Feng Shui in your Home

As an interior designer, I've seen countless trends come and go, but one ancient practice has consistently proven its enduring power to transform spaces and lives: Feng Shui.

Feng Shui is a sophisticated system of design principles rooted in observing nature and understanding how energy – or "chi" – flows through our environments. It's about creating spaces that support and uplift us, fostering balance, well-being, and even prosperity.

Over the years, I've integrated Feng Shui principles into many of my projects, and the results are always remarkable. The beauty of it is, you don't need to hire a master consultant to start experiencing its benefits. With a little understanding, you can begin to implement these powerful concepts in your own home.

So, let's dive into the basic elements of Feng Shui and how you can apply them to create a more harmonious and supportive living space.

Clean Simple Interiors

The Command Position: Your Throne of Power

This is arguably the most crucial concept in Feng Shui. The "command position" refers to the spot in a room that gives you a clear view of the door without being directly in line with it. Think of it as the power seat, where you feel safe, in control, and able to survey your surroundings.

• In the bedroom: Your bed should be in the command position. You should be able to see the bedroom door from your bed without being directly in front of it. This promotes a sense of security and restful sleep.

• In the office: Your desk should be in the command position, allowing you to see the office door. This fosters focus and a feeling of being in charge of your work.

• In the living room: The main seating area should offer a view of the entrance to the room, creating a welcoming and secure atmosphere.

If your furniture isn't currently in the command position, experiment with rearranging it. Even a slight shift can make a big difference in how a room feels. If a full move isn't possible, consider placing a mirror strategically to give you a reflection of the door.

Decluttering: Making Way for Good Chi

Before you even think about color palettes or furniture placement, you must declutter. Clutter creates stagnant energy, blocks opportunities, and can even contribute to feelings of overwhelm. Think of it like a clogged drain – nothing can flow freely.

• Be ruthless: Go through every room, every drawer, every closet. If you haven't used it, loved it, or needed it in a year, it's probably time to let it go.

• Categorize: Create "keep," "donate," "trash," and "relocate" piles.

• One in, one out: As you bring new items into your home, consider letting go of something similar to maintain balance.

How to implement: Start small if the task feels daunting. Tackle one drawer, then one shelf, then one room. The act of decluttering itself is incredibly empowering and immediately improves the energy of your space.

The Five Elements: Balancing Nature's Power

Feng Shui utilizes five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water – each representing different qualities and influencing various aspects of our lives. Balancing these elements in your home creates harmony and supports different intentions.

• Wood: Growth, new beginnings, vitality (represented by plants, wooden furniture, green and blue colors).

• Fire: Passion, energy, recognition (represented by candles, fireplaces, red and orange colors, triangular shapes).

• Earth: Stability, grounding, nourishment (represented by pottery, square shapes, brown, yellow, and earthy tones).

• Metal: Clarity, precision, organization (represented by metal objects, white, gray, and metallic colors, circular shapes).

• Water: Flow, intuition, wisdom (represented by mirrors, glass, fountains, black and dark blue colors, wavy shapes).

How to implement: Look at your rooms. Are they dominated by one element? Do they feel lacking in another? You can introduce elements through colors, materials, shapes, and objects. For example, if your home office feels chaotic (lacking Metal), add a metallic desk accessory or a crisp white picture frame. If your living room feels a bit dull (lacking Fire), introduce some red throw pillows or accents.

The Bagua Map: Mapping Your Life Areas

Bagua Map

The Bagua is an energetic map that divides your home (or any space) into nine areas, each corresponding to a different life aspect, see above.

 Imagine your home as a grid. Stand at your front door looking in. The areas correspond to these nine sections. Once you identify the areas, you can enhance them with specific elements, colors, and objects related to their corresponding life aspect. For instance, in the "Wealth & Prosperity" area, you might place a healthy plant (Wood element, representing growth) or a symbolic piece of art related to abundance.

Clear Pathways & Good Flow

Chi, or energy, needs to flow freely through your home. Obstacles and dead ends can create stagnant energy, leading to blockages in your life.

• Keep hallways clear: Ensure furniture isn't blocking pathways.

• Avoid clutter under beds or in corners: These are common areas for energy to stagnate.

• Consider door and window alignment: If a door is directly opposite a window, energy can flow out too quickly. You can slow it down by placing a piece of furniture or a plant in between.

How to implement: Take a walk through your home with fresh eyes. Does anything feel "stuck"? Can you move easily from room to room? Simple adjustments can make a big difference in the energetic flow.

A Journey, Not a Destination

Feng Shui is a continuous journey of observation, adjustment, and intention. Don't feel pressured to implement everything at once. Start with one or two principles that resonate with you, and observe the changes in your space and how you feel within it.

As an interior designer, my goal is always to create spaces that not only look beautiful but also feel good. Feng Shui provides an incredible framework for achieving that deeper level of harmony. By understanding these basics, you're not just decorating; you're consciously designing a home that supports your well-being, attracts positive energy, and truly becomes a sanctuary for your life.