When moving into a new home, people usually take into account the design, style, and aesthetics of the place. However, the most crucial step is usually omitted and that is creating a positive living environment to enjoy a peaceful, prosperous, and harmonious life. Instead of just merely looking at the surface level of the home, it is important to consider the bigger picture. This can be done through the incorporation of a traditional philosophy called Feng Shui. We’ve listed down some of the Feng Shui tips for your affordable house and lot for this year.
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art practice that aligns your energy with your home’s energy. Essentially, it is the influence and interaction of human beings and their environment by cautiously designing your space using the principles of good feng shui. Its roots go back to the belief in the existence of five core elements in the universe, which include wood, earth, metal, water, and fire. The term “feng” and “shui” directly translate to “wind” and water”. Each element can attract either positive or negative energy, hence, individuals should be consciously aware of decorating their homes through the manifestation of this powerful tool. The instrument called “Bagua map” is used to locate and reveal specific areas that generate positive or negative energy. The term Bagua literally translates to eight areas, meaning the Bagua map contains eight distinct areas around the center that are associated with the different aspects of your life, which are wealth, fame, relationship, family, health, children, knowledge, career, and helpful people.
Now that the definition, essence, and purpose of feng shui have been established, here are seven tips to level up your home decor:
Feng Shui Tip #1: Declutter your home
First on this list is to be organized and tidy. Yes, this seems like an obvious and easy task, but you should always remember to get rid of clutter no matter how busy you are. Not only does this promote a calm and healthy mental state of mind, but it also avoids the blockage of a good flow of positive energy. This includes removing dust, dirty countertops, stained carpets, and other litter.
Feng Shui Tip #2: Add plants for a natural element
Although the past two years have been a big challenge due to the virus, individuals managed to make the best out of their situation and find new hobbies and interests. A newfound jargon that is used to describe people who love plants recently became popular — plantitos and plantitas. This is due to the fact that plants add life, substance, and color to our surroundings. Apart from this, feng shui says that plants possess positive “chi”, or in other terms, good energy. To manifest positive energy, selecting meaningful and strong-looking plants are essential to ensure that they cleanse the air and offer joyful spirits. The Chinese money plant, for instance, is an excellent indoor plant as its circular leaves resemble coins, which promote wealth, abundance, and fortune.
Feng Shui Tip #3: Consider the furniture layout
The arrangement of furniture also plays a vital role in exhibiting a free flow of positive energy. It is important to note that the proper placement of furniture depends on the area of the house. The living room serves as the main space for guests and family members to gather and interact. To avoid congestion, limit the number of furniture to create a wide-open space. Your bedroom, on the other hand, is the place you relax by the end of an exhausting day. Ensuring a calm and healthy environment is fundamental because you spend most of your time in your bed to recharge. One tip is to place your bed against the wall to evoke safety and security. Do not place the bed behind a window as it obstructs chi from entering the room. Avoid having mirrors facing the bed as it can cause depleted energy. Lastly, add a touch of wood furniture as it represents the wood element of growth and vitality.
Feng Shui Tip #4: Open windows to maximize natural light and air
Feng shui highlights that lighting is considered the dominant manifestation of fire and metal elements. Having good lighting is an essential aspect of one’s home as it transmits serenity, success, and abundance. One technique in bringing a natural source of light is opening windows. This allows fresh air to naturally flow into your house, removing any old and negative energy. Utilizing lamps and other types of lightning can also eliminate possible darkness in the house.
Feng Shui Tip #5: Limit the number of mirrors
Truth be told, we check our mirrors every once in a while to see whether we look good or if our outfit is Instagram-worthy. Mirrors are seen as an element that reflects you and your space. However, having too many mirrors in the house can attract negative energy, especially those that face each other. Therefore, to ensure that your mirrors are strategically positioned in your house, refrain from placing them on top of sofas, chairs, and beds as it creates a world of imbalance. Most importantly, avoid mirrors that are broken or distorted as it is believed to welcome bad luck into your life.
Feng Shui Tip #6: Embrace color
Color is a big part of feng shui as it can change the whole mood of the place. This depends on the energy you want to impose on your home. If you aim to have a lively environment, use vibrant colors such as orange and yellow. For a calm setting, incorporate a dull or more neutral color palette. You can also activate the earth element in your home by using earth tones such as brown and orange
Feng Shui Tip #7: Balance all five elements
Feng shui stresses the importance of balance and equality and this can be done through color choice, objects, furniture placement, and more. Employing all elements can develop a sense of harmony and tranquility in your area.
All these may sound excessive or even strange, but it has been supported by science by highlighting the negative effects of jammed spaces and poor balancing of elements. Once you believe and apply the several aforementioned feng shui tips, you can nurture a positive and happy home. You can improve the different facets of your life — health, wealth, and love. If you want to change the way you live this 2022, it begins with a change in your environment.
Written by Jashmine Pruller
