Feng Shui and interiors go hand-in-hand, with ancient principles having the power to truly transform any room in the home, leaving a sense of calm in its wake. From lighting through to layout, how do the guidelines vary across different spaces, like living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms? And what are the signs that you’ve achieved balance in each area?
After speaking with Ryan Terren, Feng Shui consultant at LifeHouse, we’ve utilised Midjourney and Photoshop’s AI to create a series of AI-generated images that showcase the difference in rooms that apply Feng Shui principles and those that don't. We're taking a look at the role that lighting plays when searching for balance, and providing tips on the changes you can make to create an environment that feels personal, peaceful, and harmonious.
An important note from Ryan: “Feng Shui is a complex and ancient system with many schools and approaches. In this instance, I've shared simplified, practical principles that may be applied universally. These aren't fixed rules. Rather, general guidelines that, if followed with flexibility and imagination, will increase wellbeing, peace, and inspiration in your home.”
A living room wants to be welcoming, cosy, warm, and relaxing. A room that has incorporated little to no Feng Shui principles might feel cold, stark, sterile, and uninviting - picture limited variety of colour, with cool tones such as blues, greens, and greys taking up most of the space.
Little existing decor that lacks personality; think walls with limited, uninspiring artwork and a large TV, and seating that has its back to the door.
Lighting will be lacking throughout the space. Perhaps using just a single, overhead light that feels isolated and too bright.
Overall, the room will be generally bare and an uncomfortable place to spend time in.
In a living room where Feng Shui has been followed, there should be feelings of openness, relaxation, and protection. Seating should mainly relate to each other, and never have its back to the door. Instead, try positioning in front of a wall, with an air gap of at least 10 centimetres, allowing for circulation and light.
The main palette should be filled with rich tones and paired with a generous bold mix of colour. Hints of cooler contrasting tones can be introduced if preferred, but in small amounts only.
Using a variety of lighting helps to create a sense of depth, interest, and homeliness, with a focus on softer, warm bulbs - nothing that’s too glaring. Floor lamps work best in areas close to where you’ll be reading or playing games, accompanied by picture lights to highlight artwork, as well as LED strip lights within bookcases.
When it comes to decor, don’t try to be too minimalistic but avoid too much visual clutter. Place meaningful objects, vibrant artwork, and photos around the room. Bookcases, setback in alcoves and filled with a curated selection of your favourite books are a great addition.
Often referred to as one of the most important rooms in the house for Feng Shui, the bedroom should ooze feelings of peace, simplicity, and restfulness. When principles haven't been put into practice, you risk being overwhelmed with clutter and chaos.
The telltale signs are the bed being pushed close to a wall with little to no space around it and mismatched table lamps on either side. As well as this, the room will consist of cool colours with recessed ceiling lights and cold bulbs.
When exploring Feng Shui in the bedroom, if the space allows, position the bed opposite your bedroom door, with a solid wall behind and enough room for two bedside tables and matching table lamps. Ensure that it’s raised off the floor, with nothing underneath other than a large rug, so the air can circulate around the room.
Symmetry works well in this space. Use calming artwork that represents nautral aspects of life, in pairs to signify harmony. Muted tones such as cream, sandy colours with a touch of warmth added in amongst pillows and throws will help to strike a blissful balance.
Bedroom lighting should consist of a soft pendant-style lampshade, fit with a warm bulb and placed in the centre of the room. Additional accent lighting can be used if there is a dressing area, but only if you can commit to keeping it tidy and minimal. To keep that balance going, make sure your bedside lamps are a matching pair.
When it comes to the bathroom, the key is to create an environment that feels soothing and luxurious, but most importantly clean and tidy. If Feng Shui hasn’t been thought of, there’s a risk that it’ll feel heavy, dirty, and cluttered.
Bathroom suites that have been designed without Feng Shui guidelines in mind will likely consist of cream, yellow, or brown tones with similar shades splashed across the walls. The space will feel messy with open waste bins, an overload of products on display, and baths, sinks and counters in a colour that just looks a bit grimey.
Unlike the living room or bedroom, a bathroom with Feng Shui in mind should consist of cool tones. The area should be lit by location, for example, around mirrors or to enhance pictures on the walls. Dimmable recessed or flush ceiling lights that you can switch on and off at your leisure add extra personalisation.
Large mirrors can be placed above sinks or on the back of the door. For mirrors above the sink you can always try and LED bathroom mirror to get your lighting needs built in. The bath should be positioned so that the door can be seen easily when reclined. If the option is available, keep the toilet seperate but if that's not possible, make sure to keep it closed.
When in the bath, LED candles can be utilised near to the bath to achieve ultimate relaxation.
And don't forget - bathrooms are steamy places so make sure you're shopping for IP rated lights. (Not sure what that means? We've got a blog to explain.)
So, now you know the changes that can be made throughout your home. But what is it that makes them so important?
Ryan explains: “Practical Feng Shui principles like these help us to create a home in which we feel not only comfortable and supported, but revitalised and inspired. Feng Shui is an extremely deep art that explores the unique connection we have with our spaces, and of course, goes beyond furniture placement and use of colour. But, even these relatively simple concepts represent powerful ways to release a healthy and generative flow of energy into our lives.”
Whether it’s switching up your cushions, adding in new location lighting, or exploring a new layout, there are a number of different ways you can implement Feng Shui principles in your home to achieve feelings of peace and balance, you just need to focus on what elements feel right for you.
