Home Interior and new Fang Shui trend

Home Interior and new Feng Shui trend
By Gabriel Fuller
Faculty Arts & Design
Abstract
Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical
solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment.
These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the
occupants, and are aesthetically attractive. In this paper you will see the fang
shuai‘s new trend and how interior will bring the positivity to your home and
attitude.
1.0 Introduction
Designs are created in response to and coordinated with the building
shell, and acknowledge the physical location and social context of the
project. Designs must adhere to code and regulatory requirements, and
encourage the principles of environmental sustainability.
Figure 1

The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated
methodology, including research, analysis and integration of knowledge
into the creative process, whereby the needs and resources of the client
are satisfied to produce an interior space that fulfils the project goals.
Interior design includes a scope of services performed by a professional
design practitioner, qualified by means of education, experience, and
examination, to protect and enhance the life, health, safety and welfare of
the public. These services may include any or all of the following tasks:
‣ Research and analysis of the client's goals and requirements; and
development of documents, drawings and diagrams that outline those
needs;
‣ Formulation of preliminary space plans and two and three dimensional
design concept studies and sketches that integrate the client's program
needs and are based on knowledge of the principles of interior design
and theories of human behavior;
‣ Confirmation that preliminary space plans and design concepts are
safe, functional, aesthetically appropriate, and meet all public health,
safety and welfare requirements, including code, accessibility,
environmental, and sustainability guidelines;
‣ Selection of colors, materials and finishes to appropriately convey the
design concept, and to meet socio-psychological, functional,
maintenance, life-cycle performance, environmental, and safety
requirements;
‣ Selection and specification of furniture, fixtures, equipment and
millwork, including layout drawings and detailed product description;
and provision of contract documentation to facilitate pricing,
procurement and installation of furniture;
‣ Provision of project management services, including preparation of
project budgets and schedules;

‣ Preparation of construction documents, consisting of plans, elevations,
details and specifications, to illustrate non-structural and/or nonseismic
partition layouts; power and communications locations;
reflected ceiling plans and lighting designs; materials and finishes; and
furniture layouts;
‣ Preparation of construction documents to adhere to regional building
and fire codes, municipal codes, and any other jurisdictional statutes,
regulations and guidelines applicable to the interior space;
‣ Coordination and collaboration with other allied design professionals
who may be retained to provide consulting services, including but not
limited to architects; structural, mechanical and electrical engineers,
and various specialty consultants;
‣ Confirmation that construction documents for non-structural and/or
non-seismic construction are signed and sealed by the responsible
interior designer, as applicable to jurisdictional requirements for filing
with code enforcement officials;
‣ Administration of contract documents, bids and negotiations as the
client's agent;
Observation and reporting on the implementation of projects while in
progress and upon completion, as a representative of and on behalf of
the client; and conducting post-occupancy evaluation reports.(csbsuni,
2015)
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Importance of Interior Design
Interior design is not just about the looks of the building‘s interior.
Well, it is but it also plays the key role in its functionality because
even the largest house can lack space if having a poor interior
design, while a tiny apartment can be transformed into a cosy
residence with enough space for just about everything with the
right design and the use of a contemporary staircase. Yes, interior
design is much more important than it may seem at a first glance
and can be easily compared with the importance of architecture, at

least when it comes to interior. Hiring an interior designer is
therefore more than just a good idea if building a new house or
remodelling/renovating the existing one.
Figure 2
The house‘s interior must be aesthetically appealing and practical
at the same time. However, what is aesthetically appealing such as
a beautiful Blinds or great looking modern boiler stoves depends
greatly on whom you ask because everyone has different needs and
lifestyle. As a result, the standard architectural plans rarely meet
the client‘s needs completely. With an aim to save money for an
interior designer and modifications of the architect‘s plan, many
people make the crucial mistake by accepting the offered plan even
if they would prefer for the toilet to be separated from your
bathroom or perhaps create a smaller living room to gain enough
space for a home office for example. And when they realize that
they are serving the house instead of vice versa, they spend even
more money for alterations than they would if hiring an interior
designer when starting the project. It is often difficult to decide
which interior design meets your needs and lifestyle the most
because most designs usually do not show the need for
improvements or alterations until you are actually using them.
However, an interior designer will help you avoid finding yourself

with a newly built or renovated house that could have been done
better because all interior designers are trained to help their clients
choose a design according to their lifestyle.
Figure 3
But they do not only take care of the layout but they also help you
choose the right decor, lightning, paint colour, etc. depending on
what you want to leave over to an expert and how much you can
afford to spend on the project.
Unfortunately, the best interior designers are not inexpensive but it
is far more expensive to tear down the walls or build new ones a
year or two after completion of the project. However, if you know
exactly what you need, you can design your home‘s interior by
yourself and ask an architect to make it realisable. Another great
idea which will help you reduce the costs for an interior designer as
well as to avoid finding yourself unsatisfied with the results of your
project is to hire an interior designer only for the key works such as
layout and take care of the easier part of interior design yourself.
Think about it but take plenty of time before you make your final
decision because the interior of your home should not only look
good but also needs to be functional.(transedit, 2016)
2.2 What is Feng Shuai
Feng shui is an ancient art and science that was formalized over
3,000 years ago in China. In literal translation feng means
"wind" and shui means "water." In Chinese culture, wind and water

are associated with good health, thus good feng shui came to mean
good fortune. Conversely, bad feng shui means bad luck or
misfortune.
Some elements of Feng shui practice date back at least 6,000 years,
and it contains elements of various branches of scholarly study,
including physics, philosophy, astronomy, and astrology. It is
related closely to closely to the Taoist vision and understanding of nature,
particularly the idea that the land is alive and filled with Chi, or
energy. Other concepts shared between feng shui and Taoism
include the polarities of yin and yang—the polar opposites that
cannot exist without the other—and the theory of five elements.
Feng shui is sometimes thought to be the art of placement—
understanding how the placement of yourself and objects within a
space affects your life in various areas of experience. It is a
complex body of knowledge that teaches us how to balance and
harmonize with the energies in any given space—be it a home,
office, or garden. Its aim is to assure good fortune for the people
inhabiting a space. Although regarded by some in the scientific
community as a pseudo-science, feng shui has had an impact on the
aesthetics of interior design and the architectural layout of living
and working spaces, both in its native eastern and, more recently,
western cultures.
Since good fortune comes in many forms, including better health, a
successful career, or a fulfilling love life, feng shui practice
includes detailed tips for almost every area of your life. The main
tools used in analyzing the feng shui of any space are the feng
shui compass and the bagua.
2.3 Two Basic Feng Shui Principles
The principle of yin and yang1: The Taoist theory of yin and yang is
essential to feng shui. At the core of this principle lies a belief that
a balance of the feminine (Yin) and the masculine (Yang) in our
lives is necessary to maintain a good flow of Chi and a content,
happy, successful life.

In Taoist and Feng shui theory, yin and yang are opposites that are
dependent upon one another and which must always be in balance.
The principle of duality—the idea that all things are balanced
blends of two things—is at the root of yin/yang theory. While most
other spiritual philosophies believe in opposing dualities, such as
good vs. evil, the Chinese Taoist system believes that balance and
equilibrium between opposites is the desirable state. Discord
occurs when one principle outweighs the other.
Figure 4
The principle of five elements2: Also central to Taoism and feng
shui is the theory of five elements. By tradition, feng shui practice
holds that all things consist of varying degrees of five elements. In
the feng shui system, wood, fire, earth, metal, and water are the
five elements, and each is represented by certain colors that can
help us bring harmony to a particular space.
The five elements can interact in any number of ways, some
constructive and some destructive. In the constructive cycle, for
example, water provides moisture for trees (wood) to grow; wood
then becomes a fuel for fire; the residue of fire is ash or soil; the
ash/soil is the essence of earth minerals that form metals; and as
metal cool, they allow water to condense, completing the cycle. In

a destructive cycle, on the other hand, metal can cut wood; and
wood can grow over and consume soil. (RODIKA TCHI, 2018)
3.0 How Does Feng Shuai Work?
Feng shui‘s architectural principles are cryptically based on the invisible
force of qi, which can be directly translated as ―air,‖ but it is more
analogous to the universal principles of physics. Qi is the same
energy Shaolin monks use to break bricks with their bare hands (here, the movement
of qi is a phenomenon proven by medical science), and which Chinese
medicine rejuvenates in the body. The concept of qi comes from Daoism,
whose central tenet is that energy, or essence, is impermanent in form,
and fluid in nature ( 道 可 道 非 常 道 —The Dao that can be put into words
is not the eternal Dao). According to Daoism, water is the ideal state of
matter because it flows effortlessly from place to place, knowing
instinctively the ―way‖ or the 道 by finding the path of least resistance.
While describing architecture in metaphorical terms seems like a lot of
superstitious gobbledygook, feng shui can be understood as the attempt to
give living spaces a feeling of effortlessness and comfort. For example, in
suggesting that a dragon should travel through the chambers of a building
before it was constructed, feng shui is suggesting that we look for any
awkward turns or cramped spaces in our building designs, the same way
that buildings today have to be wheelchair accessible.
In deciding the exact position of a building and the way it should be
constructed, feng shui involved a lot of complex calculations and
meticulous attention to detail. The luopan ( 罗 盘 luópán), or magnetic
compass, was invented for feng shui purposes and used as a tool for landbased
divination before it was ever taken to sea. Luo means everything,
and pan means bowl, making the magnetic compass metaphorically a
bowl that contains all the mysteries of the universe. One of its functions
was to measure various landscape elements, as rivers, hills, or other
geographical features were deemed to have some influence on the qi
running through the area. Thousands of years before the scientific
discovery of magnetic polarity, the ancient Chinese described these forces
in terms of yin (feminine receiving force) and yang (masculine pushing
force). The balance of these universal forces was essential to finding the
right place for a structure with good qi, in the same waythat Chinese

medicine attempts to restore the balance of yin and yang to the body.
Each of eight directions had their own special characteristics of qi, which
made it important to choose the right orientation for a structure. In
addition, the luopan allowed more precise geographical and climate
considerations to be taken into account. Ideal buildings were high and
solid towards the north to break the wind, and low and open towards the
south to capture light, warmth, and the summer breeze.
Before the invention of the compass, the Form School used geographical
features to make feng shui judgments, and was more intuitively based on
harmony with natural surroundings. For example, the Form School holds
that cities should be built against a mountain range at their north end to
block the flow of bad qi. Later, the Compass School developed
mechanical techniques to identify the distinct types of qi that come from
each of the eight directions, involving complex calculations using
instruments such as the luopan.
Figure 5
Complex metaphysical calculations also took into account the five
elements—metal, earth, fire, water, and wood—which also feature
prominently in other disciples stemming from Chinese philosophy
like martial arts, medicine, and choosing auspicious names. The five elements, like
qi, are invisible forces which destroy and create when interacting with
one another. According to Chinese philosophy, earth is a buffer zone in
which life can exist because extreme elements and polarities cancel each

other out. It is the feng shui architect‘s job to balance these five elements
against one another, although a great deal of flexibility is allowed when it
comes to the design features that elements are incorporated into. The
order of architectural application of these elements comes in decreasing
order of form, orientation, placement, color, material, texture, and
numbers. If there are urban or topographical constraints on the design of
the building, then the balance of the elements cannot be achieved in form,
for example, then the architect can compensate with colors that would
offset the imbalance.(Patrick Kim, 2016)
4.0 Feng Shui Tips To Clean Your Home & Your Life
In spring, the earth leaps into action. Spring is the season of blooming
and sprouting, and the best way to prepare for its arrival is to clear lots of
space for the greatness of all that's about to emerge in your life. It's time
to come out of hibernation and stretch into the sunshine. Flowers wake
up. Seeds are planted. The days stay lighter longer.
In the ancient practices of feng shui and Traditional Chinese Medicine
there's a reverence for staying connected to nature and flowing with the
seasons. While you do some cleaning, you may want to think of ways to
spend more time outside in the months to come to really harness the
greatness of the seasonal switch.(BondCleaninginPerth, 2016)
Today I wanted to share a few feng shui-ed cleaning tips that can help
you create the foundation for a season of real abundance:
1. Declutter!
I often recommend clearing out the clutter in your home, office, car and
any other space in your life, but in spring, focus your efforts on what you
need to clear away in order to feel more active. Bring your workout gear
front and center in your closet, along with brighter colors if you really
want to embrace the rebirth of the season. Deep cleaning the whole
kitchen — particularly the refrigerator — will somewhat strangely make
you feel incredible. It's a great prosperity feng shui tip, too!
2. Clean under things.
Dust collects under things. That dust creates stagnation. Stagnation is the
opposite of flow and circulation. Flow and circulation bring health and

prosperity. Cleaning under things thoroughly — your sofa, your bed …
even the oven and refrigerator if possible — will open up any stagnant
energy and get the flow going. This action will help you to open up stuck
areas of your own life as well, so embrace it!
3. Wash your windows.
Another area of cleaning neglect for many, washing the windows gives
you a fresh perspective on life. While you're at it, pop out your blinds if
you have them and wash them in your tub; toss your curtains in the
laundry or dry-clean them. You'll be astonished by the difference this
makes in your home, particularly if you open your windows often.
4. Welcome in new ideas.
Look through your bookshelves and see if you can donate or gift some to
friends who might love them. Now you have room for fresh ideas to come
into your life this season. Pick up a few fresh books that feel light,
engaging and, of course, compelling.
5. Practice cash shui!
Polish the flow of your finances. Spring is a season of action, and you
want to be sure that action doesn‘t come at the expense of your
prosperity. Beyond rooting through your files and getting your taxes
prepared, think about a few new ways to organize, invest or save money.
A budget, a visit to your money manager, some accounting software or
simply deciding to live using only cash to buy things (a very effective
strategy for people who impulse buy with credit cards) can make this a
wealthier spring.(Dana Claudat, 2013)
5.0 Interior Design and Feng Shui
FENG Shui can be a complex practice and if you are uninformed it can
leave you more stressed and confused than relaxed about how to create a
peaceful and harmonious environment.
There are many things to bear in mind when applying the Feng Shui
principals to your home, office or life. The main goals are flow and
energy within the house i.e. positive and negative, wealth, health,
relationships, colour, shapes and objects.

Figure 6
Then there are the elements such as wind, fire, earth and water. If you
have an interest in Feng Shui but you‘re not sure where to start, have a
look at the essence and the overall ideals of this practice.
The basic principals of Feng Shui are about creating an environment that
enriches, nourishes and enhances your life, which is also the direct aim of
Interior Designers.
You don‘t have to completely redesign your home to introduce these
elements. Just a few simple changes can be enough to create an instant
change.
6.0 Where to start?
6.1 Clutter - Clutter is an instant negative.
If your space is cluttered it is not only visually cluttered but can
cause ‗emotional‘ clutter.
This can create wasted energy on worrying about a situation that
can eventuate exhaustion and a feeling of being constantly drained.
Give yourself small projects to start with (so you don‘t feel
overwhelmed) and build on this each week.
6.2 Colour – Match the colour to the situation.

There is enough on the psychology of colour to fill a library but
how to choose your colour can be as simple as the mood you are
trying to reflect.
‣ Red – incites passion, power and motivation
‣ Green – reflects harmony, nature, growth and prosperity
‣ Blue – is known for imagination, the ocean, serenity and
calm
‣ White - reflects purity, innocence and freshness
6.3 Energy and Flow – This is as simple as the ‗blocks‘ put in front of
you. Bold feature walls or contrasting couches, such as a black
leather couch on top of off-white carpet might be vibrant and
energising in a large open plan room or warehouse setting but
move that into a small, single room and it becomes confronting and
blocks your energy and thoughts.
You can eliminate blocks by placing a darker rug under the couch
so there isn‘t such a severe contrast to the carpet. Or change the red
wall to a more restful white like the carpet to maintain a feeling of
softness and give an illusion of flowing space.
6.4 Light – Introducing natural light into your environment adds to the
quality of the mood within your home and cuts the cost of your
energy bills.
Opening your home with vast windows and inviting the outdoors in
creates calm and harmony with nature and your environment.
To get a true reading of your home and how Feng Shui can
enhance your life get an individual reading from a professional
Feng Shui master.
Everybody‘s house is different so this will give a true indication of
what your needs will be.
Interior designer Shaynna Blaze from the LifeStyle Channel‘s
Selling Houses Australia is an expert on home makeovers and can
answer all your questions on interior decorating and design ideas
at www.lifestyle.com.au/shaynna.(Shaynna Blaze, 2017)

7.0 Feng Shui in Interior Design
Feng shui is the art of organizing spaces to increase positive energy or
Chi in our environment. Feng shui pronounced "fung shway" originated
in China. Feng shui means wind and water in Chinese.
Figure 7
To create a healthy, wealthy, and balanced interior design
environment you should use the five feng shui elements of nature (water,
fire, earth, wood and metal) in different combinations and form in every
room of your living space. Here are my best feng shui tips to help you
create balance, flow and harmony in your living space:
Figure 8
Create an inviting, appealing, and welcoming atmosphere in the front
area of your home as positive energy enters your home from the entrance
door. De-clutter, tidy, clean, and organize every room in your living
space. This will let you feel calm, comfortable and relaxed.

Avoid dark corners, low ceilings, dark colors and sharp pointed objects
because they produce negative energy (roundness is preferred in feng
shui). (Leovan Design, 2016)
8.0 Conclusion
A good tip for homeowners is understand the atmosphere of your home,
and how you connect to it. For instance, if you love the sound of running
water, invest in a wall fountain. If you‘re constantly hot all the time, keep
your house cooler. Invest in good window covers, and make sure you can
control the temperature. Darken the space so it‘s less bright. These are all
things you can do to change the atmosphere of your own home, and
they‘re all based on how you connect to your house. If your place seems
loud and clanky, add softness—buy a carpet or hang drapes. If things
seem kind of blah colour-wise—you‘ve got too much black and white—
colour can add a lot of energy to a space. If you‘re feeling low, pick a
colour that you love and paint one wall in it. This way, you‘ll get a hit of
energy every time you look at it.(beyondfashionmagazine, 2016)

References
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