Feng shui: I can hear you thinking, what on earth is that, and why is she writing a blog about something so airy-fairy? Positive energy in your home? This is going too far for me…. Most of you know that I suffer from nerve pain. Sometimes I'm so desperate that I will literally try anything to feel better. That's how I end up on websites like Holistik, listen to the Ayurveda podcast, go for acupuncture and read a lot. I always have acupuncture with my dearest Chinese friends at Luzi Massage, or I go to Dong acupunctuur. That's how I came into contact with their beliefs more and more. Chinese medicine helps me in part. Sometimes I find things a bit far-fetched and don't believe in them. Secretly, though, it sometimes works anyway. So, as an estate agent, what could be more fun than listening to the interior tips of my Chinese friends?
What is feng shui? And how can it contribute to a lovely home, or a home that is easier to sell?
Feng shui is a Chinese philosophy that focuses on arranging spaces harmoniously. It is a way to encourage positive energy, or chi, and reduce negative energy. A good feng shui layout can contribute to a sense of calm and harmony at home. In this blog I share a number of feng shui tips for furnishing a home.
Keep the energy moving: create a good flow
An important principle of feng shui is that energy must be able to flow through a space. So make sure the furniture in the room is placed in a logical way and that there is enough space to move around. For example, don't place furniture in front of doors or windows, and don't create blockages.
Create a balance between the five elements
Feng shui distinguishes five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. It is important to bring these elements into balance in the way the home is furnished. Wood, for example, stands for growth and health, fire for passion and love, earth for stability and metal for clarity and precision. Feng shui focuses on creating a balance between the natural elements. So make sure there are enough natural elements in the home, such as plants, flowers, stones and wood. This brings good energy into the home.
Make use of colours
Colours have a big influence on the atmosphere in a room. In feng shui, colours are linked to the five elements.
- Red is the colour of fire and in feng shui is associated with passion, energy and warmth. Red can help raise the energy in a room. It is important, though, not to use too much red, because it can then become too overpowering.
- Blue is the colour of water and in feng shui is associated with calm, tranquillity and relaxation. Blue can help lower the energy in a room and is therefore suitable for bedrooms and other quiet rooms.
- Green is the colour of nature and in feng shui is associated with growth, harmony and balance. Green can help balance the energy in a room and is therefore suitable for many different rooms in the house.
- Yellow is the colour of the sun and in feng shui is associated with cheerfulness, optimism and creativity. Yellow can help raise the energy in a room, but it is important not to use too much yellow, because it can then become too busy.
- Purple is the colour of spirituality and in feng shui is associated with intuition, mystery and wisdom. Purple can help raise the energy in a room and is therefore suitable for meditation rooms and other quiet rooms.
- White in feng shui stands for purity, clarity and freshness. White can help brighten and refresh a room, but it is important not to use too much white, because it can then become too sterile.
- Black in feng shui stands for strength, wealth and elegance. Black can help raise the energy in a room, but it is important not to use too much black, because it can then become too heavy. Black can, for example, be combined with gold or silver to create a luxurious look.
It is important to realise that in feng shui, colours don't stand on their own, but are considered in combination with other factors such as the incoming light and the layout of the room.
Make sure there is enough light
Light is essential for good feng shui. Make sure there is enough natural light and light the room in a way that suits the atmosphere you want. Avoid sharp contrasts between light and dark. Alternate mood lighting, candles and natural light.
Arrange the bedroom the right way
You spend a lot of time in the bedroom. That is why it is important to arrange this room properly according to feng shui. Make sure you have a good bed and a good mattress. Natural materials are important for the bedroom. That way you create a lovely, safe nest. You achieve this with soft, natural materials such as wool, silk, cotton, linen, flax, coir, sisal and wood. Don't place the bed directly under a window, and put the headboard against a solid wall. Avoid mirrors in the bedroom; they can cause restlessness.
Use plants and natural materials
Plants and natural materials contribute to positive feng shui. Plants provide oxygen and bring nature indoors. Natural materials such as wood and stone give a sense of calm and stability.
Avoid clutter and chaos
A tidy, organised home contributes to good feng shui. Avoid clutter and chaos, and make sure there is enough storage space. That way, energy can flow freely and a sense of calm and harmony is created.
Remove and move 9 items and let the life energy flow
In feng shui, the number 9 is the most auspicious number. This number stands for infinity and wealth, and symbolises the fullness of heaven and earth. The number 9 never changes. In a small space, you instantly create more room by removing 9 objects and giving them away. Think of small things such as little vases, clothing, boxes, picture frames and other decorations or beauty products. By removing these 9 items, you signal to the universe that space has been created for chi. The life energy can flow freely through your home. Even more energy through your home? Then choose another 9 items and move them around the home. The stagnant energy starts moving, and it feels as if space is opening up in the house.
Using mirrors
Mirrors have a special function in feng shui. They can strengthen or weaken the energy in a room. So make sure mirrors hang in a strategic spot, for example to reflect light or to highlight a beautiful view. Mirrors double everything you see. It's smart to place a mirror opposite a beautiful view or a beautiful object. Don't use a mirror in a cluttered room. You'll just double the chaos.
By applying these feng shui tips when furnishing a home, you can create a harmonious and positive atmosphere. It may sound a bit crazy and airy-fairy. But sometimes you walk into a home and you just know that people are going to split up, or at least really don't like each other any more.
Styling
By applying these feng shui tips when furnishing a home, you can create a harmonious and positive atmosphere. It may sound a bit crazy and airy-fairy. But sometimes you walk into a home and you just know that people are going to split up, or at least really don't like each other any more. You immediately don't feel at home in a house. Or, without even looking at the things in it, you sense that it's a hectic household. Sometimes you walk in and feel positive energy; sometimes you walk in and think, OK, I'm turning straight round again. Perhaps even if the house meets all your wishes. Energy and atmosphere matter in a home.
Now, we are pretty straightforward, analytical and rational. Even so, we are huge believers in styling and atmosphere in a home. A tidy house, a good flow through the rooms, a nice smell and the right items in the house make a home feel good. People can feel at home in a house like that. We put on some music, make sure it smells nice, move things around and make sure the flow through the house is right. We give you the best tips. Anything to make people feel at home in your house. They have to be able to picture themselves living there. Because being at home means feeling at home.
Now, we are not feng shui experts. But we are sales experts. Do you want to sell your home? We would love to come round for a good chat and the best advice.
