The key to good fortune lies at home

You've probably heard of Feng Shui, but your knowledge may not extend much further than that it's a Chinese superstition about how the right furniture placement can harmonise your home… and, very basically, you'd be right.

But what actually, is it?

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice, born from a combination of art and science, over 3,000 years ago. Literally translated, ‘Feng’ means wind and ‘Shui’ means water. Both elements are associated with good health and, over the years, the practice of Feng Shui has come to mean good fortune.

Wind and water both flow effortlessly all around the world, and the uninterrupted flow of Chi (energy) is the basis of Feng Shui, and it applies to many elements in our lives. However, Feng Shui is most commonly associated with Interior Design as its principles are easily applied within the home.

Once a key feature in most Chinese homes, the art of Feng Shui is not as widely practised by the Chinese in modern times, but has since been adopted by the Western World in its endless pursuit of mindfulness and wellbeing.

However, to obtain true Feng Shui within your home, you need to employ a professional Feng Shui Consultant who will carry out calculations based on your property and its location, while also considering astronomy, seasonal changes and topographical abnormalities. They will then set about redesigning your home for optimal energy flow. It’s been a tough few years for many and maybe even the sceptical among us are possibly coming round to the idea that it could be worth a shot. So, with Chinese New Year upon us, we've compiled some top Feng Shui tips to help you harmonise your home.

1) Create a grand entrance
In order for the Chi to flow, you need to attract the Chi in the first place. Do this with a welcoming front door, but don’t be afraid of colour. According to Chinese culture, opting for red, yellow or green may well bring you an extra slice of luck.

2) Let the outside in
With wind being a key component in Feng Shui, it's important that you let air into your home. It probably won't surprise you that along with the air we must invite in natural light, and whether you choose to follow Feng Shui or not, you should adopt this. Exposure to plenty of natural light and air will certainly improve wellbeing and aid rejuvenation.

3) Get organised
You know what they say: messy home, messy mind. Clutter is said to interrupt the flow of the Chi, so it’s time to have a clear out and get organised.

Also, consider the symmetry of each room. Make sure there are plenty of clear, open areas and introduce matching furniture. This is especially relevant in the bedroom, as equality and balance are important in our personal relationships.

But if organisation is just not your thing or it seems like far too big a task to take on, don’t worry as we have you covered! Believe it or not, there are actually people out there who would just love to come and organise your cupboards and tidy your trinkets, so why not achieve inner harmony by speaking with one of our Professional Organisers?

4) Bring life into your room
OK, so you need to make sure it gets enough light and that you water it regularly – not too much – but adding a real plant in each room might just be worth it. Not only will it improve overall wellbeing, it will also purify the air, leaving you feeling more energised.

5) Once one door opens…
In order for Chi to travel freely, doorways should be left open. Placing your bed and desk opposite the open doorway is said to install power and diminish vulnerability, which could be handy, whether you're in bed or working at your desk! But be warned, placing a mirror opposite any doorway in the home will reflect the energy back out and should therefore be avoided.

6) Make it crystal clear
If you want to embrace the more spiritual side of Feng Shui, introduce crystals into your room. Place Rose Quartz in your bedroom for love, Tourmaline by the doors for protection and Citrine in the kitchen for healing and wealth.

7) One of life’s issues solved
It’s an argument as old as time, and can be the subject of much bickering among co-inhabitants, with neither party having a strong enough argument to win, so the issue remains unsolved… until now. If you don’t want your energy and finances to be flushed away, ancient Chinese culture states you must keep the toilet seat closed! You’re welcome…

We wish you a very happy Chinese New Year today, the 1st of February!

To discuss how you could adopt some of the principles of Feng Shui and apply them within your home, or to request assistance with decluttering, please call us on 01223 622 688 and ask to speak to one of our Professional Organisers. In addition, Leigh Hall from Strive for Design is an interior designer in Cambridge, so if you’d like help refreshing your home, please complete our enquiry form.