Feng shui is an ancient Chinese system of spatial arrangement for buildings that's focused on promoting a positive flow of energy and a sense of harmony with the natural environment. “Feng” means “wind” and “shui” means “water.” It's rooted in Taoism, but you certainly don't have to be a Taoist to apply some basic feng shui strategies to your home décor.
Even if you disregard the more mystical aspects of this system, many basic feng shui strategies are still sensible and beneficial. They help you create a sense of balance and flow in your home that make its spaces feel more inviting, comfortable, and organized.
So, look over the following basic feng shui strategies. You might be surprised to find that you've already inadvertently put some of them to work—which is likely if you're interested in
minimalism and
mid-century modern design and décor. And surely there are others you can put into practice.
Simple Ways to Incorporate Feng Shui in Your Home
- Keep your home free of clutter—particularly the entryway.
- Keep the entryway really clean and illuminate it well.
- Don't hang a mirror across from the front door.
- Keep a clear line of sight from the door of a room to the spot furthest away from it (the commanding position), which is typically the corner diagonally opposite.
- You want to spend the most time in a room's commanding position, so place key items like the bed, couch, desk, or stove there.
- Keep your kitchen really clean—especially the stove, refrigerator, and kitchen table.
- Have comfortable seating in gathering rooms like living rooms and dens; arrange the furniture to promote eye contact and conversation.
- Refrain from using bright colors in bedrooms.
- Don't have electronics like a television or computer in a bedroom either.
- Place live plants in corners and spots that feel empty or stagnant.
- Keep bathroom doors and toilet seats closed.
- Fix dripping faucets and leaks promptly.
- Repair or replace broken furniture.
- Replace burned-out light bulbs.
