Feng Shui

By Marcia Luke

Feng shui is a mystical and precious Chinese art form that purportedly enables life energies or positive "chi" through the placement of furniture and other artefacts. Apparently movement and location within one's living space can encourage health, wealth, and happiness. Many people use feng shui to establish a home that is comfortable, atmospheric and ultimately inviting to both family and guests. When the physical space is adjusted inside or outside the home, a corresponding change happens in an area of our life. While this ancient art form may seem like superstition to some, much of it is based on a common sense that blends architecture, astronomy, physics, and design. In fact it's likely you already incorporate some of these tools without even knowing it.

Whether it's a condominium or townhome that you're living in feng shui can be used to make your home all the more comfortable. One benefit that a new home immediately offers is that it can be a clean slate designed and built to your specifications. Let's begin with these basic design ideas which can be integrated before you even move in:

You should never have more than three doors side by side

Avoid having toilets on the second floor above doorways on

the first floor

Try to have enough room for an outdoor garden

Use a wide variety of wall colours and tints

Keep plants and flowers healthy, incorporate good lighting, mirrors, and fountains

Remember that particular rooms have their own guiding principles. In this issue, we'll cover living rooms, traditionally the location of choice for planned or impromptu gath erings of guests, friends and family.

Feng shui emphasizes the removal of clutter from your home and this stands true for living rooms as well. Remove any boxes, old papers, and even dust to open up the passage ways to good energy. Living rooms should be carpeted or have an area rug in order to reconnect you with the earth. The colour should generally be an earthy tone, however, depending on the direction your room faces can dictate the colour as well. South is best in red or green, east ideally blue or green and north is best in blue. One wall in your living room should be the main focus, using a vibrant colour that is accented by a more subtle shade on the others. The main wall should face the door or entranceway into the living room.

Seeing as you spend social time with family and friends in the living room, furniture arrangement is extremely important. Avoid placing sofas or chairs directly across from each other as it tends to make people feel confrontational. Likewise, there should never be furniture floating in the middle of the room. Use walls to support the furniture arrangement, anchoring at least one piece of furniture. Another common practice of feng shui is to disarm "poison arrows" or sharp edges (square pillars or beams) by using plants, dividers, screens, or sculptures. Choose artwork that has a special meaning for you, something that makes you happy or with symbols that have good meanings. As mentioned above, water fountains or features encourage wealth and relationship luck. Other beneficial decorative items are crystal balls, three-legged toads, dragons, and horses. In general your living room should invite people to relax; soft lighting, cleared walkways, and mirrors open the space. If all else fails, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders on your mood and outlook. Even a slight move in furniture has been known to lift the spirit.

Keep in mind that entire books have been written on the topic of Feng shui and trained disciples help individuals integrate this into their lives. Moderation and achieving balance is essential in order for feng shui to be felt. Think of this as a starter to help your new home become the fantasy you envisioned.