Guide to a Feng Shui House

Guide to a Feng Shui House

Is your bedroom a peaceful haven you retreat to for rest and romance, and emerge from feeling refreshed and renewed? If not, a little feng shui may be just the thing your room needs.

Feng shui — which literally translates to “wind and water” — is the ancient Chinese art of placement. The goal is to enhance the flow of chi (life force or spiritual energy), and to create harmonious environments that support health, beckon wealth and invite happiness. At its most basic level, feng shui (pronounced fung shway) is a decorating discipline based on the belief that our surroundings affect us.

In the bedroom, “Feng shui helps you arrange the space to support your best rest and connection with your partner and with yourself,” says Los Angeles feng shui consultant Jayme Barrett, author of “Feng Shui Your Life.” Whether you buy into feng shui’s philosophies or not, many of its principles simply make good design sense. Here are nine simple feng shui strategies that will turn your chaotic and uninspiring bedroom into the serene and sensual sanctuary of your dreams.
“Each spot in your home is associated with a different aspect of your life. Here’s a beginner’s guide to cultivating positive energy in every zone.”

“Stand inside your home with your back to the front door.* Look forward. The part of your home in the far left corner is the money sector. The far right corner is the relationship zone. Got it? You work the magic by placing certain items in certain zones; some have symbolic power, others a literal connection to the area. The eight-point system is intricate and layered; feng shui expert Catherine Brophy shares her best feng shui tips for making every room in your house feel calm and happy.”

HERE ARE THE ZONES: 

“Money: Place fresh flowers or a jade plant here. This is also a good spot in which to keep cash or a valuable treasure.”

“Reputation: The place to display awards, accolades, and good-luck symbols, like four-leaf clovers.”

“Relationships: Bring in pairs (especially potent are lovebirds, butterflies, and cranes) or an image of two trees intertwined. If your living room is in this area, place a love seat, a pair of pillows, or two matching chairs here.”

“Children and creativity: Ideal for a bulletin board or a craft or sewing zone. If you don’t have kids, use this spot to indulge your inner child with bold wallpaper or chalkboard paint.”

“Friends and travel: Nice for funny, playful photos, artwork made by pals, or a map that reminds you of a favorite trip (or a journey that you hope to take).”

“Career: This area should be as well lit as possible. If it falls around your entry, hang a bright pendant or chandelier. Put something here that relates to your passion and/or your job. A scientist might want a quotation from Einstein. If you play music, keep your instrument here.”

“Knowledge: Create a reading nook or an intimate spot for conversation. If you meditate, this is a great place for it.”

“Family and health: It’s really important to keep this area clean. (You know, if you don’t have your health…) And it’s the perfect spot for a family-photo wall.”

Meaning of Feng Shui Colors: