Originating from China, Feng Shui is the ancient practice of creating balance and harmony between opposing forces which in turn produces the life energy called “chi”. Appropriate placement of objects, organization of spaces and use of nature’s elements maximize the good flow of chi in the home to elevate one’s overall health, fortune, and luck.
Whether you’re already a believer of the practice or interested to know more, we have laid out the basic guidelines of Feng Shui that can be beneficial in the search for your new home or make your current abode a happier and healthier one.
Neighborhood
It is to be noted that aside from your house itself, Feng Shui highly regards the surrounding structures around as the chi that flows outside flows into your home as well. Public buildings such as cemeteries, funeral homes and hospitals generate too much “yin” or passive energy thereby, should be avoided. Places of worship and schools can be good Feng Shui for your home as they give extremely high “yang” or active energy. Live in a community with well-maintained homes, full of greenery and good standing neighbors.
Location
You may have already heard that living on a T-Junction or tumbok is bad Feng Shui as too much chi is charging towards your home, just like an arrow speeding towards a target. Same is said about a home in a dead-end street or cul-de-sac, a circular dead-end street with a roundabout driveway. The energy that lingers at the end of those streets is dirty, chaotic and stale which is negatively affecting your life’s energy. A home in a wide street with just enough traffic is most idyllic.
Shape of Land
A regular-shaped plot of land, such as square or rectangle, is the most ideal for good chi. A long and deep piece of land that creates a dreamy “bright hall” effect, as opposed to one that is shallow and wide, is believed to let and settle the good chi in front of your home. A trapezium-shaped plot of land where the front is wider than the back, and not vice versa, is believed to be favorable as well in accumulation of wealth. A land shaped as a triangle is to be avoided as its “missing corners” signifies missing luck.
Orientation
The direction of the front door or main entrance of your home is said to be its orientation or facing. Feng Shui believes that this plays an important part of your house to attain the maximum flow of chi entering your home. It is considered that south or north-facing houses are auspicious because of the amount of sun and wind those areas receive throughout the day. Feng Shui also suggests for your home to be positioned in a way where mountains appear to be behind your home while waterways to be in the front. Houses that are well-supported by mountains benefit the homeowners by giving them opportunities to increase their power and status. Opposite to this is a home on top of a hill where there’s too much exposure and offer no support. It is ideal for your home to sit on a flat land though if you prefer a sloping one, choose one that slopes upward as the one that slopes downward denotes missing opportunities.
Layout or Floor Plan
Feng Shui practitioners believe that a house floor plan or layout has significant impact on its homeowner’s health and lifestyle. The front entry of the home, aside from being bright and welcoming, should not align directly across another door or window as the chi will just go straight out of the house. Windows should be placed generously all around the house to welcome natural light and ensure proper air circulation to avoid negative vibes to accumulate. Hallways should be wide and well-lit, spaces should be open and unobstructed, and the overall flow throughout the house should be seamless and less maze-like to allow the chi to collect and nurture the home. Lastly, it may seem boring, but a well-proportioned square or rectangular layout offer more harmony and balance than those with unusual, shaped ones.
Décor
Proper arrangement of objects in the house plays a pivotal role in Feng Shui. Beds, desks and stoves should be in a commanding position, where they face the door but not directly in line with it. All other furniture such as sofas, tables and chairs should be proportionate to the size of the room and not blocking the doorways. Mirrors are to be placed strategically to either direct or redirect, upgrade or degrade the energy flow within the space. Fresh flowers and plants are said to increase the life energy of the room, so it is recommended to use them abundantly but not exceedingly. Ensure that there is harmony among the use of all the five elements of Feng Shui – fire, earth, metal, water, wood – through colors, textures, materials, and shapes around the house to appropriately balance the chi in the home.
Upkeep
It is vital to maintain our homes in their best condition to give us improved energy, greater opportunities and overall, more contentment in life. For Feng Shui, the cleaner your home is, the better. Start with the exterior by repairing cracked walkways, ensuring all light fixtures are working, and tidying the surrounding landscape. Your entry and hallways should be clutter-free at all times to attract the good chi into your home. Don’t prolong to repair broken furniture, fix leaking pipes, replace worn-out doors, repaint cracked walls, and remove unused appliances. Keep your rooms organized to invite new opportunities and maximize energy flow. Windows should always be clear to let more sunlight in. Set a regular cleaning and decluttering schedule to avoid dusts from piling up and hoarding unnecessary things in your home.
Feng Shui is rooted in its aim to design with intention. Applying its practices helps connect you with your environment to achieve the maximum flow of energy in your home, which results to a positive influence in every aspect of your life. It also offers practical solutions to design dilemmas that are sometimes difficult to fix. It is always best to consult a Feng Shui expert if you choose to fully practice it though knowing and applying these basic principles already gives you an edge in improving your home and quality of life.
By: Niña Norrdell
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