Feng Shui is literally ancient but the Chinese spatial laws keep resurfacing decade after decade. Most recently with Gwyneth Paltrow and Marie Kondo.
To demystify some of the rules of this ancient Chinese tradition, we tapped New York–based author, professor, and Feng Shui expert Laura Benko to give us simple actionable tips on how to incorporate it in our homes.
Break Up the Main Line of Sight
Slow the chi down with a patterned rug on the floor, artwork on the walls, or even a round entry table.
Keep Your House Clear of Clutter
Make sure that you have the correct organizational systems in place for everything in your life: from paying bills, to recycling, to having a designated spot for your keys.
Keep the Path to Your Front Door Clear
Install a mirror. When you hang the mirror, Benko advises to connect an intention to it, like expanding the opportunities in your life, and not allowing yourself to feel limited.
Don’t Point the Stairway Toward the Front Door
Slow down energy flowing into your home by adding a stair runner, or artwork that causes you to pause and reflect. Another feng shui solution is placing a grounding element that symbolizes heaviness at the top of the stairs, to anchor the chi and force it to slow down.
Balance the Five Elements
The five elements—earth, wood, fire, water, and metal—can be present in your home either physically or symbolically. Look closely at the literal and symbolic elements that are showing up in your home, as they can be a cause of imbalance in your emotional life. The idea is to strike a nice balance between all five.
Remove Negative Symbolism
Evaluate what challenges you are facing in life, and try to identify whether they’re symbolically showing up in your space. Remove the symbols, and replace them with items you want to attract.
Maximize Natural Light with Windows and Mirrors
When you hang a mirror, make sure it reflects more light, a serene view, or an expansive part of the room.
