A Brief Look at Feng Shui Interior Design 1: Balanced Chi

Although some of these tips may sound a little unusual for your taste, there are reasons why they exist. Feng shui goes a lot deeper than just decorating. It is an art of stability, security, pleasure and fortune that needs to be respected for the centuries since its inception. Try out a few of these tips I'll be posting throughout this month and you may just find yourself searching for more knowledge on the subject and take a different perspective on the way your interior design style suits your home!

A balanced Chi energy throughout your living space is the even flow of air and traffic. If air is confined to one room, the energy is stifled. Wide-open spaces with good circulation of natural free-flowing air are the best way to keep the energy moving.

Open your windows and let the fresh air as often as you can. If you want or need privacy vertical blinds or simple net curtains will let the air circulate and prevent prying eyes from peeking inside your home. If you are unable to create natural air, make sure all of your ductwork is clean and filtered with no blockages.

A Brief Look at Feng Shui Interior Design 2: Balancing Yang & Yin

Traditional cures for balancing the yang and yin of a space are simple items of crystal and mirrors. It is easy for a poison arrow to find a space to penetrate where two walls meet and form a corner. This could be a bed, a computer desk or a favourite reading spot. Hang a 30 to 40mm crystal on a nine-inch red string from the ceiling and right in front of the corner.

The symbol for Yin & Yang are depicted in black and white, representing male and female. You don't have to have a black and white bedroom to use Feng Shui, however crisp white super king bedding or duvet cover sets in white will give your bedroom a fresh, clean look.

Try these tips to see if you can feel the difference in the scope of your home and your attitude toward life. You can then look forward to decorating your new enlightened space with furnishings that will make a world of difference.

Image: My Bedroom Feng Shui

A Brief Look at Feng Shui Interior Design 3: In the Bedroom

You have to admit that this bed is gorgeous, whether you're choosing the Feng shui option or not. Use double duvet covers in white to compliment the wooden bed frame. A creamy coloured shag pile rug placed on the floor (where else!) two thirds of the way down from the top of the bed to give a modern look.

Remember to keep your bedroom clutter free and don't go hiding things under the bed as you'll interfere and block the positive energy flow in your bedroom.
Solid wood furniture and shelves will keep a positive balanced presence in the room. Never place shelves directly over a bed. But this bed's canopy will be okay as there is nothing to fall onto you while you sleep.

If you want to have a clock, make sure that it is small and battery operated. Keep closet/wardrobe doors and dresser drawers free from clutter to prevent opening and make sure your traffic pattern is open and flowing.

Sounds and scents can be used but very minimal. Light sounding wind chimes of tin or crystal will produce a twinkling sound and the mild scents of vanilla, rose or lavender will bring pleasant dreams.

Image: Angela Heart

A Brief Look at Feng Shui Interior Design 4: In the Bathroom

Water is a source of energy in Feng shui, so make sure you don't have leaks or dripping taps to take that energy away. Always keep your bathroom well ventilated, a 'normal' positive health approach. One of the key aspects is to ensure that the toilet seat is kept closed when it's not being used and never flush the toilet with the seat still up and the energy will be flushed away as well.

Decorate your bathroom in warm colours and try to keep it as natural as possible. This is difficult to do with baths and sinks being made of plastic but you can ease the blockage of energy by using wood, stones or metal in corners as decoration of your choosing. Live plants also help feed the movement of air purity throughout the space.

Use lightweight net curtains or vertical blinds to keep the room well lit as well as private from the outside world. The bathroom is the most difficult of rooms to keep a positive chi moving with barriers such as placement, size and unnatural materials but by taking a few precautionary steps, you can bring a surreal and peaceful feeling to this room.

Image: Feng Shui Bathroom Tip 

A Brief Look at Feng Shui Interior Design 5: In the Kitchen

As your kitchen is the aspect of feng shui which feeds and nourishes your home, and is also associated with prosperity and wealth try not to have your back door included in the kitchen as the feng shui energy will be able to freely escape.

Yellow is an ideal colour for a feng shui kitchen as it will help aid digestion. Opt for yellow tones which are associated with food, such as butter or squash yellow. Keep gadgets to a bare minimum and ensure your kitchen is as light and airy as possible.

Because the kitchen is already balanced by location, placement of fire and water, it is simple to expand with your own loving touches of personal items. Remember not to block windows with any heavy materials, vertical blinds or net curtains would be ideal and stay away from marble or other cold stone floors that take away from your sense of warmth. Wood or linoleum floor coverings are good for keeping the temperature accurate and pleasing on your feet. Lastly, keep grease and grime off cabinets and other surfaces to help keep your kitchen healthy and full of energy.

Image: Open Spaces Feng Shui blog

A Brief Look at Feng Shui Interior Design 6: In The Living Room

You must keep positive energy in your living room by keeping it clutter free, clean and well ventilated. Your living room should also make you feel 'at home', happy and contented. If you live on a busy street or housing estate you could use net curtains or vertical blinds as part of your window dressing, either of these window dressing will allow plenty of natural light to enter your room and also provide you with the privacy you need to feel relaxed and content.

A large oval mirror over a fireplace or will capture the energy before it has a chance to escape through the opening and a crystal hung from the ceiling in a corner that seems to gather an unhealthy feeling will chase away the gloom. Present loving photos on the walls encased in metal, silver or gold frames that accentuate the emptiness of a bare wall. Prints of botanicals, flowers or nature scenes will keep the flow of nature abounding.

Candles, rock formations or metal artistic displays are also great ideas for creating a balanced chi. If you are looking for a metal sculpture or crystal piece, make sure that there are no sharp edges that will block energy.

Image: Feng Shui Decoration Tips

A Brief Look at Feng Shui Interior Design 7: Celebrations

Rituals were very important in the Chinese culture and taking advantage of each holiday can hold this tradition dear. Take advantage of the upcoming season and dress your table with centre pieces that celebrate the holiday.

Natural dressings of leaves, pumpkins, holly, or fresh flowers of the season are examples of how to bring a festive appeal to a wonderful gathering. Placing items such as nature prints in picture frames and gold plated candlesticks will bring out the harmony of the dining experience when used in pairs. Try and refrain from using antiques or anything of remembrance of relatives long gone.

You could also use curtain fabrics online with a festive print or colour to make place settings and table clothes. If you opt for plain fabrics you'll be able to use them time and time again simply by adding natural items appropriate for each celebration or festive occasion.

With winter approaching your spirits may be dampened and you may experience the 'winter blues', rather than letting this happen introduce the colour purple into your home to stimulate chi flow. Simple soft furnishings such cheap rugs or purple bed throws can bring a sense of harmony to your home especially during a busy festive season.

Image: Distinct.Style.Innovation