The door of the bedroom must easily be seen from the bed for security purposes.
Feng Shui, literally meaning “wind-water,” is a combination of Chinese philosophy and space planning. While it may seem questionable to scientific minds, many of its principles adhere to good architecture.
Incorporating elements of Feng Shui in a space can actually improve it in terms of circulation and impact. Here are 32 Feng Shui tips that make sense to include in your home:
The Main Entrance
1. The main door should be the most prominent entrance of your home to invite positive energy from outside. This could be done with well-planned lighting, plants, and site elements. It should not be overwhelmed by your garage door or gates.
2. Fix the squeaks of your doors, especially your main entrance. Squeaks sound as if your doors are crying. These can easily be remedied with a little oil.
3. Clean, fix and repaint your main door. A beautiful point of entry gives a good first impression to visitors of your home.
4. Place a bookcase or book shelves near the entrance. While these should not be obstructive, the idea is that the positive energy that enters your home stimulates learning. It also keeps waiting house guests pre-occupied.
5. Eliminate clutter near your main entrance. This allows positive energy to easily enter your home. It also helps people move about with ease.
The Living Room
6. Locate your living room at the center of your home. It is meant to contain the most energy in your home. This also helps encourage social interactions among family members.
7. Living room furniture should be placed on the west and south areas of the room to gain sunlight throughout the day.
8. Encourage natural ventilation and sunlight in the living room with high ceilings and large windows.
9. Keep curtains open in the living room to encourage ventilation and sunlight. It is also a way of bringing scenic views inside and increasing home security.
Main doors are ideally prominent to attract positive energy.
10. Provide water features such as fountains to encourage energy flow. This also adds to the relaxing and welcoming vibe of the living room.
11. Provide ample space in your living room. The area should not be filled with too much furniture that prevents the flow of positive energy. Empty spaces ease movement within the room.
The Dining Room
12. The corners of dining tables should not point toward places of rest. This arrangement also suggests an awkward layout for access and circulation.
13. Opt for round or oval shapes in choosing a dining table. This allows chi to flow gently throughout a room. It also minimizes the distance of food items from any family member.
14. Throw away chipped and broken dining ware. Your plates, glasses and utensils need not be new, but presenting well-maintained ones paints you in a good light in front of guests.
15. Feel free to display fresh flowers and round bowls of fruit on top of your dining table. These represent freshness and richness in your home. Do not use dried items, however, as they allude to something artificial.
16. Remove clocks and televisions in the dining room. They are distracting for diners. They also limit social interaction.
17. Provide plants and paintings around the room to brighten the space. Artwork subjects should be positive and suggest abundance.
An ideal living room is bright, airy and central to the home.
The Kitchen
18. Do not place the kitchen too close to the back door or entrance to prevent good energy from escaping. It is also not wise to make it a point of entry for security purposes.
19. The kitchen should be the center of command in a house. It should cater to family interactions and oversee play areas such as pools and living rooms.
20. Let your stove face the kitchen door. This promotes a sense of preparedness for the cook. Install reflective backsplashes if this is not possible.
21. Eliminate dead spaces in the kitchen, such as the area above overhead cabinets. Spruce up the space with ample lighting or vibrant plants.
22. Constantly clean windows of grime and kitchen stains. This allows you to maximize sunlight and helps you to oversee activities outside the kitchen.
The Bedroom
23. Locate your bed in a position that allows you to see the door. This places you in command of the space, allowing you to see what’s coming in life. It also gives you more security as you can easily see who enters your bedroom.
24. Conceal the television in your bedroom when not in use. The electronic nature of the television disrupts the quiet energy needed in your sleeping space.
25. Opt for natural elements versus artificial decorations in your bedroom. Windows offering ample sunlight, green views, and natural wind help you relax and rest in the bedroom.
26. Choose subtle and neutral color schemes for your bedroom. Your sleeping area should focus on maintaining a quiet energy. Even kids could benefit from a relaxing bedroom.
27. Remove items in your bedroom that suggest strenuous activity such as gym equipment and work items to help you calm down before sleeping.
28. Provide a stable headboard and side tables on both sides of the bed for stability and balance. The tables also helps keep your bed free from scattered items.
The Bathroom
29. Always keep the bathroom door closed. This prevents negative energy from entering the house and it also helps contain bad smells.
A healthy bathroom is free of clutter
30. Locate bathrooms away from kitchen, living and dining room areas. The energy between main spaces and bathing areas are not compatible. Also, it is not enticing to see the toilet while eating or cooking.
31. Always keep the toilet seat down and cover open drains. Feng Shui principles assert that this prevents your money from going down the drain. It also prevents bad smells from lingering and pests from entering your bathroom.
32. Provide cabinets and shelves to keep things organized and minimize clutter.
Beyond bringing luck and weath, Feng Shui is all about promoting a positive atmosphere in your home. You may not realize it, but your home might already feature some of its principles for good living.
Many architects and interior designers actually incorporate the practice in their designs. For specific tips applicable to your situation, consult professionals to maximize the benefits of Feng Shui in your home.
(Sources: “The Feng Shui Doctor” book by Paul Darby; www.cplusc.com.au; www.buildllc.com; www.inhabitat.com)
The author studied architecture at the University of the Philippines-Diliman and won a scholarship to pursue further studies abroad. She currently works for DSFN Architects where Feng Shui is implemented in many of the firm’s commercial and residential projects.