Does your life feel out of balance? The answer could lie in the layout and décor of your home.
So says the ancient Chinese art of feng shui, the practice of arranging indoor spaces to achieve harmony in both look and feel. With a focus on creating a flow of energy around rooms, feng shui aims to create uplifting environments that are interconnected with the inhabitants.
Discover how to match the energy of your home with your own by adopting feng shui. From analysing alignment to fixing broken possessions, just a few simple changes can transform your rooms into spaces that are harmonious with your lifestyle and support your mental well-being.
A feng shui home seeks to encourage the flow of chi, the life force energy that runs through us and all things, from animals and plants to inanimate objects. Having too much clutter can cause chi to become blocked, so the first port of call is to clean and tidy your property.
Start by pulling out your possessions and identifying what you no longer need. These items can be donated or recycled, freeing up space for smoother flow. Carefully reorganise your belongings, ensuring items are placed in congruous rooms and largely kept out of sight so spaces remain open. Introduce clever storage solutions such as Hammonds understairs storage and overbed cupboards to keep everyday objects organised and within easy reach when not on display.
To ensure harmony within home design, feng shui invites and balances nature by incorporating the five elements of traditional Chinese science: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Make sure you mix materials in your décor, such as complementing wooden flooring with sleek chrome furnishings and glass-topped tables that represent fire.
You do not have to incorporate each material literally. Using representative colours and textures is enough to achieve the effect. For example, blue hues will evoke the tranquillity of lakes and rivers, and terracotta tiles or textured green and brown fabrics will make rooms feel grounded.
Aim to instantly clarify the room's purpose by featuring a corresponding piece of furniture in the commanding position. This is the furthest point from the door and the first place your eye is drawn to upon entering. As well as centring the design, this feng shui layout makes you feel more at ease. Being able to see the door from your bed or sofa relaxes the nervous system and invites us to meet challenges head-on.
While the furniture should be viewable from the doorway, ensure no objects directly align with the door as this will interrupt the flow of chi. You should also make sure furniture is pulled away from the walls slightly to allow the flow of energy around each object and the space as a whole.
Keeping damaged or broken belongings in the home is believed by followers of feng shui to attract stagnant or negative energy. This could slow down your journey to achieving your goals or make you feel heavy in your body and mind.
Take time to fix faulty furniture, filling in any cracks and chips and realigning legs so that the sides are even. Upcycle worn wooden cabinets and wardrobes by sanding the surfaces smooth and giving them a new lease of life with varnish or paint and new handles. Recognise when objects cannot be restored to their former glory and donate them, so they are removed from your home.
Purple is a trending colour this year, and it's also highly valued in feng shui design. This is because purple is associated with wealth, both financial and spiritual, and will help you enhance your reputation.
Associated with spiritual power, this high-frequency shade should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the energy in your home. Choose one room and incorporate delicate purple accents in your fabrics and artwork, or paint one wall purple to make a stronger statement that's still subtle.
Ready to experience the balancing power of feng shui for yourself but unsure where to begin? You should book a free design visit from Hammonds for expert advice on achieving a feng shui home layout that encourages positive energy and works for your lifestyle. This will cover all things design, from storage solutions to the best materials and colours to feature in your décor.
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