Feng Shui for the Home
There’s a “new” idea in design philosophy you may have heard of recently. The ancient Chinese discipline feng shui (pronounced phung schway), which literally means “wind water,” has been around for centuries. Just recently, when visiting the library, I noticed an influx of books in the new book section. It made me wonder what the increased interest over the last several years in feng shui could mean. In the next several months, I would like to discuss feng shui, ways to improve your home and life by following its philosophy, and finally, how to eliminate clutter in your home and why it’s so important.
I first heard about feng shui—and learned to pronounce it—when an interior designer told me she had just become a feng shui consultant. I heard more about it in design magazines and at seminars. However, I didn’t really have a need for the information until I started organizing my new home last April. The use of color, materials, and furniture arrangements are crucial to practicing feng shui.
There are several great Web sites to visit on the subject of feng shui, which I highly recommend if you’re interested in learning more. One I found to be very helpful is www.windwater.com. The site was created and is maintained by The Feng Shui Institute of America. The founder, Nancilee Wydra, is a feng shui master and an educator.
A basic definition of feng shui is “an information system which reveals how a home or workplace can affect health, relationships, and self-actualization.” Our lives are deeply affected by our physical and emotional environment. Feng shui basically investigates the universal feelings and reactions of human beings to an environment. The teachings delve into how connections (Tao), vitality (chi), and balance (yin and yan) can make a positive impact on life and how the senses influence our behavior.
So how does all of this translate to our everyday lives? So many clients tell me they can’t stand to be in their kitchens. They may not know why exactly, but they know it doesn’t “feel” right. If a space is dark, crowded, or cluttered, there are real problems with not only the space but also with the user’s reaction to being in the space.
Check into feng shui and how it can help revitalize the energy in your environment. TPW
I first heard about feng shui—and learned to pronounce it—when an interior designer told me she had just become a feng shui consultant. I heard more about it in design magazines and at seminars. However, I didn’t really have a need for the information until I started organizing my new home last April. The use of color, materials, and furniture arrangements are crucial to practicing feng shui.
There are several great Web sites to visit on the subject of feng shui, which I highly recommend if you’re interested in learning more. One I found to be very helpful is www.windwater.com. The site was created and is maintained by The Feng Shui Institute of America. The founder, Nancilee Wydra, is a feng shui master and an educator.
A basic definition of feng shui is “an information system which reveals how a home or workplace can affect health, relationships, and self-actualization.” Our lives are deeply affected by our physical and emotional environment. Feng shui basically investigates the universal feelings and reactions of human beings to an environment. The teachings delve into how connections (Tao), vitality (chi), and balance (yin and yan) can make a positive impact on life and how the senses influence our behavior.
So how does all of this translate to our everyday lives? So many clients tell me they can’t stand to be in their kitchens. They may not know why exactly, but they know it doesn’t “feel” right. If a space is dark, crowded, or cluttered, there are real problems with not only the space but also with the user’s reaction to being in the space.
Check into feng shui and how it can help revitalize the energy in your environment. TPW