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Feng Shui: Ancient Art Gains Popularity in Western and Oriental House Plans and Home Décor
Feng Shui is no longer exclusive to China and Asia, Feng Shui principles are now embraced in around the world especially when designing house plans and decorating homes.
In the Feng Shui methodology, roof shapes, windows, doors, interiors, and outdoor spaces surrounding the house are constructed and adapted to promote the flow of good energy (qi). To this day, many people believe that the location, design, and shape of homes have much to do with achieving health, prosperity, and harmony in one’s life.
Landed property
History of Feng Shui
Feng Shui – translated as “wind and water” - originated with China’s Han Dynasty (200 B.C. to 200 A.D.) In Chinese culture, wind and water are associated with good health and fortune. In the early days, Feng Shui was merely a means of ensuring that the harvest was good and that buildings were protected from harsh weather conditions.
Eventually, it evolved into an art and science of the natural environment – and how to place and arrange objects to promote the flow of good “chi” or energy. So over the centuries, Feng Shui was used to find the ideal location for homes and villages where good “Chi” was able to flow freely. It has also given people home decorating and positioning ideas.
Singapore HDB housing estate
Your Home and Feng Shui
Feng Shui is a complicated science - not merely a decorating art. Here are some helpful ideas to get you started in creating a home environment with harmony and positive energy.
The first rule is to get rid of all your clutter. A home must be uncluttered, light and energy to flow freely within.
Shape of House
Experts believe that a square or rectangular-shaped house plan is the best for a good Feng Shui plan. If that is not an option, there are other ways to ensure the house has the basics for spreading positive energy.
Front Door/Main Entrance Design
In Feng Shui (Xuan Kong玄空), the main entranceway is key since it opens the home to the “Chi” or energy. Not only should the front door be as inviting and welcoming as possible, but the areas around it must also be uncluttered well (Please note that not all position of the corridor is suitable for planting.)
Sunlight
You can heighten the force of Feng Shui in the home with natural light. Make sure there is enough natural light that filters through during the day by opening blinds and drapes. Renovate or upgrade windows to increase the levels of natural sunlight in the home. In addition, light-painted walls and furnishings and clean surfaces are to get optimum natural light in the home.
The living room
The living room – with the white walls, open drapes, light furnishings – opens to an equally sunny and airy balcony. Both spaces enhance the Feng Shui power of this home.
Mirrors
While natural light is preferred, artificial light by way of mirrors can be very useful in diffusing light to darker areas, and in preventing the movement of negative energy in the home. Here are a few “dos” and “don’ts” from experts:
> Don’t install a mirror opposite the front door - as it drives away positive “chi”. Instead, place a mirror to one side of the front door.
> Hang the mirror high enough so that you can see your entire head – to avoid a negative self-image.
> Place a full-length mirror on the bathroom door to deflect energy from flowing away through the toilet and drains.
> Inside the bathroom, use large mirrors. Don’t use two mirrors next to each other since they disrupt a full view
> Avoid putting mirrors opposite each other …
No matter where they are installed, mirror shapes are important in Feng Shui: square or rectangular mirrors are for balance, circular one for unity and octagonal-shaped mirrors are for power.
These living rooms demonstrate how easy it is to navigate around the furniture.
Furniture
Remember to arrange furniture so that you can move easily and comfortably around chairs, sofas, and tables. Always ensure that the sofa chair is leaning on the wall.
Kitchen
Kitchen appliances may be the greatest challenge to Feng Shui principles. Placing the stovetop/oven have to be very careful because this will affect the kitchen Feng Shui.
Fire and water elements should be kept separate from each other. According to Feng Shui rules, the stove (fire) should nowhere be next to the refrigerator and sink (water) in order to contribute to the family’s health, happiness, and prosperity.
Bed Room
Bed Room
Another basic Feng Shui rule is to set main pieces – couch, bedroom furniture – in the space facing the door, but off to the side. Your bed should never be directly in front of the door, and keep the head of the bed away from a window since it is believed to allow the “chi” to escape. It is best to have a view of the entire room, including the door, from your bed.
Remember too, that the bedroom should be relaxing and calm. The primary rule of being clutter-free applies here as well. There should be enough room to walk around the bed and get on from either side with ease. Soft and light colors are recommended. Mirrors, televisions, computers, and exercise equipment should not be in a bedroom as they interrupt the tranquility and restful mood in the bedroom.
Warm colors and perfect positioning make this bedroom in harmony with Feng Shui ideas: the bed has a good view of the window and the door without being directly in front of it. The headboard is against a wall and can be accessed from either side.
The fountain at home
Nature/Gardens/Flowers
Most of today’s homes include some kind of landscaping, small flower and herb gardens, and greenery that bring nature closer to the home. Inside the home, it depends on the(Qi) location for you to put the plant. Same for the water feature.
The fountain at home adds to the feeling of calm and tranquility.
Colors
For the Chinese and Feng Shui principles, colors are very significant and powerful.
> Red, especially, is considered a lucky shade, as is purple, which stands for abundance and dignity.
> Some other colors that are meaningful: green for life and hope; yellow for power.
> Blue represents dependability and security.
> Orange is stimulating and cheerful and is suggested for interiors, like the kitchen, dining, and living rooms.
> Pink is calming…
> And brown exudes stability and comfort.
In any situation, you have to consider what colors resonate with your personality. It is up to you to choose colors that energize, inspire, and mean something to you.
Above all, keep in mind that even as you explore Feng Shui principles further, this is your home. You have to make it a haven where you feel relaxed, comfortable, energized, and happy.