{"id":36742,"date":"2020-11-01T10:01:38","date_gmt":"2020-11-01T09:01:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/?p=36742"},"modified":"2020-12-15T11:28:26","modified_gmt":"2020-12-15T10:28:26","slug":"feng-shui-furnishing-home-harmony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/2020\/11\/feng-shui-furnishing-home-harmony\/","title":{"rendered":"Feng Shui: the Oriental Art of Furnishing Home with Harmony"},"content":{"rendered":"

Feng shui<\/strong> is a Chinese term that literally means “wind and water”<\/strong>, two natural elements essential for life. In fact the millenary discipline of feng shui is considered indispensable for the interpretation of the landscape and in particular for the design of buildings and interior spaces<\/strong>. Its aim is to avoid the release of negative energies into the environment that can influence humans.<\/p>\n

\"Design
Photo by Benjamin Klaver on Unsplash<\/div><\/div>\n

The origin of feng shui<\/h2>\n

Feng shui is a tradition of Chinese and Tibetan origin<\/strong> dating back over five thousand years. In order to fully understand the meaning of this discipline it is necessary to explore the Taoist philosophy<\/strong><\/a>. Everything starts from ch’i<\/em>, the vital energy<\/strong> that flows in the world, which responds to precise universal principles<\/strong>. This natural order cannot be fully understood by humans, but they are aware of its perfect proportion. Therefore there is a harmony<\/strong> in the world that must be respected and preserved<\/strong>. This is what feng shui is all about: living in symbiosis with the natural order of the elements.<\/p>\n

\"Chinese
Chinese compass used by feng shui masters. Photo by Warren R.M. Stuart via Flickr \u2013 CC BY 2.0<\/div><\/div>\n

This practice is still widely present in both China and Japan<\/strong>. Just think that the opinion of a feng shui master can even affect the entire real estate market<\/strong>. In fact the experts use a map called Bagua<\/strong><\/em> and compare it with the building plan<\/strong>. In case it doesn’t coincide, one has to run for cover. Moreover, when an economic activity suffers a drop in profits, it is common practice to check whether any negative energy<\/strong> given by the office furniture has affected what happened.<\/p>\n

Furnishing according to feng shui<\/h2>\n
\"Feng
Photo by \u4e94\u7384\u571f ORIENTO on Unsplash<\/div><\/div>\n

The basic rule of the feng shui philosophy is keep order<\/strong>. Get rid of all useless objects accumulated over the years, because they emanate negative energies<\/strong> (yin<\/em>). After that, tidy up the rooms by putting everything in the right place. The aim is to allow positive energies<\/strong> (yang<\/em>) to flow freely, infusing serenity<\/strong> and well-being<\/strong> into the rooms. In general, this practice suggests choosing natural materials<\/strong> such as wood, stone or metal and avoiding plastic materials. After all, feng shui revolves around the 5 main elements<\/strong> (wood, fire, metal, water and earth). Consequently, it is good to surround yourself with furniture and objects that recall them. It is also essential to favour natural daylight<\/strong>, through large windows and light coloured curtains. Alternatively, natural candles or lanterns create a relaxing atmosphere and evoke the element of fire.<\/p>\n

The hallway<\/h3>\n
\"The
Photo by Suhyeon Choi on Unsplash<\/div><\/div>\n

The hallway should be decorated with paintings in soft colours<\/strong>, possibly in front of the entrance door facing the wall, but avoiding filling the walls to suffocate them. This environment is the most suitable for a mirror<\/strong>, as it is able to expel bad forces,<\/strong> but be careful not to place it in front of the doorway or in the bedroom: its great energy can leave the house or disturb your sleep! Finally, the doors on the corridor should not slam against each other, because their friction could extend to the people living in the house.<\/p>\n

The bedroom<\/h3>\n
\"Bedroom
Bedroom of the Podere Isabella<\/a>, in Tuscany<\/div><\/div>\n

Tidiness<\/strong> in this room is very important to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep. Get rid of computers, televisions or gym equipment that prevent relaxation. In addition, the bed should be placed away from the door but in a “command” position<\/strong>, i.e. facing the entrance but with the headboard leaning against a supporting wall, to give a sense of protection<\/strong>. Moreover, this room should be as far away as possible from the main door and the street. Instead, natural landscape or a garden would trasmit calm.\u00a0 Finally, you should open the windows often to keep the air oxygen-rich at all times.<\/p>\n

The kitchen<\/h3>\n
\"Wide
Photo by Barry D on Pixabay<\/div><\/div>\n

The kitchen must be a welcoming<\/strong> and functional<\/strong> place. Although various tools are needed for cooking, it is preferable to avoid the accumulation of unnecessary objects and keep this environment well organized<\/strong>. Since this room is used for the preparation of food<\/strong>, which has a huge impact on a person’s psychophysical well-being, the kitchen deserves special care<\/strong> in the choice of furnishings and location within the house. For example, it should not be accessible directly from the front door, as positive energies may come out. Furthermore, the door should not be behind the cook, to give a feeling of tranquillity. Finally, the kitchen should have different levels of lighting<\/strong> and the furniture should have rounded shapes<\/strong>, especially the table.<\/p>\n

The living room<\/h3>\n
\"Living
Living room of the Zen Republic, wellness villa in Tenerife<\/div><\/div>\n

The living room represents the beating heart of the house. Guests are welcomed and intimate moments<\/strong> are created within the family. The protagonist of this room is the sofa<\/strong>, which must be placed in front of the entrance to give a message of hospitality to those who enter. A round coffee table<\/strong> is preferable, which favours communication. If there is a fireplace, you should avoid an aquarium as the elements of water and fire would be in contrast. Finally, you should fill the corners of the room, pruning negative energies, with plants<\/strong> or warm lights.<\/p>\n

The power of colours<\/h2>\n

Having a colourful home<\/strong> is the desire of many people, who can’t wait to paint the walls of their home to give it a touch of life. But according to oriental tradition, every colour has a precise meaning and you have to take this into account when deciding which is the most appropriate colour.<\/p>\n

\"The
Photo by David Pisnoy on Unsplash<\/div><\/div>\n