The minute the words "feng shui" come up in a conversation about decorating or landscaping, some people will be very interested and some will roll their eyes and leave the discussion. But the fact remains that many people in the United States and around the world subscribe to its principles.

The Chinese practice of feng shui is based on the beliefs that both good and bad energy exist in a space and that the management of the energy flow in the space can enhance the quality of life for people living in it. The principles of feng shui include placement of "auspicious" symbols and objects to move the energy around a space. These symbols and objects maximize the good energy and minimize the bad.

Even if you don't believe in feng shui, much of it is practical advice on creating a comfortable space.

As a designer, when clients and I talk about the flow of energy, I tell them that if they could see it, it would look like the flow of vapor. There are places where it flows easily and places where it gets "stuck." Our objective is to allow the energy to flow easily from one part of the house or room to the others. When this is achieved, we have attained good feng shui and good energy (or chi).

And the result of good chi is a harmonious life.

CREATING A SANCTUARY

A garden, deck or patio area is very important in helping the flow of energy in a home. It also is a wonderful place to put many of the auspicious elements to enhance this flow. Such an area should be a place of tranquillity, a sanctuary from the hassles of everyday life.

When redesigning an area in accordance with feng shui principles, the first question one must ask is: What is the feeling one gets from this space now? Is the space soothing? Does it make you feel calm? Or do you feel unsettled when you walk into it? If it makes you feel good, then the energy flow is good; if you don't feel good, then the energy flow is bad. It's that simple.

If the feeling you get is bad, how do you make it good?

Stand at the entry to the space and take a long, hard look at it. Think about how you'd like to feel when you're in the space: tranquil, calm and relaxed. When you look at it do you see clutter? If so, remove it. Do you see dying plants? If so, take them out. Do you see furniture that is well past its prime? Remove, refurbish or replace it.

In other words, remove everything that is disturbing to your eye. What's left should be like a canvas ready to take paint.

MANAGING THE FLOW

Now think about how to add elements that will enhance the flow of energy.

Color is very important in feng shui. Those evoking tranquillity are soft: pink, lavender, salmon, white. Bright colors -- orange, red, strong yellows -- bring in higher energy. Sometimes, if the energy is really stuck, a space will need the stronger colors to move the good energy efficiently.

Water is another element that helps energy move well through a space. A fountain should be placed where its sound can be heard and surrounded with soft plantings and stones. Self-contained fountains are available in gardening and home decorating stores and need only an electric outlet to function.

Wind chimes are frequently used in feng shui and are best placed in a corner where the energy might get stuck. The tubes of the chimes should be hollow to allow energy to flow through them. Stones and statues should be placed to allow energy to move gracefully around them.

Crystals and reflective objects such as mirrors keep energy moving. Place them in dark corners or on small wall areas in which energy might get bottled up.

To help energy move and flow outside the home, colorful silk pennants or flags are helpful. As the wind flows through them, energy is freed and directed by the movement of the fabric. They should be put near sharp corners to keep energy flowing around the edges.

Movement of energy is just one aspect of feng shui. If you would like to learn more, there are many books on the subject that will help you discover a more harmonious way to landscape and decorate.

 

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