Feng Shui

Feng Shui is defined as the Chinese art or practice of positioning objects, especially graves, buildings, and furniture, based on a belief in patterns of yin and yang and the flow of chi that have positive and negative effects.

Now, whether you believe in this ancient art or not, there is no denying that certain furniture arrangements add or subtract from a space. Following some simple guidelines can add positive energy and movement to any room. Check out our tips below, courtesy of HGTV.com (https://www.hgtv.com/decorating/create-a-feng-shui-home/page-3.html).

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  • Dining RoomDos:
    • Use rounded and oval tables.
    • Use white plates, as they allow the natural beauty of the food to be the focal point of the meal.
    • Incorporate soft, comfortable chairs that are of equal size.
    • Give each person and chair a pleasant view.
    • Add serene artwork or imagery of food.

    Don’ts:

    • Have sharp, pointed edges on tables and chairs.
    • Use glass or metal tabletops, which are hard and unfriendly.
    • Hang intense or negative artwork.
    • Have low-hanging ceiling fans, which create an unsafe atmosphere.
    • Create cramped spaces, where people can’t comfortably sit or move around the table easily.
  • Living RoomDos:
    • Use beautiful, yet comfortable and safe furniture.
    • Arrange the furniture so the room is inviting and easily accessible.
    • Put the TV and other electrical equipment into a cabinet to be hidden from view when not in use.
    • Hang objects at the same height and create strong visual horizontal lines, especially when ceilings are extremely high.
    • Marry objects and face furniture together so they’re in relationship to one another.

    Don’ts:

    • Use uncomfortable furniture and seating.
    • Have too many decorative objects, unless they are organized together as a group.
    • Place too many pillows on the couch.
    • Use the TV as the focal point of the room or seating arrangement.
    • Have beams in the ceiling or sit directly beneath them for long periods of time.
  • Home OfficeDos:
    • Place your desk in the power spot, the area directly opposite the door.
    • Add sensual objects and artwork to inspire resourcefulness and productivity.
    • Bring in rounded shapes and move sharp-edged furniture out of the traffic flow.
    • Add healthy plants, which are beneficial to counter-balance the effects of electrical equipment.
    • Create a filing and storage system that is clearly labeled and easy to use.

    Don’ts:

    • Sit in the line of energy coming in through the door.
    • Hang uninspiring or mismatched artwork.
    • Paint the room in drab colors.
    • Use broken or uncomfortable office chairs.
    • Pile up paperwork or create clutter and disorganization.
    • Sit with your back toward the office door. If you must, hang a mirror to see behind you.
  • BedroomDos:
    • Sleep in the power spot, which is located directly opposite the door.
    • Add a solid headboard, ideally in a warm, friendly material such as wood or leather.
    • Replace bedding at least once a year to add a fresh, positive energy to the space.
    • Add romantic imagery or objects grouped in sets of two or pairs.
    • Use warm colors, flesh tones or red and pink to spice up the room and your romance.

    Don’ts:

    • Sleep with your body in line with the path of energy entering through the bedroom door.
    • Have TVs, computers or exercise equipment, unless they’re hidden away or in a storage cabinet.
    • Have an excess of mirrors, which can sometimes activate too much energy.
    • Use footboards, which prevent you from easily moving around the bed.
    • Place one side of the bed against a wall. There should be equal space on either side for two people to comfortably enter and exit.
  • BathroomDos:
    • Create a beautiful, uplifting and organized space.
    • Add new linens, bath soaps, plants, soft lighting and other beautiful accessories.
    • Add a mirror to the door to help the bathroom visually disappear.
    • Put a divider between the bathroom and bedroom in master suites.
    • Add earth and fire elements.

    Don’ts:

    • Leave the toilet seat up or drains uncovered when not in use.
    • Create clutter on the sink, countertop and tub edge or in the shower stall.
    • Hold on to old or unused bottles of shampoos, products, creams and potions.
    • Have the toilet in plain view. Try covering or screening it when possible.
    • Create a small, cramped area. Try adding mirrors to help expand the feeling of the spac

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