Easy Ways To Apply Feng Shui In Your Home

Easy Feng Shui, Feng Shui Basics, Feng Shui Tips, Feng Shui Home Decorating

The inspiration for this post came from a conversation I recently had with a friend about storage and she thought I was missing out on a good deal of it because I refuse to store anything under my bed. The reason for this is Feng Shui. The term feng shui (pronounced "fung shway") is composed of two words that actually translate to wind and water and it refers to a centuries old Chinese practice of arranging items in their best possible locations and positions also known as geomancy. Now back to why I don't use the area under my bed for storage. It's because energy needs to freely circulate around your body when you sleep, which is not possible if the space underneath the bed is blocked. In fact, your bed and it's proper placement is one of the most important factors for good feng shui energy.

Anyway I wanted to talk about Feng Shui because I do personally practice it in my own home and we happen to be in the midst of Chinese New Year which is one of the best times to shift the energy (also known as Chi) in your home. Feng shui isn't as mystical as it sounds. In fact the underlying principle is all about optimizing balance, harmony and comfort in your living environment through the placement of your belongings to enhance conditions that will create the greatest benefits. You don't necessarily need to bring a master to practice feng shui. Here are 10 easy ways to implement some of the principles in your home.

1. START WITH THE FRONT DOOR
The front door is important because it's the main gateway through which energy enters your home and it represents how opportunities come to you. Make sure that it works properly and can open all the way as an improperly maintained door can negatively affect both your finances and opportunities. A black door may look chic but it invites bad luck into the home.

2. CLEAR THE ENTRYWAY
Your entryway area should feel welcoming as if to invite in positive energy so it should be clear of clutter and well lit. Hanging a mirror on a wall in this space can help to attract new opportunities as well as add illumination. It should just not be placed directly opposite the front door.

3. ELIMINATE CLUTTER
Clutter isn't just messy, stressful and looks bad, it symbolizes stagnant energy and unfinished business which can weigh us down emotionally and physically and keep us from moving forward. Having functional organizational systems and a place for everything in your home can go a long way to create harmonious and free flowing energy. It will also make you happier because you'll feel more efficient and in charge of your stuff instead of the other way around. Once you have systems set up, be sure to use and maintain them. Check out my best practices for a clean and organized home if you need help getting started.

4. CIRCULATE THE AIR AND BRING ON THE LIGHT
Air and light are two essential elements for promoting positive feng shui energy in the home not mention they can make us happier. Open your windows as much as possible to renew the air and allow natural light to flow into the space when you can. Also consider cultivating air-purifying plants and using full-spectrum lighting.

5. REMOVE THE NEGATIVE
Be aware of the symbolism displayed in your home. If you're facing any particular challenges, try to identify whether they’re symbolically showing up in your space and remove and replace them with items that symbolize what you want to attract. Fix or get rid of anything that is broken to avoid welcoming troubles and failures. Aside from roses, feng shui discourages prickly plants like cacti because they can bring negative energy and bad luck into your home.

6. DECORATE WITH MEANING
While feng shui promotes a clean and organized living space, it's not about minimalism. It's about owning items which are meaningful and with which you have a connection. By surrounding yourself with things that you love, it creates a supportive energy that boosts happiness.

7. COLOR IS ENERGY
Color is a quick and easy way to shift the energy in your home. Depending on the room, choose colors that promote the feeling you want to invoke. Keep harmony in mind and use colors that blend well and feel good together. Here is a handy guide on how to create good feng shui with color.

8. FACE THE DOORS
The commanding position in feng shui always has a clear line of sight to doors. Try to situate your couch and your bed to encourage a sense of confidence and security since no one will be able to sneak up on you. When your back is to the door, it can lead to a sense of fear from your subconscious.

9. CLEAN YOUR STOVE
The stove is symbolic of your wealth and career in feng shui, so keeping it clean all the time is important. Also mix it up and don't use the same burner all the time. This keeps monotony at bay and  opens up opportunities.

10. KEEP THE LID ON YOUR TOILET
According to feng shui, an open toilet is akin to a drain and by leaving it open you're allowing good energy and prosperity to be literally drained out of your home.

While there are certain rules to feng shui, not all are fast and hard.  The beauty of feng shui is that it isn't one size fits all and you don't have to go all in. Just do what feels right for you. It's all about building a better connection and sense of balance between yourself and your home and even minimal shifts can make a difference!

27 comments

sonia // daring coco said...

I've always been interested in Feng Shui and at one stage even brought a few books a couple of years back but I gave up after the place I was staying in couldn't be helped hahaha! Like the bedroom. The only position for the bed was against the wall with the doorway. I'm still in between places now but I definitely want to add some Feng Shui principles to this next place. Thanks for the FYI on the door. I loooooove black doors and I love money so no black doors for me hahahaha!

Sxx
daringcoco.com

Jackie Harrison said...

Love this post number one I always take in consideration everytime I purchase a home who knew is Feng shui just learn that. I also do not like clutter is my ocd lol,... I like to decorate with what I really love this is why it take so long to find the right piece because if I do not love it I do not purchase it also like adding item in my kitchen that I use only. The color I just learn so much from it thanks. This was such a helpful post.

Emmylou said...

Oh my gosh! I am such a big believer of Feng Shui since around early 2000. We actually had our house analyzed by a well-known (in Toronto anyhoo) sifu my friend recommended about a decade ago. We were having some issues, and I was pretty sure it had to something with the energy of the house. He cost a pretty penny but was sooooo worth it. I'm not even kidding...it's been pretty settled since then (knock on wood).:D
The clearing of the entryway and the colour of our main door were the main things we really had to fix. Our house faces north so we changed it to blue, and got rid of a lot of clutter that's blocking the door.
Sorry for the long answer, chingu, but I can literally go on about this:D

Shireen L. Platt said...

My dad is heavily into feng shui and we actually spoke and consulted him while building our home. We ran by him the plot of land that we were buying, the way the house should face and even a little about the decor and that's how i know about no mirror should be place opposite the main door. Some might dismiss feng shui as bogus but my husband and I are respectful towards it.

Shireen⎜Reflection of Sanity

Bambi said...

Great tips. My home is a mess but I still live with my family so feng shui is shit because we can't even make anything in such a small space :(

Lena L said...

I love this! Especially the last one. I can't entirely believe or understand the reason behind but toilette lids should be kept down all times. ;D

Gingi said...

I'm actively implementing some of these right now! Great post, you really broke it down great! - www.domesticgeekgirl.com

Sakuranko said...

Thanks for share all your tips. Sincerely I try to apply Feng Shui at home. Specially in my bedroom I feel sometimesthat I need depure the place because I feel annoyed with the organization. So this is very useful

Unknown said...

Great inspiration!
Have a nice end of the week!
Gil Zetbase

Doctor Anne said...

I never paid much attention to Feng Shui rules, but many of them reasonate with me, like the cluttered entry way and the need to let air circulate. I do however store under my bed, I just have zero other storage space at the moment.

Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca

Paola Lauretano said...

Feng Shui rules sound interesting! Great tips Rowena, thanks for sharing!
Kisses, Paola.

Expressyourself

Pilar said...

Feng Shui has always interested me. Thanks for sharing these tips Rowena!

Amely Rose said...

I've heared a lot about feng shui, but never tried it in my iwn home.
But this is really interessting and I definetly have to try it.
Thank you Rowena for the tips.

take a look at my BLOG and also INSTAGRAM

Ivana Split said...

This was so interesting to read. I first read about Feng Shui in one book about Asian architecture and I really liked the philosophy behind it. It just makes sense to me.

Your tips are so well written and easy to remember. I think we actually kept to many of these principles when we planned our home. All the doors in home are white and the space in front of them is clear...and that's honestly one of my favourite things about our new home.

I do agree that colours are energy and can be utilized as such! Good air circulation and light are very important as well, because they contribute to our health.

It is too late for my bed, though. We bought one of those beds with come with in built storage area for blankets. Btw I've never thought of cacti as having bad energy because of thorns but I can see how that could be true. I think succulents can be a good solution for those wanting to avoid cacti, especially those with rounded leaves.

Kasztanowy Domek said...

Very interesting post!
Have a nice day!
kiss:)

xxBasia

ALLIE NYC said...

Oh yes all about Feng Shui! Great tips here. And a clean stove for me is a must.

Allie of ALLIENYC
www.allienyc.com

Lyosha Varezhkina said...

That is so useful to me! I always want to try some Feng Shui at home but hiring a consultant is too expensive. As for books/internet tips you need someone you can rely on with proper advise.

Lyosha
Inside and Outside Blog

A Very Sweet Blog said...

Ok, I've broken rule #1 Black doors! LOL The outside of my home is beige with black shutters. What kind of door can I put up? My luck has been well though. Everything else is good though except maybe light. But I'm sandwiched between two houses. LOL
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

Jenny said...

What a fascinating post! Growing up my parents were never into feng shui so it's interesting learning the do's and don'ts. I think a lot of these are great tips that will be applicable to a lot of people whether they practice feng shui or not, after all who doesn't love a thoughtfully decorated, organized, and bright home!

Jenny | Geeky Posh

ALLIE NYC said...

Oh I am all about Feng Shui. And I HATE clutter it makes me nervous and on edge. I don't how people live with clutter but they do. And the lid on the toilet F Yeah. I always do this. It also keeps micro particles of fecal matter from landing on your toothbrush or what you have close to the toilet. Keep the lid down and always flush with it down. There are lids for a reason.

Allie of
www.allienyc.com

R.ChamberofBeauty said...

I have always been curious about Feng Shui but didn't know much about it. It's so expensive to hire any expert for this purpose. You have given some useful tips in a very easy way. I definitely want to try these tips. thanks Rowena for this wonderful post!

Have a nice day <3
http://www.rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.com/

Blackswan said...

Great tips! I usually engage a Geomancy Master to view my apartments to be on the safe side. xoxo

Fashionably Idu said...

I missed this post but just had to click on it cos i need tips. Gosh I had been pronouncing feng shui wrong to start with. And what great tips. I've bookmarked this post as a guide. Thanks for this Rowena!

https://www.fashionablyidu.com/

Amy Aed said...

I think that eliminating clutter is definitely one of the most important things!

How is the quarantine treating you? I hope you are well!

amy x wandering-everywhere.com

Lyosha Varezhkina said...

Great tips! Now I want a makeover for my living room even more!

Aidan Brogan said...

Thank you so much for sharing this!

Shauna Crymble said...

Thank you for the great tips!