If you dream of a harmonious and, above all, functional interior, you have certainly heard of feng shui at least once. Although this exotic name has gained popularity in recent years, many people still do not fully realize what feng shui is and what its phenomenon consists of. How to arrange an interior in accordance with feng shui principles? The answer to this and many other questions can be found in the article below.
The origins of feng shui
The first mentions of feng shui appeared in Asia, specifically in ancient China. The reason feng shui was created is primarily an attempt to define how to create the ideal space. When talking about ideal space, it should be emphasized that this refers to the best use of the interior so that it is not only functional but also in harmony with the natural environment.
The mysteriously sounding name feng shui comes from two pictograms that directly translate to wind and water, which are two elements that, despite their existence, are completely invisible, or rather transparent. It is a metaphor for what is elusive. The same goes for the energy on which the entire art of feng shui is based. The main assumption of feng shui is harmony and coherence of the environment in which one lives. According to this philosophy, a house or apartment should be arranged in such a way as to best reflect the character of the surrounding nature.
feng shui philosophy
One of the most important elements of feng shui is energy. The main task of the inhabitants is to provide the best conditions for its flow. According to feng shui philosophy, maintaining balance in energy allows for better functioning of the body and the preservation of inner peace. An interior designed according to feng shui principles is simply functional, which in turn has a direct impact on the quality and satisfaction of life.
The principles mentioned primarily define how to divide the space into individual spheres that will influence the overall functioning in the home, as well as aspects such as love, financial prosperity, and happiness at work.
Design your home in accordance with feng shui
To plan a space that will be optimal for living, a so-called bagua gridwhich aims to precisely indicate the places that positively and negatively affect the inhabitants. This is especially important in situations where a person does not feel comfortable in their home. The bagua grid also allows for planning the most favorable places for work, relaxation, or family life. It is based on this that space is designated for rooms such as office, bedroom, or living room.
When talking about the bagua grid, it is worth mentioning its graphic representation. The word bagua itself refers to an octagon that has been divided into eight equal segments. Each segment corresponds to one of the trigrams defined by feng shui masters as areas of life. These include: career, knowledge, children, family, marriage, health, wealth and money, fame, as well as helpful people we meet along our path. The arrangement of furniture also plays a significant role in the entire endeavor, which will be discussed further in the article.
As you may have noticed, in feng shui philosophy, energy and the principles that will help you harness it take center stage. Below, we have prepared a collection of the ten most popular interior design principles in accordance with feng shui.
1. Yin and Yang
Almost everyone has heard of Yin and Yang. These are two opposing energies that compete with each other but are also each other's perfect complement. By combining seemingly completely different colors or objects, you can create a cohesive whole that captivates with its form. Yin and Yang symbolize activity and passivity, behaviors that at first glance seem unrelated, yet upon closer inspection, a common link can easily be found.
2. The Principle of the Five Elements
This principle is directly connected to the aforementioned Yin and Yang method and serves as a kind of complement to it. According to the philosophy of the five elements, there are five energies represented by well-known elements such as:
- Water, which symbolizes birth and death;
- Tree, synonymous with childhood;
- Fire as a metaphor for youth;
- Earth signifying maturity;
- Metal, which represents the culmination of life, or old age.
All the mentioned elements compete with each other while simultaneously complementing one another. According to this principle, wood "feeds" fire, fire creates earth, earth contains metal, metal absorbs water, and water, in turn, gives life to the tree.
3. Chi Energy
Chi is referred to as the life energy due to its properties. Chi energy manifests through natural phenomena, and the best moment to observe it is during a storm. According to this philosophy, the flow of Chi encompasses the entire universe, which is why Chi energy is present in almost every element of our surroundings.
4. Movement (flow)
According to the philosophy of feng shui, energy is a force that is always in motion. Since energy is always in circulation, it exists not only in the natural environment but also within people. Therefore, the success lies in creating an interior that is compatible with the energy residing in a person.
5. The entrance to the home
In the philosophy of feng shui, every part of the home is equally important, but the entrance deserves special attention. Why? Because the entrance should be large and spacious, as it symbolizes a new beginning. This space should not be restrictive or too dark, as it can disrupt the flow of energy, ultimately leading to dissatisfaction and a sense of unfulfillment.
6. A large amount of sunlight
Sunlight is an extremely important element in every home or apartment. It is not only an excellent source of vitamin D but also makes rooms look significantly better. Natural light allows residents to gain good energy. Considering the impact of light on energy stimulation, it is worthwhile to ensure that rooms such as the living room, dining room or the kitchen should be well-lit. Following this line of thought, the bedroom can be located in the northern or eastern part.
7. Natural materials
Using natural materials for interior finishes is quite a popular trend not only among fans of feng shui. By incorporating materials like wood, rooms become significantly cozier. Regarding connections to the discussed philosophy, it is worth mentioning that the more connections to nature present in a room, the better energy it will have. Therefore, it is important not only to ensure the quality and origin of materials but also to include houseplants.
8. Gifts from people who are no longer in your life
At first, it may seem that gifts received from people who have left your life for various reasons are just objects. According to the principles of feng shui, such items can disrupt the flow of energy and even bring unwanted energy into the home. To avoid such troubles, it is essential to get rid of any gifts given to you by someone with whom you no longer maintain contact.
9. Dried flowers
Feng shui is an art that aims to take care of almost every aspect of life. According to this philosophy, dried flowers have a negative impact on love life, which is why it is not recommended to keep them in the home.
Stoff Nagel vases combined with fresh flowers will create a magical atmosphere in any interior
10. Order
A very important aspect of feng shui philosophy is order and the prevailing harmony. An aesthetic and, above all, clean interior allows for better organization of living space. Moreover, an organized home helps maintain focus, which directly translates into productivity at work.
Colors and shades in feng shui - how to choose them?
In feng shui, almost everything is connected to Yin and Yang energy, so it should come as no surprise that, in this case, colors are also divided into those that reflect Yin and those that represent Yang. Combining them will help you maintain harmony and tranquility. Among the Yin colors, you can find, among others white, black, green, blue, brown. These are known as soft shades. Yang colors are red, yellow, and orange. When deciding to use a specific color, it is important to keep in mind that its predominance is associated with the dominance of a given energy. If you want to keep the energy in your home under control, try to manage it with a combination of colors.
Designing a home office is the perfect time to consider how to organize a space that promotes work and learning. In such rooms, it is worth using Yang colors, which aim to stimulate and ensure faster energy flow. If you want to design a bedroom that will be a place for rest and evening relaxation, it is advisable to limit such colors and opt for shades from the Yin palette.
How to decorate the living room in accordance with feng shui principles?
Decorating the Living Room is a particularly important task, as it serves as the main place where family members and guests gather. A key consideration is the placement of windows in the living room - if you are in the process of building a house, try to ensure that the windows are not placed directly opposite each other or across from the door. If, however, you live in an apartment or a house that was built contrary to this principle, you can use blinds or divide the space with furniture, plants, or screens. An interesting idea might also be to use one of the remedies (for example, a bell or a frog figurine).
Living Room Arrangement should be done gradually, and it’s advisable to paint the room in one of the warm shades of yellow or orange. This is, of course, just a suggestion, but such colors are particularly desirable according to feng shui principles. The main goal of the living room is to provide a space for family members to relax and unwind.
Kyoto corner sofa with sleeping function in beige
According to feng shui philosophy, the main element of living room furniture is the sofa or armchair. These pieces should set the rhythm of the entire room, which is why the interior is often built around them. Both armchairs, as well as sofas nor should corner sofas have sharp shapes, and electronic equipment should be placed in a location that is easy to hide, such as in a closed cabinet.
Designing the Bedroom According to Feng Shui Principles
Unlike the living room, a bedroom designed in accordance with feng shui principles primarily supports the production of melatonin, which is responsible for good sleep. Bedroom Arrangement should calm the mind while also stimulating the senses, which is why it’s worth using soft materials and avoiding metal frames. Metal tends to accelerate energy, which can disrupt the senses. Therefore, when looking to purchase a bed, it’s important to pay attention not only to the quality of the mattress but also to the material of the frame. The best choice is to opt for wood.
The designer Sunset bed in a cozy arrangement
Designing the Bedroom Designing a bedroom is not an easy task, and anyone who has faced this challenge knows it well. However, by applying feng shui principles, you can create a space that is perfect for relaxation and unwinding after a long day. Interestingly, in a bedroom designed according to feng shui, there should be no mirrors. Mirrors They can indeed evoke a strong, sometimes even unwanted energy that is released during sleep.
