How to Incorporate Feng Shui into Your Decor

The concept of Feng Shui has become a popular topic in home decorating in the last few years. Without a doubt some of the most attractive themes in home decorating are based in this ancient art, and the design possibilities are almost endless. Finding a professional decorator who specializes in designs that follow the principles of Feng Shui can be a daunting and expensive task, however, and truly mastering the art would take a lifetime of study. The good news is that you can add a few touches to your home to help align the energy and get that 'feng shui' feel without having to break the bank. All you need is a basic understanding of the principles behind this ancient art, a willingness to learn, and a little creativity!

First of all, you need to get an idea of the idea behind Feng Shui design and what the elements represent. Feng Shui is a system of arranging the elements within one's home to help align the flow of energy , or Chi, in a positive fashion. In simplified terms certain areas of the home are representative of certain aspects of the inhabitants lives, and by balancing the flow of energy and creating desirable energies within these areas of the home, the results are felt in the corresponding areas of the owners lives.

One of the most confusing elements of Feng Shui for the beginner, is the Bagua of an area. This is a complex concept that would take years of study to master, but can be practiced by a beginner by altering it into simpler more practical terms. In essence, what one would need to do is to draw out a basic layout of their home from an aerial perspective, much like a basic blueprint. Then draw out an eight sided figure on another sheet of paper or over the top of the blueprint large enough to cover the entire home. Make sure that the doorway used as the main entrance to the home is closest you, mark that line with the words career and life purpose, then go around the octagon clockwise marking each area in this order. First to the left of career would be wisdom, next family, then fortune, then fame, the last three would consecutively be love, children, caring people. Notice how each of these areas create zones within your home. Now you can determine, in basic terms what the Bagua or energy of any given area within the home is. With this simple tool, you can begin to make correlations and gain understanding of elements that may be affecting your chi and thus your entire life. For instance, if the bathtub or toilet is located in the finances area of your chart, it can be said that you are 'flushing' away all your fortune, the same could be said of fame, love or marriage. At the same time having an element in that area of prosperity, such as a fish tank or fountain would help to build strength and 'good feng shui' in that zone of your overall life. Look up tips on Feng Shui on the web to see how other correlations might apply.

Okay, now that you know that what can you do with it?The quickest way to make use of the bagua chart is to use the information you have learned about the energy of the room and balance it with the correct corresponding element. The elements are fire, water, earth, metal, wood and in Feng Shui it is the goal not only to place them properly but to keep the elements in harmony. In simplistic terms you will want to place the earth element at the center of the home and arrange the other elements in their respective areas as follows. Water should be the first element encountered when the home is entered, but fire goes in the rear of the home exactly opposite. Wood should be represented directly to the left and metal on the right side of the graph. Bear in mind that these elements do not have to be represented literally, but can also be figurative by correspondence. Water can be represented by a mirror, fire by a red object of some sort, so forth and so on~ be creative!

These are just basic ideas to get you started if your interest is piqued check out some of the more advanced topics with a free internet course, or jump right in by checking out some suppliers of items to inspire and aid you in creating the proper flow of energy. Of course most of the work can be done by rearranging what you already have to create a more positive flow without needing to purchase anything at all!

Note: There are different schools of Feng Shui, and this article concentrates on giving only a basic idea of how to easily implement some concepts of Feng Shui into the average do it yourselfer's home decorating. If you have a serious interest in learning the art and philosophy behind Feng Shui, you should consider looking into one of the many schools that offer courses on the subject, or consult with a professional.