How You Can Use Feng Shui Practices to Improve Your Space

Feng Shui is an ancient practice that originated in China in 4000 BC. In its earliest form, it relied on astronomy to inform important building sites. It underwent many changes throughout history and often played an important role in China’s cultural evolution. Today, feng shui practitioners help people be more mindful of their space and carefully consider how the set-up of a room can make it feel peaceful and balanced.

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Understand the command position

A basic tenet of Feng Shui is the ‘command position’. In any room, this is the spot where you can see the door and have an easy overview of the entire space. The command position is where you want to place the focal point of the room, whether that’s your bed, your biggest couch or your desk. This gives you good energy and helps you feel at ease within the room.

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Keep space for energy to flow throughout your home

‘Chi’ is a term meant to refer to the vital flow of energy through people and places, and when using feng shui to design a room it is important to keep chi as balanced as possible. Too much clutter blocks energy and stifles a room, whereas too much emptiness will make you feel lost. Find a balance and keep doorways clear so that Chi can move easily through your home.

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Different plants for every purpose

Feng Shui extends to the natural world and can offer some insight into how to bring greenery into your home. As part of the ‘wood element’, plants are said to inspire compassion and connection. Ferns will purify the air for freshness, snake plants make a great statement and offer protection, and bonsai trees are said to bring money to your home. Above all, don’t keep dying plants around, they’ll bring the energy of your home way down.

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Be mindful about colours

It’s no surprise that the colours of a room can drastically change how you feel in it, and feng shui has many principles to help you choose which colours are right for you. Green is heavily connected to families, so could be good for rooms where you spend the most time together. Brown is considered ‘grounding’ and represents stability, good for a study or a bedroom. Purple has connotations of wealth, and use of it in your space could invite feelings of power and strength.