Many of us see September as a second new year, so this is a good time to stop, take stock and make some positive changes.
Since lockdown, there’s been an increased focus on making bedrooms a calm and soothing space. Pinterest has found that searches for ‘Zen bedroom ideas’ are up five times on average, and ‘feng shui bedroom layout’ up two and a half times.
Thinking about how to bring this feeling of calmness into your home as a whole? The Chinese practice of feng shui could help. “Translated as ‘wind-water’ in English, feng shui practises the belief that by bringing positive energy into the home, good health, wealth and luck are set to follow,” explains Rebecca Snowden, interior style advisor at FurnitureChoice.co.uk.
How to bring positive feng shui energy into your home
Here are Snowden’s top tips for welcoming positive energy into your home…
Declutter is a key feng shui principle
“A neat home works wonders for our mental clarity and overall health,” explains Snowden.
“In feng shui, each space is connected to each other and allows positive energy to flow throughout the house. Add a decorative mirror to the living room to make the space feel larger, and multiply the positive energy flow. Meanwhile, closets or drawers overloaded with old items block the chi (energy) so it’s best to discard any clutter.”
Balance yin and yang
Snowden recommends incorporating yin (feminine) and yang (masculine) elements into your decor. “Apply this concept by mixing different shapes together,” she says. “For example, contrast the sharp edges of wall hangings with the soft curves of a sofa or mirror in the living room. This will balance out the room and give it a more relaxing feel.”
Feng shui bedroom tips
It’s no surprise that many of us are keen to feng shui our bedrooms: after all, getting a good night’s sleep is crucial to overall wellbeing, and the right environment can play a big part.
To boost feelings of calm and relaxation particularly in your bedroom, Snowden has two top tips: first, get rid of mirrors to help avoid an energy overload. And second, make the bed the central focus. “In feng shui, this symbolises a commanding position that allows you to take charge and handle life’s many challenges,” says Snowden. “The bed is best positioned diagonally away from your door as you will still be able to see it clearly, while not being in a direct line to it.
“Placing your bed against the wall will also give you a sense of security and ground you when you sleep. And for extra strength and stability, a bed with a headboard will represent this, with its solid support and build.”
If you have a home office, apply the same logic to your desk to bring the focus onto productivity.
Freshen up the place with plants
Snowden says plants can “bring positive energy” into a room, adding: “In feng shui, they are commonly associated as a life force and bring in growth, prosperity and luck. Common indoor plants said to attract these good elements include pothos, lucky bamboo and peace lily.”
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