Ever walk into a house only to hear your client say, “I don’t like it,” or something about this house doesn’t “flow?” Sound familiar? It may be bad feng shui.
Ancient Discipline
Before you dismiss it as new-age nonsense, keep in mind that feng shui (pronounced “fung shway”) is an ancient Chinese discipline going back more than 3,000 years.
Good Energy
Feng Shui practitioners believe that the proper placement of objects in your environment can improve the “chi” energy in your surroundings, which thereby increases your overall happiness, peacefulness, and prosperity in your life.
Good Flow
Literally translated, feng shui means “wind” and “water.” Think about it: without water, we will die. Without air, we cannot breathe. Feng shui allows breathing space in our environment.
How can you apply this ancient wisdom to 21st Century living?
Offset Negative Chi
Although structural features of a house cannot always be changed, adding certain objects, colors and design will help to offset negative chi. If the house directly faces the street, it invites negative energy. A red potted plant at the front door helps to encourage good fortune (and buyers).
Start With the Outside
From the manicured lawn to the front door, the way the house appears from the outside, (known as “curb appeal”) is either inviting or off-putting. The landscaping should be rich and lush.
Consider the Interior
Inside the house, encourage your clients to reduce and rearrange furniture to show the off the space and the “bones” of a house. Light attracts good chi energy and good air circulation, so take down curtains. Show your clients how to use color to warm up each room—perhaps a calm blue in the bedroom to relax or a lively yellow in the kitchen. A mirror in a dining room invites positive chi energy as it literally reflects abundance.
Stairway to Positive Energy
It is said that a staircase that directly faces the front door means all of that positive chi energy escapes outside. Bring that good energy back in by adding mirrors, plants and bright lighting.
Bagua Grid
Experts in Feng Shui will use something called a bagua grid, to guide home design. They can then use these design principles to offset any negative or bad chi.
As you see, each area of the house represents a different aspect of life to improve and cultivate.
Career: (Front entrance) Use dark blue and black accents along with mirrors or even a fishbowl to encourage career growth.
Helpful People and Travel: In this section of the house, a client can hang a picture of a beautiful seascape or decorate a shelf with a small globe. White, silver and grey accents work well here.
Knowledge: Move a few books and perhaps a comfortable chair to the knowledge area. Take advantage of earth tone colors.
Wealth and Prosperity: Use the element of wood here, along with red, purple and green bursts of color. Add some coins to improve prosperity.
Relationship: Think about adding paired items in this area, such as two fresh flowers or perhaps two dove figurines. Splashes of pink are said to improve the relationship region of the house.
Fame/Reputation: Red and orange (fire elements!) light up the reputation sector of the house—consider placing candles here.
Family: Add a plant or flower and the color green—to symbolize growth and warmth.
Health: Use earth tones to allow good mental, spiritual and physical health.
Children and Creativity: Artwork, great lighting, or a view of nature outside can inspire creativity and growth. Feature whites and pastels in this part of the house.
Feng Shui can help your sellers stage a house for a quick and prosperous sale. Your can offer flyers or magnets on feng shui “quick tips” for new homeowners.