Interested in Learning More about Feng Shui?

The ancient practice of Feng Shui has been part of Western design and decorating schemes for decades and is now considered pretty mainstream. It is even incorporated in the curriculum to help children to learn some of the basic principles of colors, shapes, and how they go together.

Although most people have heard of Feng Shui and understand it in a broad sense, they may still be fuzzy on the details. This practice, which literally translates to wind and water, is especially effective in small spaces like apartments and other city dwellings.

Let’s learn more about this effective way to keep our small spaces feeling welcoming rather than stifling!
Learn About the Five Foundational Elements

WOOD – Signifies creativity and growth
FIRE – Symbolizes leadership and boldness
EARTH – Stands for strength and stability
METAL – Signifies focus and order
WATER – Symbolizes emotion and inspiration

To determine where these elements are in your living space, consult a Bagua map which identifies the different quadrants. Using this map, assign different pieces of furniture, color palettes, and pieces of art to correlate with the desired outcome for each part of your life: love, health, money, and career, are among the most popular life aspects that are addressed with Feng Shui.
Find Some Balance
Are you trying to squeeze too much furniture into too small of a space? Maybe all of your colors are in one corner and are fighting with each other. Take a critical look at your interior space and determine where it is out of balance. Pack away any clutter that is causing disharmony.

Determine which items are taking energy without giving any back, and either pack them away or donate them to Goodwill. Everything in your home should serve a purpose, even if the purpose is that it makes you smile, or looking at helps you to remember and appreciate a treasured memory. Organize colors by their degree of coolness or warmth.

Consider the placement of yin and yang energy sources as well. Yin is represented by coolness, quiet, night, and feminine energy. Masculine energy comes through items related to the sun, heat, and social interactions.

Mix and match the different energy types and determine over time the arrangement that best meets your needs. Don’t be afraid to change your mind or keep moving items around until it all feels just right.
Action Steps
Once you have identified your energy sources, removed or organized your clutter, and have a pretty good idea of what feels good where, it’s time to fine-tune your results and give your apartment that authentic Feng Shui touch.

Plants create energy for money and success and everyone should have at least one in their home. This important wood element can also help you to spend time and energy caring for something outside of yourself. One of the greatest advantages of living in a small space is that it is easy to organize it exactly as you want it.

Take steps to create your own personal sanctuary, while being mindful of your energy sources and Bagua map. Feng Shui allows a lot of room for your personal touches so don’t restrain yourself. After you have finished organizing your apartment according to your Bagua map take time every day to appreciate your living space for the sanctuary that it is.

Creating a home is very important, even if you live in an apartment or other small space. Utilize the tenets of this ancient practice and create a strong energy flow that will propel you to greater happiness, health, and success!

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