What is Feng Shui

Feng Shui & Interior Design

Feng Shui, meaning “wind” and “water,” is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the understanding that our surroundings influence our energy, emotions, and overall well-being. In interior design, Feng Shui is more than an aesthetic approach—it's a system of harmony that guides spatial arrangement, flow, material choice, and colour selection to align with natural energies.

When renovating a home, incorporating Feng Shui transforms the process from cosmetic upgrade to energetic realignment. It brings clarity to how space is used and how it can better support the lifestyle and goals of the homeowner.

Harmonising Energy and Design

Incorporating Feng Shui into house renovations goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about creating a home that feels balanced, positive, and supportive of your well-being. Rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, Feng Shui focuses on the flow of energy, or chi, within a space. When renovating, strategic choices in layout, materials, and colour can influence how energy moves through your home.

Start by ensuring a clear and welcoming entryway, as it’s the “mouth of chi,” drawing in energy. Open layouts that allow natural light and airflow support vitality, while thoughtful furniture placement enhances comfort and connection. The five Feng Shui elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—can be brought in through finishes, décor, and textures to balance energy and reflect personal needs.

By blending Feng Shui principles with modern design, a renovation doesn’t just transform a house—it creates a space that truly feels like home.

The Five Natural Elements in Feng Shui

Central to Feng Shui are the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element carries specific energy and is associated with certain colours, materials, shapes, and emotions. A successful design balances these elements based on the space's function and the owner’s energetic needs.

Wood (growth, vitality): Represented by green tones, vertical lines, and natural timber. Promotes creativity and expansion.
Fire (passion, transformation): Expressed through red, triangular shapes, candles, and lighting. Encourages motivation and visibility.
Earth (stability, nourishment): Found in beige, terracotta, and square shapes. Brings grounding, support, and security.
Metal (clarity, precision): Seen in white, greys, circular forms, and metals. Aids focus, discipline, and communication.
Water (wisdom, flow): Reflected in blue, black, wavy forms, mirrors, and fountains. Invites calm, intuition, and abundance.

Each room can emphasise certain elements to support its purpose. For example, a bedroom may benefit from more Earth and Water, while a study might call for Wood and Metal.

How Feng Shui Affects the Occupier

A home should feel like a sanctuary—not just look like one. Feng Shui works on an invisible level, influencing how people feel, think, and act within a space.

A well-balanced environment can:

Improve focus and productivity
Encourage deeper sleep and relaxation
Support emotional wellbeing and family harmony
Enhance financial, health, and relationship stability

Feng Shui connects the mind and body to its surroundings. When chi (energy) flows smoothly, it promotes peace and vitality. When it’s blocked or misaligned, it can contribute to stress, conflict, or stagnation.

Personalised Feng Shui with the Owner’s Birth Data

One of the most powerful aspects of Feng Shui is its ability to be personalised. Using the owner's Chinese zodiac sign and BaZi (Four Pillars of Destiny)—which are based on date, time, and place of birth—a practitioner can determine the individual’s energy profile and elemental imbalances.

This analysis helps guide:

The best direction for sleeping or working
Optimal colours and materials for balance
Room placement and layout suggestions
Energy-enhancing décor and finishes

For instance, someone whose chart lacks the Wood element may benefit from plants, green tones, and wooden materials in their home. Those with excess Fire may need calming Earth and Water elements to neutralise overheating energies.

Basic Feng Shui Rule

🌿 1. Clear the Clutter

Clutter blocks energy (chi) flow. A clean, organised space promotes clarity, calm, and productivity. Every room—especially entryways and under beds—should be free of unnecessary items.

🚪 2. The Front Door Matters

The front door is called the “mouth of chi.” It should be clearly visible, well-lit, and easy to access. Avoid blocking the entrance with furniture, shoes, or plants.

🛋 3. Commanding Position

Furniture like beds, desks, and sofas should be placed in the commanding position—facing the entrance of the room but not directly in line with it. This promotes a sense of safety and control.

🌈 4. Use Harmonious Colours

Choose colours based on the Five Elements and the function of the room. For example:

Blues/Greens (Wood): creativity, growth—great for bedrooms or studies
Yellows/Browns (Earth): stability—ideal for living rooms or family areas
Whites/Greys (Metal): clarity—suitable for offices or kitchens
Reds/Oranges (Fire): energy—use in moderation, especially in dining areas
Blacks/Dark Blues (Water): depth—use in bathrooms or entryways

💡 5. Maximise Natural Light

Light is a source of yang (active energy). Open curtains during the day, use layered lighting at night, and avoid dark corners.

🌊 6. Balance the Five Elements

Each room should have a balanced presence of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. This creates harmony and helps support different aspects of life (health, relationships, success, etc.).

🪞 7. Use Mirrors Wisely

Mirrors reflect energy. Don’t place them directly opposite the front door (it reflects chi out), or across from beds. Use them to expand space and bring in more light when placed properly.

🛏 8. Bedroom Feng Shui

The bed should have a solid wall behind it, a sturdy headboard, and no mirrors facing it. Avoid sleeping under beams or ceiling fans—these can cause subconscious stress.

🔥 9. Kitchen and Stove Rules

The stove represents wealth and health. It should be clean, functional, and ideally not directly opposite the sink or fridge (Fire vs. Water conflict). Avoid placing the stove under a window or across from a door.

🌀 10. Let Energy Flow

Hallways and rooms should feel easy to move through. Avoid tight spaces, sharp corners, or blocked pathways, which create stagnant or aggressive energy.