obstructions to allow energy to flow freely. Arrange furniture in ways that let you, family and guests alike to move throughout living spaces with ease.
The pathway to the front entrance is perhaps the most important area of your home to consider regarding this tip. Chi enters the home through the main door, so treat this energy like a welcome visitor to your home. Make sure this area is clearly lit, well-marked and has a visible address. Installing a mirror in this space helps expand opportunities and create well intentions.
Guest post by Jennifer woodruff
Have you used Feng Shui in your home?
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