An expertly designed home can make one feel balanced and relaxed, but what are some of the methods that go beyond styling to achieve peace and harmony in a living space?
The process really should begin before you move into a new home. Many cultures follow specific beliefs and superstitions that come into play to make a space ready for habitation, and to enhance the ‘spirit’ or vibe of the rooms. This can be as simple as ringing a bell as you enter your new residence, lighting a candle on your first night, or burning sage as a cleansing ritual. Many of these customs originated to ward off evil spirits and usher prosperity into the home, but others were also about home design that go beyond superstitions.
The feng shui way
No longer a strange concept in North America, feng shui (pronounced: fuhng shway) means “wind-water,” and is the ancient Chinese art of arranging buildings, objects and space to maximize the flow of ‘chi’ or energy of the environment with the user of the space to achieve harmony, balance and good fortune. Originating in the early Zhou dynasty (1046–256 bce), feng shui has gained popularity with some interior designers who employ its principles in their work.
“Couldn’t we all use a little bit of extra help from the universe when it comes to our dreams and goals?” says Ana Cummings, owner and creative visionary behind Calgary-based ANA Interiors.
“Feng shui has always been on my radar throughout my journey as a designer. I can’t say exactly when it occurred, but it was a long time ago. I’m all for setting up for success in daily life and if my designs or feng shui can assist with that for people, my job is doubly rewarding.”
Feng shui working for you
Cummings says the people she encounters are always receptive
about discovering ways to improve their spaces. It has become second nature for her to create designs that harvest and harness good energy, and this is where feng shui comes in.
She does admit that when she first learned about the ancient custom, she was skeptical.
“Thoughts of smiling buddhas, bamboo plants and small fountains come to mind, but it’s much, much more than that. In the most basic of terms, I interpret feng shui as a plan of optimal placements and locations for specific items in a home that will promote, protect and harness good energy, in an attempt to channel the most fortunate outcomes we wish to manifest in our lives.”
Blending the elements to achieve harmony
Cummings says the art and science of feng shui addresses five specific natural earth elements, their characteristics and the specific hues associated with them.
“As a designer and decorator, I utilize rules that optimize floorplans and traffic flow, implement colour palettes that promote desired feelings, and look to nature to bring the outdoors in, for the sole purpose of bringing joy and enriching our environments,” Cummings says. “Feng shui is no different and we likely already do some of those things without even knowing it.”
The do’s and don’ts to achieve balance and harmony in a home
The bedroom
Don’t have any technology – phones, TVs, computers, tablets or electronics in the bedroom. Do not incorporate water features, photos of boats or bodies of water, have too many plants or clutter under the bed, on surfaces or unworn clothes in a closet. Do not sleep with your feet directed toward the door.
Do decorate with soft, rounded furnishings, using accent colours strategically according to their elements – peaches and pinks for romance, red, purple or gold accents for prosperity, dark blue for knowledge, black for wisdom, green for tranquility, brown, orange or yellow for balance. Make sure to keep it tidy.
The entryway
Do not have mirrors hanging or placed directly across from main doors (this applies to bedrooms as well) and keep the space from becoming overcluttered. Do consider a vibrant red colour for the front door, which is a popular choice.
The kitchen
Do have a place for everything, make sure all appliances and fixtures are clean and maintained, and make the range a focal point. Locate the kitchen at the back of the home and incorporate some wood and metal and glass panels in the design. Choose lighter or neutral colours and have good lighting. Keep pots of herbs or plants, and finally, in order to avoid trapping good energy in a void, use full-height uppers.
Don’t have a cluttered, messy kitchen, or use cabinetry that does not go all the way up to the ceiling. Do not have unused or unclean appliances and because the kitchen is considered a fire element, using red or orange colours is a faux pas, making the overall energy too heavy.
The five feng shui elements are:
1. EARTH – to ground and nourish us (colours: brown, orange, yellow)
2. METAL – to bring beauty, precision, joy (colours: white, grey)
3. FIRE – to inspire, bring passion and visibility (colours: crimson, pink)
4. WOOD – to offer healing, growth and vitality, (colours: teal, green)
5. WATER – to bring us wisdom and calmness (colours: blue, black).