How to Feng Shui a House

Feng shui in the home starts with picking the right location, down to the direction your house is facing. If you no longer have a say in this matter, there are still countless moves you can make to improve your environment and, in turn, your and your family's overall well-being. Here's how to use feng shui around your house.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Understand feng shui. In its most basic, modern form, this practice gives a nod to the power of the environment on our mental, emotional and physical health. It involves arranging objects to ultimately enhance our life outcomes.

2. Revamp your entryway. It's the first thing people see when they walk into your home. Remove clutter, such as umbrellas, coats and shoes. Bathe this forum in bright (but not headache-inducing) light. Integrate soothing, natural finishes, and a variety of interesting shapes and colors on the walls to promote positive energy.

3. Rearrange living room furniture. Your living room should include at least two comfortable chairs and a sofa, facing each other in a semi-circle. This arrangement promotes healthy discussion. You should also diminish your TV's and stereo's presence. It should be placed in an armoire where it is hidden from view, or at least placed in a corner so it is not the focal point of your room. Such a set-up does not promote communication.

4. Create an airy, light and spacious dining room. If possible, the table should be near a window with a pleasant outdoor view. Place plants, flowers or grow a garden outside of this window to promote peace. Candles, vases and any other table accessories should not obstruct diner's views of each other.

5. Promote an open kitchen. Remove waist-high cupboards. Open shelves are a better bet as they are not as oppressive. Your kitchen should be as clutter-free as possible, so an efficient storage system is well worth the additional cost. Review the contents in storage and purge regularly.

6. Remove electronics and anything that overstimulates you in the bedroom. The bedroom is your haven, so remove anything that doesn't promote peace. This includes your beloved television set and computer, or even a large collection of books. Symmetry is also important. If you have one lamp on one side or your bed and not on the other, either remove that lamp or, preferably, add another for balance.

7. Balance the water element in a bathroom. Add in other elements, such as organic "earth" materials and plants, to balance out the heavy water-based environment of a bathroom. Brightly-colored towels will also provide balance.

8. Remove clutter in a study or home office. Any out-of-date information should be discarded. A multitude of information can also be transferred to your computer's hard drive. The room should also be open and inviting to promote thought. Any stacked book shelves, contrary to what you normally see, should be minimized or removed as they are often overpowering and restrictive.