Feng Shui Basics: An Interior Design Pro Puts it Into Practice
In this two-part series, we get to know the logic behind feng shui from a designer’s perspective
There have always been perceived drawbacks to following feng shui – sometimes it advises the seemingly arbitrary and illogical placements of certain architectural and interior elements that constantly change depending on the year or season. There is, however, wisdom in this practice that works with the laws of nature to create harmony and well-being, which we can distill and apply in a more practical manner.
Understand the design logic behind feng shui practices with help from Kristine Munoz, interior design professor and principal designer of Bespoke Design Studio.
Understand the design logic behind feng shui practices with help from Kristine Munoz, interior design professor and principal designer of Bespoke Design Studio.
Can you share with us some of these general feng shui tips?
“In feng shui, it is believed that our environment is just a reflection of the harmony or discord that resides in us as well. This means to say, our state of mind and emotions find a physical translation in our environment. But that being said, our environment also has the power to influence us, and so if we abide by the rules of feng shui, then we also allow our environment to create harmony in us as well. It may not work instantly, but these are steps we can take to eventually reach that balanced and harmonious state.”
Even for those who do not intend to go hardcore feng shui, Munoz says there are still ways to incorporate it in a more practical, no-nonsense approach such as:
“In feng shui, it is believed that our environment is just a reflection of the harmony or discord that resides in us as well. This means to say, our state of mind and emotions find a physical translation in our environment. But that being said, our environment also has the power to influence us, and so if we abide by the rules of feng shui, then we also allow our environment to create harmony in us as well. It may not work instantly, but these are steps we can take to eventually reach that balanced and harmonious state.”
Even for those who do not intend to go hardcore feng shui, Munoz says there are still ways to incorporate it in a more practical, no-nonsense approach such as:
Clean your windows
Windows are like the eyes of the home, and so clean windows mean that you have unobstructed views to what the universe has in store for you.
Windows are like the eyes of the home, and so clean windows mean that you have unobstructed views to what the universe has in store for you.
Play with shapes
Although circles or rounded forms are generally favoured over geometric forms in feng shui, don’t be afraid to mix and match shapes. Certain shapes are believed to be archetypal representations of the elements of nature: squares for earth, triangles for fire, rectangles for wood, and rounded forms represent metals. And since feng shui is all about balance and harmony, interiors will benefit from the incorporation of these shapes. Not to mention, it will create a more visually pleasing interior composition.
Although circles or rounded forms are generally favoured over geometric forms in feng shui, don’t be afraid to mix and match shapes. Certain shapes are believed to be archetypal representations of the elements of nature: squares for earth, triangles for fire, rectangles for wood, and rounded forms represent metals. And since feng shui is all about balance and harmony, interiors will benefit from the incorporation of these shapes. Not to mention, it will create a more visually pleasing interior composition.
Use plants
Plants and softscape create a sense of balance with the hardness of the architecture and structure of your home or office. They, in themselves, also emit positive chi, making them highly beneficial. Plants represent wood, one of the basic elements in feng shui. Wood, meanwhile, represents creativity, regeneration and birth.
TELL US
Do you subscribe to feng shui in your home or not? Chime in with your thoughts in the Comments below.
MORE
Read stories about using plants in the urban home
Plants and softscape create a sense of balance with the hardness of the architecture and structure of your home or office. They, in themselves, also emit positive chi, making them highly beneficial. Plants represent wood, one of the basic elements in feng shui. Wood, meanwhile, represents creativity, regeneration and birth.
TELL US
Do you subscribe to feng shui in your home or not? Chime in with your thoughts in the Comments below.
MORE
Read stories about using plants in the urban home
“’Good’ is such a loaded word. But if you subscribe to the belief that everything is energy (which is also being backed by quantum physics, mind you), then feng shui would make sense to you. As part of a belief system, feng shui aims to create a smooth and healthy flow of energy in the built environment – taking out things that may cause unnecessary blockages and stagnation – and as a result create a more harmonious relationship and balance among the elements of your interior and nature.”