Even though the concept of Feng Shui isn’t as popular as it once was, some of the basic principles are very relevant, and I have seen them work time and again.
Have you ever had that sensation when you enter a home or a specific room, it just doesn’t ‘feel right’? It is usually due to the energy of the space being out of balance. If there is a room in your house that you do not use often, the lack of balance could be part of the problem. Ideally, there should be a perfect balance of light and dark, known as Yin and Yang.
Three Key Areas of Your Home You Can Apply Feng Shui Principles
Here are some great basic tips for the three most important areas in your home. Remember that one of the foundational principles of Feng Shui is that too much clutter can cause chi (energy) to get stuck, causing the space to become stagnant.
Entryway: This area should be welcoming and allow the flow of energy into the home. Install warm lighting and use nature-inspired colours to transition from outdoors to indoors. More importantly, clutter in the entryway impedes energy flow—especially in small spaces. Consider investing in storage solutions to organize coats, footwear, and accessories. Read more about how to declutter, organize, and design your entryway.
Kitchen: This space is the source of our wealth, health, and abundance. Obviously, good health is of paramount importance in life. Keep only appliances you use regularly on the counters. Otherwise, keep them clear. Also, keep very little on the exterior of your fridge (Yes, remove those magnets, please!). Ideally, keep your stove clean and clear as well. Since your kitchen is the busiest room in the home, it is likely the hardest place to keep tidy. The practical tips and inspiration in my articles will help you declutter, organize, and design your kitchen.
Bedrooms: Bedrooms are the place where we replenish our strength. Be sure to have the bed in a command position (in the opposite corner to the door). Ideally, there should be equal access to both sides of the bed. Do not (and I mean it!) have exercise equipment, books related to work, paperwork, or your office in your bedroom. If you have a mirrored closet door, cover it or replace it right away. Mirrors reflect energy and can disrupt sleep. Check out my posts on decluttering, organizing, and designing bedrooms.
How Physical Objects in Your Home Absorb Energy
As I think more about the tips and techniques we can translate from the world of Feng Shui, I want you to think about how the physical objects in your home absorb energy, either positive or negative. What objects do you have on display around your home, and how do they make you feel?
Most importantly, I encourage you to think about clearing clutter to remove stagnant energy. Even if clutter is in a closet and you can’t see it, your subconscious still knows it! Remember that clutter slows down our ability to focus, creates friction (wow, isn’t that the case if one person in the house is really bothered by clutter?), and can create fatigue and even depression.
Furniture Placement Concepts for Creating Harmony in Your Home with Feng Shui
Now that we’re on a roll, let’s keep going with some tips that may help your home feel more harmonious.
Living Room: The command position should have the widest possible view of the room. Try putting a high-backed chair in the corner opposite the entrance for protection and safety.
Bathroom: Water energy drains out of the home. Since water is the number one symbol of money, keep the toilet lid closed. Now there’s a way to convince everyone in your house to put the toilet seat down!
Office: Locate your desk so that you are facing the door when seated (the command position). I have used this technique many times in home offices and the corporate world as well. It is amazing how you feel immediately in control of your work. I see too many people working with their backs to the door. It’s a vulnerable position, as someone can sneak up behind you.
Using the Bagua Map
The Bagua Map is used in Feng Shui to analyze and enhance the energy of a space. It has nine areas: Knowledge & Spirituality, Career & Life Journey, Helpful People & Travel, Children & Creativity, Marriage & Relationships, Fame & Reputation, Wealth & Prosperity, Family & New Beginnings, and Health. Each area has its own colour, element, and shape.
Typically, Feng Shui specialists use Bagua Maps for the entire home. However, I recently learned we can use the Bagua Energy Map to place objects strategically on the desk – so cool! I must explore this further at my own desk. Here is how it would work.
We would start by dividing the desk into nine quadrants, three across and three from front to back. Then, for example, if I wanted to become more famous, I would place a red object in the centre of my desk at the back. If I wanted to increase my wealth, I would place a purple object (preferably an expensive one) at the back left of my desk. To enhance my career, I would place a black object at the front and centre of my desk. I don’t know about you, but I’ll try just about anything to improve these three areas of my life!
Let the Energy Flow
By clearing clutter, letting go of negative energy, and applying some basic principles of Feng Shui, you can gain clarity, harmony and balance in your life. Wait a minute, isn’t that what I do at yoga class every week, too? Hmmm… I sense a common theme here… fascinating!
Practicing the science of Feng Shui in your home or office can help you achieve goals such as good physical health, balanced emotions, financial and career success, and so much more. Do some research, hire a Feng Shui expert, try the techniques, and let the good energy flow!