Recognizing good feng shui in your home

Formalized over 3,000 years ago in China, feng shui is considered as ancient art and science. Feng translates to wind and Shui means water. According to Chinese culture, wind and water are associated with good health and fortune, while bad feng shui means bad luck or misfortune.

Feng shui is sometimes thought to be the art of placement as it was used to position buildings and structures in an auspicious manner. Some elements of feng shui date back to at least 6000 years ago and depending on the style of feng shui being used, the building site could be determined by reference to local features such as bodies of water, or stars, or the compass. 

Feng shui highlights how to understand that the placement of objects within your home affects your life as well as coaches you on how to balance and harmonize with the energies in your home. The objective of feng shui is to assure good fortune for the people living in a home.

In feng shui, the goal of decorating your home is to create a vibrant feeling of joy and harmony. By doing so, you are able to create an environment that has the best energy to support the specific need for that space. For instance, your home office needs an active and vibrant energy inspiring success. Clutter is a big no in feng shui. Let go of all the items you do not like or need to make space for positive energy in your home. 

Feng shui has an impact on the aesthetics of interior design and architectural layout of a home. These areas in your home are considered as important feng shui spots: 

The front door 
Your home attracts good feng shui energy when it has a strong front door and a good main entry. This energy brings along with its abundance and ease into your home. Ensure that your front door is cared for by checking that there are no hinge squeaks and you have no difficulties opening the door. Also, remove any sharp or pointed objects directed towards the front door. Obstacles affect you in your everyday life, but paying attention to such details will provide you with ease and relaxation.

The kitchen
In feng shui, the kitchen is considered as the part of the home which nourishes and sustains life. It also represents a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Create a happy and healthy vibe in your kitchen. Some great ideas would be to bring some fresh herbs into your kitchen, make an aromatic cup of tea, and fill a bowl with colourful fruits.

The bedroom
In feng shui philosophy, your bedroom is considered as the most important room of the home. Not only is it the most personal place in your home, but you are most likely to spend most of your time here. Taking this into account, you want to be positively affected by all the energies in the bedroom. Setting up a pair of nightstands, placing your headboard against a wall, incorporate feng shui-friendly colours, and reducing the electric and magnetic fields in your bedroom are methods for creating the perfect feng shui room which will emit positive vibes. 

Common feng shui problems include:
    - The front door directly aligned with the back door
    - Staircase facing the front door
    - Bathroom facing the front door
    - Kitchen and bathroom doors facing each other
    - Staircase in the centre of the home
    - Bathroom in the centre of the home
    - Master bedroom over the garage
    - Placing your headboard against a wall that has a toilet on the other side 
    - Long, narrow hallway

Including feng shui practices in your home is a great way to bring about good fortune, better health, and successful careers to you and your family. For more info, contact Knight Frank today.