Bobby Breaks It Down: What Is Feng Shui?
There are countless ways to improve your home. From a few new pillows to a full-on makeover, we’ve seen (and done) them all. But have you ever thought about how you can improve the energy and harmony of your home? Look no further than one simple Eastern philosophy. But what is Feng Shui? – and how do you incorporate it into your home?
You may have heard the term before, or have some idea of what it entails, but what is Feng Shui? It’s a centuries-old practice originating in China that is all about how energy flows through a space, and how to be in harmony with the principles of the natural world. (Feng means “wind” and Shui means “water” in Chinese – the 2 natural elements that circulate everywhere on earth.) The orientation of a space, whether it’s the location of a building, a floor plan, or furniture placement, determines how energy (called chi) moves through it, with some arrangements being more favorable, and others blocking the natural energy movement.
All the elements of nature ā earth, fire, metal, water,Ā and wood ā are also important components of Feng Shui. Each element has a color, texture, and set of characteristics that make it more conducive to certain areas of the home. Between all these principles āĀ energy flow, placement, and the elements of nature ā it’s really about creating spaces that are optional for living your life in unity with the world and bringing positive energy to your interiors.Ā
Now that we’ve gotten the history lesson out of the way, you’re now ready to put this info into practice. Keep scrolling to see 5 easy ways to make Feng Shui work for you, and our tips on how you can easily incorporate these principles into every space. Before you know it, you’ll have a more harmonious home that’s got the positive energy flowing!
Photo: Sara Ligorria Tramp
what is feng shui?
Engage With Your Entryways
In order to attract energy into your home, it’s important to have a welcoming front door. It’s also believed to be where new opportunities will enter, so making your door look good can also benefit you personally.Ā Here are a few easy ways to upgrade your entry and welcome in good energy.
- If your door squeaks, gets stuck or doesn’t open easily, fix it. Energy doesn’t want to deal with that annoyance!
- Place plants with rounded leaves (fiddle leaf fig or jade) in your entryway. Plants with pointy leaves are thought to feel uninviting and less welcoming to good energy.
- Don’t place a mirror on the wall directly opposite your front door. This will cause energy to bounce off it and go right back outside. A mirror opposite the entryway will instead direct energy into your home.
- Keep your entryway organized and uncluttered. If you enter into a messy and disorganized space your mind will immediately take on that negative energy.
Photo: Sara Ligorria Tramp
what is feng shui?
Find The Perfect PositionĀ
The placement of things within your home is definitely the most important aspect of Feng Shui. It determines how energy will flow through a space, and thus how your home will function and feel. Of particular importance is the Command Position, which refers to the placement that allows you to be in command of the energy (and anything) that enters a room. Here’s how (and where) to implement.
- This position works best in your bedroom, office and living spaces (beds, desks and sofas)
- Furniture should be facing the door, without being directly in line with the door.
- There should be open space on both sides of a piece of furniture, to allow good energy to flow all around you.
- You want to be supported from the back, so furniture should be placed against a wall. A wall is a solid feature and allows protective energy to have your back
(While we realize it’s not always possible to implement all of these principles in a room, you can always try one or two to improve energy flow.)
Photo: Sara Ligorria Tramp
what is feng shui?
Embrace The Elements
As we mentioned earlier, the elements of nature also play a significant role in Feng Shui. Each element has specific properties,Ā that make it ideal for certain rooms that are used for specific purposes, whether it’s to be relaxed, inspired, or focused. Here is our breakdown of all five, including the characteristics, colors, shapes, and objects that you can incorporate into a space to bring in each element.
Earth
- Characteristics: grounding, balance, stability
- Colors: brown, beige, deep orange
- Shape: Square
- Objects: ceramic vases, stone top tables
Fire
- Characteristics: expressiveness, boldness, inspiration
- Colors: red, pink, purple
- Shape: triangle
- Objects: flowers, candles, leather accessories
Metal
- Characteristics: clarity, focus, attentiveness
- Colors: silver, gold, white
- Shape: Circle
- Objects: metal hardware, trays, candlesticks
Water
- Characteristics: spirituality, wisdom, insightfulness
- Colors: black, dark grey, navy
- Shape: wavy
- Objects: mirrors, glass tables, vases
Wood
- Characteristics: creativity, growth, and strength
- Colors: green, blue, dark brown
- Shape: Rectangle
- Objects: wooden furniture, plants, books, woven baskets
Photo: Sara Ligorria Tramp
what is feng shui?
Be Reflective
If you really want to get the energy moving through your home, it’s time to get reflective. Mirrors, and any surface that reflects and bounces light, will get chi flowing. In addition to moving energy, it will also help bring in more natural light- which is always a good thing. Here a few tips on how to make the best use of a mirror.
- A properly located mirror can reflect an object that is seen through a window into a room. Placing a mirror so that you can see the reflection of a tree, water, or sky will bring in a positive natural element.
- Avoid a mirror that is in multiple pieces ( like a mosaic style) cloudy, or distressed. These versions are believed to not reflect energy as well.
- Adding a round mirror over your bed helps creates a smooth and continuous energy flow, and is especially beneficial for partners sleeping in the same bed. The round shape also has no harsh edges and can soften your feelings towards each other.
Photo: Sara Ligorria Tramp
what is feng shui?
Seek A Balance
You’ve probably seen a Yin and Yang symbol before (most likely during its heyday in the 90s). If you didn’t know, yin and yang is all about balance and the contrast created between equal, but opposing elements. Yin represents feminine, soft, and nurturing, while Yang is masculine, hard, and aggressive. When it comes to Feng Shui, incorporating both sides and creating balance is an important part of every home. Here are a few easy ways to bring the dual elements into your space.
- Bring in Yin energy with soft textiles and pillows, curvy ceramics, soothing colors, and objects with natural textures.
- A bookcase with hard lines can be balanced by using plants and woven baskets to soften things up.
- Bring in Yang energy through leather accessories, metal furniture, dark wood accents, and deep colors.
- A light-colored bedroom and upholstered headboard will be balanced by graphic pillows, wooden nightstands, and metal lamps
Great content! Super high-quality! Keep it up! š
Wow! While reading your article I looked around my home and Iām Feng Shui without realizing it. Makes sense now that when I have friends and my teens have friends over they all are so comfortable.
That’s the power of Feng Shui! Thanks for reading. -B
Any chance that lamp in the dresser in the last picture by Chelsea Hing is available for purchase? I love it!
You can shop the lamp here. Thanks for reading! -B
Beautiful designs