When discussing Feng Shui (風水), we’re not merely talking about an oriental decorating style, nor a magical practice, or a mysterious ancient Chinese legacy. The Feng Shui is an ancient teaching that remains relevant today, capable of bringing harmony to your home and consequently contributing concretely in many different ways to the psychological and physical well-being of its inhabitants. Through a series of considerations, each individual space will transmit the right energy flow that changes according to its intended use. If you are preparing to renovate your home, it can be very beneficial to draw inspiration from this philosophy. Let’s look at some specific useful suggestions.
The Effect of Spaces on Human Beings
Upon entering a particular space, we all perceive sensations almost immediately. This is natural, instantaneous, and instinctive for us. Our psychophysical life is always deeply influenced by everything that surrounds us. Some places can make us feel relaxed and serene, while others can disturb, confuse, and irritate us. We continuously perceive harmonies and disharmonies. The distance or proximity to an object always creates specific sensations within us. The question that Feng Shui invites us to ask is therefore: why submit to these influences unconsciously and passively when we can master them and derive actual benefits?
The Language of our Home
In Feng Shui, the shapes of objects, their colors and positions, and the entrances and windows of a house speak to us. There is a true language of objects that suggests thoughts and guides our actions. This language is very articulated and certainly cannot be explained in just a few lines. However, some of its main points can provide very interesting suggestions regarding design and Interior Design.
1. Symmetry and Regularity of the House Layout
A house should have a regular layout, being square or rectangular. It should not have excessive shapes, and its corners should not be too pointed and protruding. The entire surface should be utilized optimally, without sacrificing spaces or creating dead spots.
2. The Language of Colors
The color of a space should never be left to chance. Each room should have specific colors depending on its orientation and function. For example, a room located in the southern part of the building should be decorated with warm colors like red and orange. Conversely, for north-facing rooms, cold colors like blue would be preferable. For an east-facing room, it is advisable to use the color green. Ideally, this space would be reserved for study or meditation. A room situated to the west should have shades of yellow, particularly ochre or gold.
3. The Balance of Elements
The matter of elements is fundamental in Feng Shui. Its philosophy includes five different elements: water, metal, wood, fire, and earth. Each element has its energy, which must balance with the others overall. We should ensure that each element is present in every room. For example, where needed, we could add an aquarium, plants, metal sculptures, candles, or stones.
4. No to the Superfluous
Oriental style is highly appreciated in the West for its minimalism. This minimalism is not merely a stylistic choice, but a true philosophy of life. According to Feng Shui, indeed, many objects tend to block energies, preventing the “flow” of environmental energy. Therefore, it’s better to rid ourselves of everything we truly don’t need. Something we don’t use tends to bring negative energies.
5. Creating Continuity
The entire house must be lived in. Even “connecting spaces” like the entrance or passage areas such as corridors should be welcoming and lived-in places. Personalize them, transform them into proper rooms, trying to create comfortable places where one can sit and spend time. Don’t create too many divisions between spaces, maintain spatial continuity, always think about connecting one room to another, even if just conceptually.
Do you need to renovate your home and are looking for new ideas to create a harmonious environment?
Photo Credits:
Photo from Pixnio (CC0 License)
