We’ve all experienced that slightly off feeling of walking into our own homes (or other people’s) when things are not in their place, the furniture arrangement doesn’t seem right, the curtains are drawn, blocking the glorious sunshine, or the energy just feels different. While you might not have put your finger on it then, that off feeling could be due to poor Feng Shui.
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art that aims to create balance by intentionally arranging objects, furniture, décor – and even buildings and cities – to optimise energy flow and attain harmony. Originating from Taoism, the Feng Shui principles keep the opposing but complementary Yin and Yang elements aligned so that positive energy (Chi) moves freely, and negative Chi is kept at bay.
While it might sound confusing, we all know how much of an influence our environment has on the way we feel. Feng Shui principles can help you create a sense of calm, balance, and harmony in your home without compromising functionality or aesthetics. And it’s not that difficult. Here, we’ve collated a few tips to transform your home into a harmonious Feng Shui haven.
1. Clear the clutter
You’ll read it in every spring home makeover blog (even many of our own) that clearing away clutter is the first and most integral part of creating a fresh and welcoming space. This is no different when it comes to incorporating Feng Shui practices. According to Feng Shui principles, clutter disrupts energy flow, and a steady, clear flow of energy is essential for a harmonious home. Decluttering shouldn’t stop in visible spaces either; hiding a mess in wardrobes or under your bed won’t do. It’s believed that a full, cluttered wardrobe causes energy to stagnate, and overflowing storage under your bed disrupts air and energy flow while you sleep.
Decluttering visible and hidden spaces ensures a steady, clear flow of positive energy, promoting harmony and calm throughout your living space.
2. First impressions count
In Feng Shui, the front door is known as ‘the mouth of Chi’ – the place where you receive positive energy and opportunities – making your entry way one of the most important areas to get right. It also acts as a first impression for visitors to your home. Ensure your entrance is free of obstacles, clean, tidy and well-lit, and your front door is well maintained – perhaps even give it a fresh lick of auspicious coloured paint (more on that below). Once inside your home, your entryway should encourage easy movement, and while mirrors are a popular décor addition, be sure that it’s not facing the front door, as this will bounce the good energy right back out of your home!
Keep your entry way clean, well-lit, and obstacle-free to welcome opportunities and free-flowing energy and create a positive first impression for visitors.
3. Get to know the command position
The command position (also known as the power position) underpins much of the Feng Shui philosophy and is easy to implement in your home. It’s a way of positioning furniture to reinforce your sense of stability and control. The command position refers to a place in any room that empowers you. You have a clear view of the door and the room as a whole, so you can see who enters the space and control the energy. You can use it to position beds, chairs and desks by ensuring you have a solid wall behind them and a direct line of sight to the door. Your bed, for example, should ideally be placed against a solid wall, preferably with a headboard, and you should be able to see the door from the bed but not be in line with it.
The command position gives you a clear view of others entering your space, enhancing your sense of security, stability and energy flow.
4. Balance Feng Shui elements with decor and colour
Within Feng Shui are five established elements – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water – each representing different energies. Which, when combined and balanced, create harmony in your home. You can choose to bring these elements to life in your home through materials like wooden furniture, a fireplace, a water feature or metal décor or by incorporating the element’s respective colours (such as red tones for fire, greens and browns for wood and blues, and black representing water). Bringing more plants into your home is another great avenue to explore – they traditionally represent the wood element – symbolising growth and vitality. Using soil, pebbles, stones and pottery, your houseplants can also draw in the earth element.
Balancing the five elements of Feng Shui in your home promotes harmony and well-being.
5. Let the light in
Natural light oozes energy; within Feng Shui practices, light has complete control over energy flow. Natural light is ideal, so maximise this with light curtains and unobstructed windows, and utilise mirrors (carefully) for reflection. While artificial lighting doesn’t rank highly, in areas lacking a natural light source, use soft, warm lighting and install dimmer switches to create a cosy atmosphere. The key areas of your home to focus your lighting efforts are your entrance, living room, and bedroom. A thoughtful lighting design will ensure each room’s energy supports its function, enhancing wellbeing, relaxation, and positive energy flow.
Maximise natural light to enhance the energy flow in your home. Light curtains, mirrors, and soft lighting support relaxation and positive energy.
6. Maintain your Chi
Keeping your home well-maintained and clean will keep the energy fresh and vibrant and preserve positive Chi. Pay particular attention to fixing broken things – as these symbolise suffering and failures and can attract negative energy. And ensure that your cleaning practices extend to your windows. They’re viewed as ‘the eyes to your home’ and directly affect the energy that flows in and out of your home. When dirty, they block light and energy, leading to stagnation, whereas clean windows symbolise clarity and openness to life’s opportunities.
Preserve positive Chi by fixing broken items and cleaning windows regularly. This ensures energy flows freely and symbolises clarity and openness to opportunities.
7. Incorporate personal touches to bring joy
From artworks to mementos or favourite pieces of décor, including items in your home that reflect your personality or bring you joy is one of the best ways to invite positive Chi. Personal happiness and satisfaction contribute to positive energy, and by surrounding yourself with objects you love, you’ll strengthen your connection with your environment. Complementary to this, remove (discard or store) items representing hardship or personal struggle. Removing these will help lighten your space and increase positive Chi.
Surround yourself with objects you love and remove items representing negative emotions. This enhances your space’s positive energy.
Come home to a haven of harmony
Feng Shui is a wonderful and powerful tool that can help create a home that brings balance, harmony and positive energy into your life. Our homes are our sanctuaries at the end of the day, so it’s vital that yours brings you peace and comfort every time you step through ‘the mouth of Chi’ (your front door). If your current abode doesn’t quite match your Chi, speak to your local First National Real Estate expert. They’ll guide you towards a dream home, ready to make your own.