Feng Shui Home Design

Wind and water merge

Feng Shui is the ancient art of object placement to achieve balance and harmony in a physical space. The crude translation of Feng Shui is "wind and water." Feng is the wind that carries the chi throughout space, and Shui is the water that swirls underneath the earth, transporting chi.

Chi is the transient energy that surrounds us-it cannot be felt, seen, or heard, although it is said to influence all life on earth. Ideally, this chi should flow naturally around physical structures to influence balance and harmony. Feng Shui was developed thousands of years ago to help the flow of chi. It seeks to bring positive vibrations and cast away the negative.

It has only been in the past few decades that Western civilization has truly taken notice of this ancient art of placement. The main idea is to align your physical space-your surroundings-with your personal life goals. After all, our homes are a reflection of our lives. If that home is full of clutter and it is difficult to work in, it is a representation of our struggles in our lives inside and outside the home. The purpose of Feng Shui is to alter the physical space, and allow one to reach one's goals.

When considering Feng Shui for the home, consider these tips to serve as a brief introduction.

Furniture, seating, and accent tables should be unique and different to add an interesting dimension to your interior.

Decorative home accessories like wall decor, florals, mirrors, rugs, and accent pillows generate a layer of charm and interest. Silk flowers are great for people who don't have time to care for live plants.

Consider your walls as a canvas where you are creating a painting. The key to remember in selection and placement is balance and harmony. You can use paintings, mirrors, plants on shelves, ornaments, and rugs. Let your imagination run wild and see what comes out.

Blinds and shades give a functional element to your design, and draperies and add acoustic qualities, warmth and a zest, like eye candy.

Lighting is an important element in design. It creates mood and atmosphere. Think in terms of level and layers of lighting. Ceiling fixtures provide broad lighting to a room, and task lighting is great for specific activities. Accent lighting gives an inviting glow to a room.

More information on home design