What Is Feng Shui?
Everything has energy, even inanimate objects.
Feng shui helps guide that energy and lets it flow freely through your home.
Photo:Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali
Principles of Feng Shui
Feng shui has four major principles that guide its implementation.
The four principles of feng shui design include the following.
Here’s what each means.
William Abranowicz
Furniture placement and decorations can encourage or hinder the flow of energy in your space.
This spot is where you’ll want to spend the majority of your time in the room.
To avoid clutter, pare down to the things you truly love.
William Abranowicz
And if there’s a walkway into another room, it has to be clear.
Furniture should be close but not jammed together.
Leave a few inches of breathing room between the sofa and the wall.
William Abranowicz
You don’t want harsh angles pointing at people.
But, overall, a mix of shapes is important.
Squares represent earth; rectangles, wood; triangles, fire.
William Abranowicz
Round and oval items represent metal.
The living room will feel most balanced if it includes all of them.
Move a favorite item to a prominent spot.
William Abranowicz
Some people may think that a television in theliving roomaffects the space’s energy.
If areas are in the dark, that represents neglect of certain aspects of your life.
Colors in feng shuihave meaning.
Rich, saturated colors are great in public spaces; red is particularly invigorating.
Deep blue and eggplant are also energizing.
You want plenty of room to pull out chairs with enough space behind for people to pass.
But if a circular or oval table fits perfectly, it’s an excellent choice.
Natural materials, like wood, feel solid and warm.
The sound of glass hitting glass can cause tension.
And people get overly protective of glass tablesanything too precious brings nervous energy.
It should reflect who you are.
If a crystal chandelier works with your overall style, it’s great.
But also consider reflective metals, like nickel, brass, or bronze.
A nice, big mirror reflecting the dining table is said to double the abundance and bring good fortune.
Avoid fixtures that point straight down, targeting all the light in one spot.
They focus all the energy in one place, rather than highlighting the abundance of the entire table.
Ambient light is inclusive, whereas spots are exclusive.
And finally, dining room rugs are an individual choice.
But if you have kids, a rug might not be practical.
A neglected dining room is a feng shui no-no.
And in some homes, the room is completely ignored; no one ever sets foot in there.
This depletes its energy, which makes it even less appealing.
Put a plant there so you’re forced to come in and water it.
Or bring your laptop in anduse the space as an office.
How to Decorate Windows and Use Mirrors
Window treatments are a personal choice.
Some people love looking outside and seeing life go by; others feel invaded.
But if you have a big window opposite thefront door, the energy can fly right out the window.
It’s good to address that by using drapes or blinds.
Any clear, multifaceted crystal will work.
A sidewall is also OKbut no matter what, ensure you have a clear view of the door.
Think about how both people feel in the room.
Each should have adequate lighting and easy access to the bed without climbing over the other person.
A feng shui bedroom feels comforting and secure.
It’s best to have an interplay of details in the bedroom.
When your eye is drawn up, it’s said to elevate your mood.
The bed feels like a little room within a room.
Or gorgeous silk drapes paired with a straight Roman shade.
This contrast ensures that the room feels balanced: energized yet restful.
You have to be aware, for example, of what electricity is running behind your bed.
take a stab at minimize it with a battery-operated alarm clock instead of an electric one.
Don’t store anything under the bed, as items under the bed send out energy all night long.
The bedroom is a private space, and it’s important to honor that.
you better protect your bed.
If you don’t have enough storage space, minimize your belongings to store in other areas.
