Local Life - Wigan - March 2019

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Feng Shui Your Home
Let’s be honest: a lot of people think feng shui is a
load of baloney, adopted by homeowners with too
much time on their hands. But the process really
doesn’t need to be that complicated, and it can help
declutter your space while promoting wellbeing.
The ancient Chinese art of feng shui allegedly dates
back to the Tang Dynasty in the seventh century. It
argues that our surroundings – namely, our homes
– reflect what’s going on with our inner selves,
and aims to harmonise the energy (or chi) in the
environment. This can sound pretty complicated,
but don’t worry – here are some tips to get you
started.
with heavy sentimental value or that make you feel
calm can definitely improve the mood of a room.
Direct the energy flow. Open windows can seep
energy out of a room, while a direct path from
the front to the back door can prevent it from
comfortably circulating around the home. Try
soft drapes or blinds if you want to avoid heavier
curtains over windows, and try a colourful rug by
the doors. Adding a mirror by the front door can
improve lighting and prevent you feeling like you’re
being ‘walled in’ when you enter the house.
Firstly, declutter. Get rid of any lurking rubbish and
throw out last month’s newspapers (you’re probably
not going to read them). Wash up any dirty dishes
and organise any laundry that’s hanging around.
Not only will this transform your home into a more
welcoming space, but you’ll have a lot more room
to work with.
Reorganise the furniture. Spatial arrangement is
the biggest part of feng shui – in the living room,
for example, the sofa should be placed against
a wall for protection, with the rest of the seating
arranged to facilitate conversation. Bright colours
like green and yellow in a kitchen can promote
healthy eating, while soft, wide lighting includes
everyone in dinnertime chatter. Softer angles for
things like cabinets and tables can make the room
more inviting.
Get rid of distractions. If you want your lounge
area to be a positive family space, it’s a good idea
to cover things like electronics. Putting the TV in a
closing cabinet can encourage conversation and
family time, while loud paintings might detract
from a relaxed atmosphere.
Think décor. Getting rid of clutter doesn’t mean
you can’t keep things that you love. Ornaments