The concept of feng shui dates back to 4,000 BC but is still widely applied in modern architecture and interior design. Several homeowners and designers around the world have used this practice to optimise homes for better living.
Experts say that feng shui helps create a more balanced and prosperous home environment, which reflects the current psychological and spiritual state of a person. By adjusting your surroundings, you can improve life areas such as career, health and self-development.
Aligning Your Floor Plan
Before starting your design, draw the floor plan of your home and place your chosen energy map (or bagua) on top of it. Traditional feng shui experts use the octagon-shaped bagua, although you can also use the square or rectangle version.
Align the map with the front door to determine which areas of your home are connected to specific areas of your life. For example, if the front door is located in the northeast area of the traditional bagua (or the bottom-left quadrant of the square map), your home’s energy is focussed on knowledge and wisdom.
Designing a Home with Good Feng Shui
Now that you know the energy of your home, it’s time to design to improve the energy flow. Take note of these features to achieve a home with good feng shui energy (or chi):
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Focus on Main Areas
Good feng shui is secured in the three main energy centres of the home: the bathroom, bedroom and kitchen. A house with a good feng shui also has a main entry designed to welcome and strengthen the incoming chi. Make sure that there is quality chi in these areas by clearing entryways of obstacles, fixing broken objects and changing positions of furniture and fixtures.
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Clear Clutter
Too much clutter in the house impedes our clarity of thought and weighs us down emotionally. Throw away possessions that have little to no use to “lighten up” your house and your mood.
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Choose Quality Materials
Trust reliable suppliers in the UK for your home materials, from lighting to polycarbonate sheets for your roof. Quality materials lead to durable furnishings and fixtures, lessening your expenses and the inconvenience of repair and replacement.
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Bring in Quality Air and Light
Air and light are important elements for good chi in your home. Open your windows often and introduce plants that purify the air. Allow as much natural light into the house as possible by installing large windows, skylights or glass enclosures.
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Incorporate the Five Basic Elements
Use the five feng shui elements – earth, fire, metal, water and wood – to balance the energy in all areas of your home. For example, for prosperity, introduce water and wood elements to the southeast area of your home. If you want to improve health, place plants or wood furniture in the east area.
Adding features of your feng shui birth element – determined by the element of your birth year – also helps create a home that nurtures your energy. If your birth element is fire, introduce fire colours such as red, orange and yellow.
The design of your home is a reflection of your current state of mind. A home that is cluttered or poorly designed has an effect on life areas such as self-development and career. By using design methods like feng shui, you can create a home environment that promotes positive energy and can help you improve your way of life.
