This Sunday (22 January) marks the start of Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rabbit which symbolises longevity, peace and prosperity. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope, so let’s start a new lunar year by embracing the Chinese art of feng shui to radiate positive energy throughout the home.
What is feng shui?
Feng shui is an ancient Chinese art of arranging buildings, objects and space in an environment to achieve harmony, balance and good energy – something we could all do with, right? This can be achieved within a room by choosing the right materials, layouts and elements.
The five elements of feng shui are wood, earth, water, metal and fire. These can be brought into the home with items such as wooden furniture, plants, a water feature, lighting and accent colours – and balancing these elements allows “chi” (or energy) to flow naturally across the rooms.
Where to start?
Begin by assessing the layout and space in your home. Is furniture obstructing the flow? Are rooms filled with clutter and drawers overflowing? Space is key when it comes to feng shui – and each room in the house has certain rules to be adhered to.
As we start to live more mindfully, this ancient philosophy is certainly on the rise according to interiors journalist Sarah Warwick at Homes & Gardens: “Recent decades have seen feng shui become influential in western interior design and many people are keen to learn how to balance yin and yang elements and improve the flow of chi, or the life force, in their homes to reap a whole host of benefits.”
So, what’s not to love with this calming way of living? Here’s our easy rundown when it comes to tackling the main areas of your home – you’ll be harmonising your surroundings and promoting good energy in no time.
Set the tone
First appearances make a lasting impression, so creating an entrance worthy of this is a vital part of feng shui.
Give your hallway a good clean and clear out any items that might be in the way. The hall represents opportunities – so, encourage easy movement around the entryway and refrain from too much clutter.
More importantly, give yourself enough storage to hold all the items that usually pile up here – from shoes to bags and coats. If you enter a cluttered home, your mind immediately takes on that chaotic energy.
Living room etiquette
When it comes to the living room, make sure all your furniture is in proportion with your space and does not block any doors. A particularly key factor is to have your sofa in a “commanding position” and place it against the immediately visible wall to help provide support.
Meanwhile, sitting with your back against the door is a no-no and can make a person feel insecure – according to feng shui. Not being able to see who’s entering or leaving the room puts the individual in a position of vulnerability. Lastly, activate wealth energy by simply placing a lamp in the corner of the room.
Sleep easy
Promote rest and relaxation with soothing colours in the bedroom. The bed must have a headboard, which like your sofa, should be positioned against a wall. Do not put your bed under a window or allow it to point directly out of the door, as this is known as the feng shui death position and is said to disrupt sleep – which no one wants!
Having bedside tables on either side of the bed will offer additional support. And again, storage is essential – there is nothing worse than clutter completely draining the bedroom of good energy.
The road to WFH success
Get your career on track with the help of feng shui in your home office. If you want to work from home effectively, make sure your desk faces the door. The door of the room opens up opportunities and fresh ideas, and sitting away from the line of this positive energy flow can be disadvantageous.
And don’t forget to keep your desk clear of surface mess – a tidy workspace means a tidy mind for focusing on the job.
Spa-like retreat
A clean and minimalist bathroom provides a good foundation for creating a zen-like haven. The toilet seat should stay down when not in use, while mirrors should be spotless and sparkling so they can reflect with purpose and clarity.
Additionally, the bathroom represents water and can signify a draining of wealth. Position plants around the room to help soak up the water and slow the flow of wealth draining away. Storage baskets and towel rails also help keep the bathroom looking neat and spacious.
Get lucky with colour
In the world of feng shui, each year has its lucky colour. For 2023, the Year of the Rabbit, the hue that drives prosperity and positive energy is forest green. So, think of ways you can incorporate this shade to bring good fortune into your life – from furniture and home accessories to textiles and paint, the options are endless.
Psst, will you be celebrating Chinese New Year? Many cities around the UK – including Manchester, Liverpool, London and Cardiff – will be kicking off 2023 with parades and special events this weekend. Check out what’s happening near you and get involved. Gong Xi Fa Cai.
