Feng shui is an ancient Chinese art of arranging objects and spaces to achieve harmony and balance. In Chinese, feng shui means "the way of wind and water." It has roots in early Taoism but has spread to Western culture too.
One of the nice things about Feng Shui is that it can be applied very practically. It is different from the process of styling your interior because it’s about finding a natural base, yet it's a great way to play around with your home decor, once you have an idea of what's important.
Balance
Using Feng Shui, you can harmonize the energy flow in your home interior and balance your space.
In Feng Shui, there are 5 elements that you can balance to make a room more comfortable. There are different elements that evoke different moods, so you can create a customized space that's beneficial for your personality and goals.
All things consist of some combination of these elements, from the smallest atom to the entire solar system. So if you have a room that doesn't feel quite right, try balancing the design with these 5 elements to make it more comfortable. The five elements work best together rather than individually, so you'll need all five.
1. Wood
Feng Shui focuses on improving the flow of Chi, our life force energy. The wood element is associated with living green plants, which are said to cultivate hardiness, flexibility, healing, and growth.
We can feel the connection to nature when we have plants around. Adding plants to your living space gives energy and freshness, so choose varieties that are suitable for your home's light conditions and easy to maintain.
2. Fire
In Feng Shui, the fire element can bring passion, vitality, and warmth into your home.
Getting in touch with the fire element is as easy as feeling the heat and light of a fire.
If you don’t have a real fireplace, candles are a powerful way to bring more fire into your space. Try adding a candle to your dining room table for a warm, cozy glow.
3. Earth
Grounding, strength, and stability are all represented by the earth element. Boundaries, self-care, and how we treat others are all part of it.
You can add more earth elements by adding ceramic or earthenware pieces. Because it's straight from the Earth, it's a great way to connect to the Earth's chi. As well as natural stones and crystals, earth elements are beautiful additions to your home.
4. Metal
This element represents focus, simplicity, and clarity. It also embodies integrity and joy. Metal is suitable for accessories and furniture in your home. As can chairs or coffee tables with metal legs, a white round metal side table is a stylish choice.
5. Water
Inspiration, intuition, and fluidity are all connected to the Water element. Mirrors represent the water element. Mirrors are reflective like a still, calm lake. You can add depth to a room with a mirror, which is another water element quality. If you have a window looking out on the water, place a mirror opposite to reflect and increase the water element in your home.
"Replacing my rectangular dining table with a round one has really helped the energy flow of the room!" - Laurine, Founder Cake
Open up the traffic flow
You want to arrange your furniture in a way that allows open pathways into and around your room. A blocked flow of traffic results in blocked chi.
For example, don't put the sofa back toward the entrance of the room in the living room. Instead, consider swapping your square coffee table for a circular one. Consider how you move through a room and make sure you have a smooth, clear route.
Round corners are better than sharp edges because they allow for better traffic flow.
Relaxing
Your bedroom is a place where you can sleep and make love. Everything else, such as a TV, does not belong in the interior. It's about creating a neutral, calming space where your mind can relax and let go. Ensure that you have access to fresh air and scents that will relax you as well.
Lavender is a popular choice for sleep and relaxation. Several studies show using a lavender eye pillow can improve sleep quality, including in people with insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Simply place the eye pillow over your eyes or forehead while lying on your back and relax.
Below you find two examples of how you disrupt the flow and how to maintain it. You can read more great tips in the book Feng Shui Modern.
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