Feng Shui

Doors are important in Feng Shui as they are the first impression of the space energy, the 'mouth of the house'. We didn't buy a house, once, for many reasons but even from the first impression, the door was too big and out of proportion with the windows. I am often asked, "But which is my front door?" "What if I have two possible doors?" "I live in a studio, so how do I divide a space without a door?" Let's address some of those questions but, first, the main door.   The Main Door For those in a

Windows are a wonderful part of a space and offer light and a view to the outside world. In Feng Shui, it is important to see how quickly from the front door, you see the windows. I have lived in Penang apartments with huge windows which can let in too much light and added sheer curtains as well as blinds to give a sense of space. I have also seen living spaces with tiny windows creating a darkness that is miserable. Ideally, windows shouldn't be bigger than the door and should avoid the 'corridor effect' - more on that

Another person's trash is another person's treasure. It isn't easy to declutter, particularly if you have some lovely items that no longer suit your lifestyle or decor. I have recently become a fan of Marie Kondo, https://konmari.com although I suspect I will give up on the folding sooner rather than later! Her decluttering system partners well with Feng Shui principles of letting go and releasing energy to allow new energy in. Having moved countries and homes, I know how difficult it is to part with beautiful furniture, ornaments and clothes but it can be done. Feng Shui views clutter or a

With balconies or conservatories, they are considered as part of the house or apartment Bagua map, when attached to a building wall. A key Feng Shui practice is to mentally 'push the attached wall out' to include the balcony or patio as part of that area through decorating. Here is what this means. Our Berlin apartment balcony was in part of the Relationship corner and a small mirror was placed in the inside window of the bedroom wall that is next to the balcony and we stated that "this mirror expands the wall to include the balcony". Look at

The main bedroom is one of the big three - kitchen, bathroom and master bedroom. These are the rooms that are generally most used and have the most Chi passing through. At this time, we were redecorating our main Berlin apartment bedroom and it was in the Relationship corner. What is interesting is the lack of choice for bed linen and there is a business design opportunity here! The choices seem to be masculine navy/claret stripes or checks, girly flowers or hotel white chic. Not easy to find linen that both partners are comfortable with which also has the

The lounge or living room is a central meeting area for the whole house or apartment. It should showcase your taste and style while being welcoming and inviting. With Feng Shui principles, it has the same focus. Our apartment moves in to our lounge quickly so different areas have been 'zoned' with furniture, lights and colour to match the Bagua map. With this kind of apartment space, it is important to ensure the centre is uncluttered and has warm tones that match the earth element. We have a wool earth-coloured rug under a glass (water) and metal coffee table.

As stated in my post regarding our Berlin Renovation, having a second bedroom or spare room is an area we think we need but sometimes I wonder, when you consider how often it gets used. The first rule is that the room needs to be used; otherwise, the energy for that space becomes stagnant. I did think of using it as an office but I liked the open area of the lounge and dining table. However; I had an area where I can put my laptop and office equipment away. We also had a wardrobe in there which meant

The bathroom is one of the big three rooms; kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. It is interesting that in Feng Shui, this room is seen as one to manage due to water and drainage being aligned with loss of energy and wealth. In Western culture, it is seen as a spa of relaxation and calm. As with the kitchen, first see where it is placed on the Bagua Map as that will help with choosing colours and elements. Don't forget to consider the complimentary elements as well which will help balance the chi energy. My mentor, Clear Englebert, has an

You will always find me in the kitchen at parties sang Jona Lewie. The kitchen is one of the top three areas to really manage in the Feng Shui world. It is the area where we nourish ourselves, create food for others and where people love to chat. First see where it is placed on the Bagua Map as that will help with choosing colours and elements. Don't forget to consider the complimentary elements as well which will help balance out the chi energy. Also, don't panic, there are solutions as no kitchen is perfect unless you had it

Clear Englebert - I couldn't practise Feng Shui if I didn't believe in it, and I wouldn't believe in it if I hadn't seen it work. Clear is a well known Feng Shui practitioner whose focus is on demystifying Feng Shui principles through the Form school practice. For more information go to his website, http://fungshway.com which provides a range of advice and knowledge. Clear is also available for global consultation. Welcome Clear, it is great to be able to interview you after all these years! I remember that I picked up your book, Feng Shui Demystified, in a Malaysian bookstore and have followed