Long before Marie Kondo introduced the world to the joy of tidying up, there was another timeless practice focused on bringing balance and wellbeing into our homes - Feng Shui.
Meaning “wind and water,” Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art that encourages the smooth flow of energy, or chi, throughout your living space. Rooted in thousands of years of tradition, it’s based on the idea that our environment deeply influences how we feel and our overall happiness. By harmonising this energy flow, Feng Shui helps create homes that truly support our wellbeing.
Interestingly, although Feng Shui predates Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by centuries, both share the belief that small, thoughtful changes and organisation can make a significant impact.
Practitioners of Feng Shui believe that with a little spring cleaning and simple adjustments, you can transform your home into a peaceful, positive sanctuary. Here’s how...
The basics of Feng Shui for your home
Decluttering is key
Spring cleaning isn’t just about making your home look good - it’s about feeling refreshed and renewed. Start by clearing out anything you don’t use regularly or that no longer serves a purpose. If you haven’t touched it in over a year, it’s probably time to say goodbye. The same goes for items that bring up negative memories or feelings - letting them go can lighten your mental load. Remember, you don’t have to toss everything - donating to charity shops earns good karma, and valuable items can be sold. Finally, clear off surfaces like desks and side tables; clutter-free surfaces help positive energy flow more freely throughout your home.
Let there be light
Natural light and fresh air are essential not only for your wellbeing but also for the energy, or chi, within your home. Simply opening your curtains and windows each morning invites positivity in. Give your air-purifying plants a little attention and water - they help cleanse the air naturally. Feng Shui also values mirrors highly, but placement matters. Here are four golden rules for mirrors:
- Position mirrors where they reflect light and movement to help energy circulate.
- In dining rooms, mirrors symbolise abundance by visually doubling the food.
- Avoid placing mirrors directly opposite the front door, as they can bounce good energy right back outside.
- Never position mirrors facing the bed, as they can disrupt sleep.
Colour me happy
In Feng Shui, colours correspond to the five natural elements: fire, water, wood, earth, and metal. The colours you choose can influence your mood and the atmosphere in your home - whether you want warmth, calm, or clarity. For example, reds (fire element) can bring passion and luck, while neutral tones (metal element) offer a sense of purity and calm. Choose colours that make you feel happy and uplifted, and positive energy will naturally follow.
Feng Shui tips when building a new home
Staircases
When you visit a Metricon display home like the Lumiere in Mount Waverley or the Riviera in Balwyn, you might notice the staircases are cleverly out of sight from the front entrance. This is no accident. Feng Shui advises against placing staircases in the centre of a home or directly aligned with the front door, as it can cause the energy entering your home to rush upstairs instead of flowing throughout the entire space.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home - and in Feng Shui, it’s a key source of energy that affects the health and wellbeing of your family. Keep island benches clear and avoid placing the sink on the island, as water in the centre of the home can drain energy. Also, don’t position the sink (water element) next to the stove (fire element), as these opposing elements can create conflict in the energy flow.
Living Room
Arrange your living room furniture to encourage a smooth, refreshing flow of energy. Start by defining how you want to use the space, which helps in choosing the right pieces. Ideally, position your couch with a solid wall behind it for support, or place furniture behind it to create a similar effect. Avoid layouts where you have to awkwardly navigate around furniture, as this can block positive energy and disrupt the room’s harmony.
For more interior design or style inspiration, visit one of our award-winning display homes, or check out our image gallery.
