The Chinese practice of feng shui goes back thousands of years. Feng shui uses decoration, color and furniture to maximize the flow of “chi,” or energy, and improve work productivity and quality of life.

Whether or not you accept the concept of chi doesn’t really matter: A feng shui home is an attractive and comfortable living space. Anyone considering Oriental interior design styles should consider using feng shui.

Feng Shui Cores and Principles

Feng shui cores, or the disciplines basic principles, are based on the Eastern concept of the elements. While Western tradition recognizes four elements–water, air, fire and earth–house feng shui recognizes five: earth, fire, metal, water and wood.

The five feng shui elements interact with each other and the flow of chi. For instance; if the kitchen oven (representing fire) is too close to the sink (water), the flow of chi may be disrupted.

Each element corresponds to different directions, colors, and aspects of life. Here’s a very brief explanation of the feng shui cores:

• Earth is associated with the Northeast, bricks, stones, tiles, ceramics and clay. Beige, brown and tan colors symbolize earth.
• Fire is associated with reds, oranges, purples and the South. Any electrical appliance or light is governed by fire.
• Metal, including metal furniture, bed frames and artwork, is associated with the West and gold or white colors.
• Water‘s primary colors are blue and black. Water is in the North in house feng shui, and is associated with winter. Drains and toilets, that drain water out of the house, also drain chi from the home.
• Wood is associated with the East and the color green. Only living plants are considered wood.

Interior Design and the Feng Shui Home

Many books and videos claim to explain house feng shui and its cores. Unfortunately, many materials have over-simplified the principles of feng shui to make them more accessible to Westerners. As a result, many of the benefits associated with feng shui design are lost.

If you want to dabble in feng shui, such books may be all you need. If you’re serious in your desire for a feng shui home, however, it’s advisable to hire the services of a true house feng shui professional. True feng shui relies on complex mathematical formulas and a wealth of knowledge that is simply impossible to fit into a “how to” book.

Feng Shui Tips

Having said that, if you want to simply dabble in feng shui, here are some feng shui tips to help with your interior design project:

• Avoid art that depicts loneliness or violence in the bedroom.
• Avoid clutter. A cluttered space traps negative chi and block the flow of positive energy.
• If you need a water element in a room, consider a fountain. Aquariums with gold and black goldfish are another option.
• Living plants increase chi. Bamboo is commonly used to increase wood energy.
• Overhead lights should be used sparingly.
• Sharp edges and angular corners interfere with chi flow. When possible, select furniture with rounded corners.
• Main entrances should be open and airy.