What is Feng Shui?
Feng Shui is a method to use the forces of energy to harmonize people with their surrounding environments. If you translate feng shui into english it is literally “wind-water”.
It originates from ancient China & is a pseudoscientific practice, a practice that claims to be scientific.
The most popular usage of feng shui was to orient buildings in times of past. Spiritual structures such as tombs were commonly used but occasionally homes and other structures were practiced on as well.
Feng shui used bodies of water & the stars or compasses to determine the placement of these structures.
Decorating a living room using feng shui uses these principles in the form of elements when making decisions on placement and design of home decor in your space.
What are the Rules of Feng Shui?
When starting with feng shui, it’s important to get down the basic principles. Whether you’re practicing it in your living room or any other space in your home.
We begin by looking at the five element system which are made up of:
Wood
Fire
Water
Earth
Metal
These elements are used to balance a space and make it comfortable. If you ever feel a space doesn’t feel quite right, experiment with these.
Each element has its purpose so let’s go over each one to give you an idea of how you can use them
Feng Shui Living Room Cheat Sheet PDF Download
Decorating with the Elements
Wood
When we think of wood, it represents growth and stability. You can harness your creative side using this element and get a representation of growth, strength and vitality.
On the opposite side, if you’re feeling overwhelmed in a space or inflexible, it can be caused by this element. So make sure to keep a space balanced by using it in the right amounts.
To design with this element you can use shapes that resemble tree trunks and the vibrance of flowers and leaves. You can use cotton and natural fabrics as well as furniture with exposed wood.
Living Rooms with a Strong Wood Affinity
Fire
As fire burns with passion, it’s the element that inspires leadership and ignites enthusiasm. If you love bold design, this is the element for you.
The colors represented by this element are oranges and reds and the shapes are triangles.
As fire emits lights, lighting is represented by the element. So you can add lamps and chandeliers to add this element to a space.
Some other ways to incorporate this element are candles, sunlight and even electronics that emit light.
Living Rooms with a Strong Fire Affinity
Water
Water flowing represents emotion, wisdom and to realms beyond ours. If you’re a spiritual person you’ll be naturally drawn to this element.
The most straightforward way to add this element is by adding water to a space. It’s connected to blue colors and wave shapes.
Darp deep colors, Blacks and reflective surfaces are also part of this element. You can add mirrors, fountains and aquariums as well.
Living Rooms with a Strong Water Affinity
Earth
When you feel your feet on this earth you feel it’s strength, balance and stability. As such, these attributes are represented by this element.
However, avoid adding too much of this element as it can cause disorganization and chaos.
To decorate with this element add colors in earth tones like browns, greens and beiges. The shapes represented are squares and rectangles with low flat surfaces and wall art of landscapes.
Living Room with a Strong Earth Affinity
Metal
Metal is vibrant and stunning which leads it to represent clarity and what is logical. It also displays joy, precision and beauty.
To decorate with this fabulous element, you’ll be using round and oval shapes and anything with metal in it like gold, silver and chrome colors.
Rocks and stones are also represented in this element and the colors are white, grays and pastel colors.
Living Rooms with Strong Metal Affinity
How to Put these Elements Together in the Living Room
Having an understanding of the purpose of each element you’re ready to implement them with balance in your living room.
Keep in mind that furniture can have more than one element represented in them. Such as a low wood and glass coffee table or furniture with exposed wood mixed with fabrics.
Always start by adding the largest pieces of furniture and work your way down to accent items. Try to balance one large piece of furniture that carries a heavy weight of one element with other smaller pieces of different elements.
As you work your way to the smaller pieces of decor you can fill the in the gaps to create a harmonious living space.
What to Keep in Mind When Decorating a Living Room Using Feng Shui
Having good feng shui in your living room means having a space that flows at the heart of where your family gathers. You’ll create a cozy and inviting space that promotes communication and bonds.
This will harness the power of chi to create the best energy for you and your close ones to enjoy.
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