Top tips for maximising feng shui in your home

If you’re planning on freshening up your home you might be looking for ways to maximise the space you have to create a comfortable, harmonious environment.

Feng shui, the ancient Chinese philosophical system used to position buildings in relation to features such as rivers and the stars, has been used in China for thousands of years. More recently feng shui has become increasingly popular around the world to create harmonious interiors and encourage positive energy into homes and offices.

Planning on updating your home? Read our tips for funding home improvements.

“Feng shui's principles maintain that we live in harmony with our environment,” says feng shui expert Prya Sher. “Its aim is to achieve balance in your living and working space and maximise your potential for success in all areas of your life. Literally translated feng shui means ‘wind water’. Wind scatters energy and water holds energy.

"Homes are a reflection of their occupants. If any part is missing, neglected or has negative energy then this is reflected in the life of its occupant.”

Priya Sher shares her ten tips for feng shui at home.

1. Dress the front door to attract wealth

The front door should be in perfect condition as it represents wealth. To draw the energy to your front door place a beautiful plant and light either side of the door.

2. Declutter the hallway so energy can circulate

The hall represents opportunities, therefore, ensure it is kept free from clutter so the energy can circulate; place coats and shoes inside a closed cupboard so they don't stagnate the energy. To activate the beneficial chi in the hall place a beautiful mirror and fresh flowers. Fresh flowers instantly uplift the energy of a space.

3. Harmonise the kitchen to avoid conflict

The kitchen is a vital space as its energy represents nourishment and relationship harmony for the occupants. Ensure that you don't place the sink and cooker opposite each other as that can lead to arguments between couples, as it creates a water and fire crash. The colours in the kitchen are also an important consideration - avoid too much black and red as that also causes a fire and water crash.

The position of the cooker is important for the nourishment of the occupants- ensure it is not positioned under a window or directly opposite the kitchen or front door.

Read our tips for revamping a kitchen on a budget

4. Position living room furniture to activate energy

Ensure that furniture for the living room is in proportion to the space. Do not block any doors with furniture and position the main sofa against a wall to provide the occupants with support. To activate wealth energy place a lamp in the corner of the room (diagonally opposite the room door).

Subscribe today for just £34.95 for 12 issues...

Subscribe today and save 51%

5. Hang a mirror in the dining room to optimise energy

The dining room or table is an important consideration in feng shui as it provides a space where you can concentrate mindfully on what you are eating. In feng shui we consider the dining space to relate with the spleen which relates to the element Earth, which in traditional Chinese medicine is concerned with digestion. To optimise the energy in this space place a mirror on the wall to reflect the dining table and place fresh flowers on the table.

Read our tips for small dining rooms

6. Arrange bedroom furniture to encourage restful sleep

To encourage a restful sleep the bedrooms must be a light neutral colour and the beds must have a headboard and be positioned with the headboard against a solid wall. Ideally, the bed must not be in line with the bedroom door. Place bedside tables either side of the bed to provide support. Place curvy lamps and lightly fragranced candles on the bedside table to introduce some romantic energy.

7. Keep the bathroom clean and tidy to avoid wealth drain

The bathroom must always be kept clean with the door closed and toilet lid down. This is the area where wealth may get drained (depending on calculations) so introduce some plants in here, as plants soak in water which slows the flow of wealth draining away.

Find out how to revamp your bathroom on a budget

8. Spruce up the garden for a happy, healthy future

The front garden represents your future so ensure it is always kept beautiful. Plant beautiful flowers and plants and always keep it tidy.

The back garden represents both health and wealth for the occupants so ensure it is always kept in good condition. The boundaries/fences/wall must always be well maintained to provide support to the occupants.

Priya Sher is a feng shui expert and Nectar Life Hacks host. Collect and redeem your Nectar points with a variety of partners including Sainsbury's, Argos, eBay, Designers Guild and Laura Ashley.