The Ultimate Guide to Feng Shui Basics

By DebD

Photo: by Dan Freeman

The Feng Shui concept is about minimalistic appeal demonstrated by a variety

of textures, shapes, and colors enriching the ambiance of any space

whether indoors or outdoors

The ancient art of feng shui (I call it metaphysical home decorating) is straightforward but complex. It’s more than placing a chair in the corner of a room. In feng shui where you place your furnishings and other possessions affects every aspect of your life. Hence, there is a profusion of individuals just like yourself, who look to feng shui to enhance their lives.

Everything from simple suggestions on what color to paint your wall to more precise estimations using a Bagua (see image below), help to manifest tranquility in your life through the science of feng shui. However, if you have a vision of new age hippie styled décor with beaded curtains and tye-dyed wall hangings, you’re in for a shock. Though those objects could possibly fit into feng shui principle, in most instances, “less is more” and subtlety is the best course of action.

Whether you seek the guidance of feng shui to find love, wealth, health, or simply to organize the chi (energy) in your home for a more relaxed ambiance, you will come out no-worse-for-wear for giving it a go!

Bagua photo by Fancycrave

In the above photo the feng shui bagua is in the center. The octagon shaped bagua is a key instrument utilized to interpret the chia (energy) of interior and exterior spaces. The center of the bagua (the two inverted commas) depicts the image of yin and yang. Though the basic shape of the bagua

stays the same, you will find this somewhat enigmatic design shown in a variety of colors

and textures even entire cities like the Plaza Principal De Bagua in Peru

The Nitty-Gritty of Feng Shui

Enacted in China over 3,000 years ago, the art of feng shui is no fly-by-night philosophy. The science of feng shui runs deep as some components of this magnificent art go as far back as 6,000 years! Architectural elements like the best arrangement for furniture, doors, and staircases came later.

In the vast culture of China, wind and water are allied with good health and good fortune. Feng represents “wind” and shui represents “water.” When applied properly, feng shui culminates into a better life. Bad feng shui, or misguided energy, means a host of misfortunes in one’s life due to inharmonious chi (or energy).

The space around you should flow. For example, clutter is a definite no-no according to feng shui constructs. When the flow of energy around you becomes static; due to clutter wantonly placed in a corridor and obstacles like furniture blocking doorways making it difficult to get in and out, an antagonistic environment manifests. These types of unmelodious surroundings can cause financial troubles, maladies, inharmonious relationships, and more according to feng shui teachings.

Photo by Jason Leung

This photo is a perfect display of

oddments without looking cluttered

Photo by Stil

The ambiance of this living room space is a flawless expression of feng shui design.

The decor emanates that relaxed harmonious “feeling” feng shui

is lauded for when applied properly

Illustration by Johnhain

The Yin Yang symbol is illustrated in black and white

The metaphor of the symbol is that the feminine (yin) and masculine (yang) must be in harmony and proportionally energized with harmonious movement in order to live a happy and contented life. The bagua map below will help you get started on the path to feng shui harmony in your home or office.

Square Shaped Feng Shui Bagua Map by DebD

This simple version of a bagua map will get you started on your feng shui journey. Check

this site or here for additional instructions on how to use the above map.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Get Rid of It!

Getting rid of stuff you don’t need is imperative in order to balance your life feng shui style. I’ve seen my fair share of cluttered spaces and just looking at them makes my hair stand on end. Now I would remind you, a collage of beautiful photos is not clutter, but dusty bottles sitting in your window sill is! Do yourself a favor and muster up the courage to clear your mind for more inspirational pursuits by clearing away the clutter in your home or office. Keep pathways (including entrances and exits) free so that you can easily “get to where you’re going” (metaphysically speaking) without hindrance.

2. Illumination the Feng Shui Way

Take advantage of glistening natural light (preferably through pristine streak free windows) during the day. Add subtle light fixtures for night-time ambiance and track lighting where natural light is absent. Lighting also influences careers. Make sure the career zone in your home or office provides adequate lighting to help keep you motivated about your work. For example, a lovely pendant light, strategically placed task light, or chandelier would do the trick.

3. Go Green

Plants are a way of bringing the outside indoors. In addition, plants create positive energy, refreshes the air, and affects the financial sector of your life. When using the bagua map place a healthy plant (or fresh flowers) in your money section. It’s also a good place for precious jewelry and other valuables.Oh, by the way...make sure plants remain dust free and healthy. If you’re not a plant person, start with something easy like an Air Plant or Tillandsia that grows without dirt. You simply place them in water for 2-3 hours 2-3 times a month. Philodendrons are another great choice. It takes lots of determination to destroy this plant!

Philodendron plant photo by Kara Michelle

Philodendrons are one of the easiest plants in the world to cultivate. If

You manage to destroy this plant, don’t even think about getting

a bonsai!

4. Harmonious Furnishings

If possible, set your furniture in a rhythmical pattern facing the door to create a positive friendly flow of Chi or energy. Chairs should face each other not one accent chair in the corner and another facing the window. Placing furniture up against the wall is a no-no. Allow some space between your furniture and wall to keep the energy flowing smoothly. Place a mirror at the end of your hallway to create the feeling of expansion and infinity. Who wants to feel that life is a dead-end?

5. Two-is-Better-Than-One

Enhancing relationships, whether business or personal, is as easy as pairing-up objects. It doesn’t mean turning into a clinging vine! You simply want to “enhance” your associations or perhaps find that special someone. In the relationship sector of the bagua map, place two matching chairs, plants, or any appealing items for better coupledom.

Vase photo by Maarten Deckers

This pair of lovely white vases emits an attractive aura. Don’t they make you feel

like cuddling up and calling it a day!

6. Breathe the Freshness of Color

Take advantage of neutral shades and soft textures. Avoid bright red walls adorned with orange macrame unless you’re an interior design genius! The idea is to create an unagitated composed setting. Wondering why you feel so grumpy in the morning? Maybe it’s the bright green wall in your bedroom with the hot pink polka dots!

7. Thou Shalt Maintain Thy Home and/or Office

To put it bluntly: keep your house in order! Yes, that means dusting off the coffee table, not leaving dirty dishes with leftover lasagne in full view, touching up chipped paint, and making sure fixtures are in working order. Cleanliness and orderliness are a curative for inner and outer harmony. The exterior of your home should be appealing as well. The chi (or energy) of your home begins on the exterior, at your front door! First impressions count. Make sure screens are without holes, exterior lights work, and the front door handle doesn’t fall off when someone grabs it! Make your entranceway inviting and peaceful.

Left door photo by Alessandro Morra-Right door photo by Ryan Rush

Which door would you choose to walk through?

Are You Ready?

Feng shui is designed around harmonizing and balancing the energies in your life. The goal is to take those unseen forces, that you are unaware of operating in your life, and put them to good use. Some may think of feng shui as some type of hermetic ritual with no real significance. Still and all, if you delve deep into the aesthetic appeal of this ancient art, you will find it most rewarding. The more you understand feng shui, the more you want to know about it. All the same, you have to apply yourself to get results. Good Luck! Oh, by the way, a strategically placed jade plant will help in the luck department!