9 Basic Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of placement, is about the relationship between individuals and their environment. We’ve all been in places that ‘just feel good’ from the moment you enter the space. There is a certain ambiance that’s been created with the proper use of color, sound, lighting, textures, elements and more, which resonates with our inner being. Words used to describe a place with good feng shui convey a feeling, such as welcoming, safe, cozy, nurturing, comfortable, relaxing, etc. We might describe a place with ‘bad feng shui’ as cold, empty, claustrophobic, ugly, boring or uncomfortable. In either case, we may not know exactly what it is that makes us feel this way; we just ‘know’ it, unquestionably.

There are basic Feng Shui tools used to adjust or enhance environments to make it more supportive to occupants. Each of these tools has a variety of uses, appropriate to ones individual situation, and many of them are very logical.

MIRRORS: Often called the "aspirin" of feng shui, mirrors are used to improve a host of interior and exterior imbalances. Place a mirror in small, cramped spaces to expand the energy. If a bed or desk is positioned with ones back to the door, hang a mirror to reflect the doorway while lying in bed or seated at your desk.

WATER: Water is essential to the cultivation of food, and it symbolizes the flow of money and good fortune in our lives. Ever notice that Asian restaurants often have an aquarium in the entry? A beautiful aquarium is a microcosm of the life-giving ocean waters. If fish aren’t your favorite, place a fountain or birdbath near the entry to symbolize prosperity coming through your door.

COLOR: The powerful influences of color can alter moods, change behaviors and stimulate mental clarity. It would take more than a brief paragraph to explain the extraordinary nuances of color. A tip when selling a home is to maintain neutral tones rather than bold expressions of color.

SOUND: Wind chimes and bells help to temper and redirect maligned energy. They are often used to announce visitors so one is aware of unexpected guests. Hang a bell or chimes on a door or gate to your back yard as a form of protection and warning. Or use pleasant sounds as a way to lure clients to your front door.

PLANTS: Plants and flowers, whether live or silk, represent the power of nature, new life and abundant growth. They add a warm earthy feeling to an environment, which makes us feel at home. It’s best to avoid dried arrangements, since they are really dead.

MOVING OBJECTS: Mobiles, whirligigs, flags and windmills stimulate activity in areas that may otherwise feel void of energy. They can be used to attract attention, uplift an area or deflect the overbearing force of roads and long corridors.

HEAVY OBJECTS: Stones and statues help ground areas that appear void or depleted. For example, an “L-shaped” home automatically creates an empty space at the opening of the “L”. Placing a rock garden or sturdy statuary here adds substance to an otherwise empty space.

LIGHT REFRACTORING OBJECTS: The glow of light is symbolic of the sun. Good lighting brightens, uplifts and enhances an area so it feels safe and inviting. Crystals are commonly used to soften strong direct paths of energy. For example, a long hallway encourages hurried movement, where one could move too fast and get hurt. Hanging a crystal in the hallway symbolically slows down the energy and gives the eye something attractive to notice.

Toni Lefler is an Organizer Extraordinaire, Staging Super Hero, Moving Magician, Makeover Master, and Feng Shui Sleuth. Services are available both on site and virtually. To learn more, visit www.ToniDezign.com and contact Toni at 561-707-3252 or ToniDezign@gmail.com