What do you know about Feng Shui? I had heard about this ancient Asian practice through my sister, and I wanted to understand better the relationship between our surroundings and the energy we feel at home. So, I interviewed Ashlina Kaposta, an expert practitioner who also happens to be a realtor. Get comfortable as you watch this interview and learn a few basic tips that any non-Feng Shui practitioners can apply in their homes.
You will be glad to know that, just like the KonMari method (in this post), Feng Shui teaches that both designing our interiors and choosing what to bring in are strongly related to what makes us happy and what works with our individual lifestyles.
‘Feng’ refers to the “wind” which represents intention and the unseen. On the other hand, ‘Shui’ refers to “water” and the tangible objects that can be moved around in a space. Thus, Feng Shui is the art of joining thoughts and intentions as we move things around our homes. Said in simpler terms, Feng Shui aims to:
I had heard that mirrors are powerful forces in the world of Feng Shui creating ‘excitable energy’, so I was happy to understand this concept better. Ashlina explains that when deciding where to hang mirrors, we should also take into consideration what else is reflecting on them, aside from ourselves. Placing them in front of a beautiful painting or fresh plants can reflect their beauty and energy back to us.
Plants are just as important! They are living organisms and as such, they bring in good energy by helping us relax, adding a sense of peace, and cleaning the air within our walls. If you are a “brown thumb” like me, don’t worry! There is no need to force yourself into having live plants at home, especially if caring for them is more troublesome than the benefits they bring. You may use artificial plants if the objective is to bring color and texture and not as a replacement of live flowers.
Addressing colors is more complicated, especially when looking at the Bagua map, but Ashlina advises against going overboard. Practicing Feng Shui can be as simple as changing the motif of the decor to a dominant color that follows the energy you are looking for. For example, if you want your bedroom to be a place focused on your well-being, choose yellow, a color associated with the sun, cheerfulness, light, and freshness. Doing so can be as simple as adding a featured wall, a large painting on your walls, and pops of color in the form of pillowcases or accessories.
Our front door is where the energy comes into our homes, or like Ashlina said, it is “where opportunities come in”. And the best way to attract the right kind of energy is with a clean slate. The following are simple steps that we can all apply today:
2. Place a new doormat and while you are at it, try layering the mats for a more stylish look.
3. Install a new outdoor light or clean the one that you already have. Even the simple act of changing any dead lightbulbs is already a step in the right direction.
4. Add plants and flowers to your front entrance too. They will freshen up the space and will immediately bring you joy as you approach your home.
5. Change or refresh any exterior house numbers as well. Dust them off and remove any debris or cobwebs. Follow up with a good polishing.
6. If there are rails, columns, or any other type of decorative elements, clean them up or give them a new coat of paint.
You will be amazed at what these 6 steps would do to improve the curb appeal AND attract positivity into your home. So there you have it, Feng Shui tips that you can apply in one day. Whether you decide to relocate mirrors, add plants, or a pop of the right color, or even give your entrance a deep cleaning, I encourage you to be intentional about loving your home today. Don’t wait for the perfect time, the perfect budget, or the perfect style to make changes that will serve you and your family better. Your “future self” will thank you.
My name's Jessica Velazquez.
As a coach for first-time homebuyers, I set them up with an actual plan and a timeline for making their needs, and even their wishes happen.
Imagine how great it would feel to open the door to your new house, YOUR VERY FIRST HOUSE, and feel proud of it. You love the floors, and the color on the walls is exactly how you had envisioned it.
Your new furniture fits perfectly in the new space and it matches with your favorite heirloom pieces.
The kitchen is to die for; it makes you want to be there. Everything has its place!
The patio is inviting and you can already picture your family and friends having a great time. And your bedroom! That bedroom is an oasis, your refuge from the day. It makes you feel relaxed and energised.