Considering the time we’ve spent decorating and redecorating our homes - hi, Gray’s latest reveal - we’ll be the first to tell you that welcoming positive energy into a space through interior design is a major game changer. Basically, we’re big fans of feng shui, and if you’re unfamiliar with the concept, we’re here to introduce you! We get it—feng shui can seem like a vague and unattainable goal at first. But trust us when we say that, by adopting just a few of the basics, you can be well on your way to true feng shui and harmony in the home. So with that said, consider this your crash course on feng shui for beginners…
First of all… What the heck is feng shui?
The practice of creating good feng shui was invented by the ancient Chinese and dates back thousands of years ago. In its essence, good feng shui is the connection between the positive energy of the universe (or “Chi”), the energy in one’s home, and the energy in us, all brought into alignment through a few important principles. In feng shui, the home is viewed as a whole, and the Chi (or energy) should flow freely like water, nourishing every bit of the home without disruption. (Much like a good ocean print, if you ask us…)
Aren’t quite with us yet? Let’s break it down into a few how-to steps…
1. Say sayonara to unnecessary “stuff.”
First and foremost, feng shui is about a natural flow from one room to the next. So, when talking about feng shui, it’s likely that you’ll hear about “Chi blockages,” or disruptions in flow, created by common design mistakes such as a door opening up to a wall, messy garages, and closet spaces stuffed to their limits. (Sound familiar? Ha!) While it is common for humans to neglect spaces like their garage, hall closet, or bathroom, good feng shui requires the learner to focus on the spaces that need the most attention first, even if they are the rooms we spend little time in. That said, it’s time to clear the clutter. Nothing will block positive energy in your home better than stacks of “stuff,” so start by truly letting go and getting organized.
2. Pay close attention to your feng shui “trinity.”
While the practice of feng shui acknowledges every room in the house, the three rooms most deeply and directly connected to your health are the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. After de-cluttering and creating a clean slate, pay close attention the energy in these three rooms. If these spaces are in balance, then chances are your internal energy will reflect the same.
3. Embrace Yin and Yang.
Yin and Yang is essentially the balance of feminine and masculine energy in all things. And when it comes to your home, it can be interpreted as the balance between hard and soft, relaxing and energizing. For instance, some rooms benefit from more relaxing, feminine energy (or Yin), such as the bedroom and bathroom, while other rooms are perfect for more masculine energy (or Yang), such as vibrant colors and bright lights in spaces like the kitchen, home office, or living room.
Yin-Yang balance can (and should!) also be achieved in the same room—drape the bed with soft, organic textiles and plush pillows in soft colors, then add a tall, upward-moving tree in the corner to balance the energy. See where we’re going with this? This is exactly where contrast in your design comes into play. Contrasting colors, textures, scales, etc. are all ways to balance Yin and Yang energy in the home.
4. Employ the five feng shui elements.
To be brief, the five elements to know are these: fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. Each of these elements bring different energy into the home, and the combination of different elements can elicit different responses when walking into a room. Now, the avid feng shui enthusiast can dive very deep into this concept of the five elements, but we’ll keep things simple. Here are the bare bones of the five feng shui elements…
Fire: Incorporate candles, fire, and electronics to attract fame and recognition.
Earth: Incorporate earthenware, such as pottery and ceramics to attract romance.
Metal: Incorporate shiny surfaces and metal accents to attract luck in travel and creativity.
Water: Incorporate mirrors, crystal, glass, and water-centric art to attract luck in your career.
Wood: Incorporate upward moving energy, such as plants, nature scenes, and flowers to attract health and financial success.
5. Open up to air and light.
No matter how well you follow the basic principles of feng shui, they won’t have an impact if your home gets poor light and airflow. These two elements from nature are crucial to bringing good energy into the home, so open up! Natural light and open windows can do wonders for your space, and connect the flow of energy from the outdoors, to your indoor space, to you.
What are your thoughts on these feng shui decorating rules?
We hope you try out these tips in your own home, and don’t forget to pick up a bit of feng shui wall art to go along with them…
Cheers to good Chi,
Xx Team GM
Header by Lauren Pressey for Homepolish & Living Room byThe Edgewater Group