Destress and Declutter with Feng Shui
Here at Taylor's on the High Street, we think your home should be much more than where you live. It's a place for you to relax and recharge away from the stress of everyday life. Interior design has a huge impact on the atmosphere of your home. With the right decor, you can create the perfect oasis.
We've touched on Feng Shui and how to decorate your home to help your mental well-being. But what exactly is it, and how can it help clear clutter and create a calmer environment?
Feng Shui is a great way to bring positive energy to your life, and it's surprisingly simple to follow! If you feel like your interiors could use a refresh, then scroll on for our organisation strategies on how to use Feng Shui to organise your home.
What Is Feng Shui?
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art of arranging buildings, interiors and objects in a way that is balanced and brings harmony to your environment. The literal translation of the word is "wind" and "water", and refers to the vital elements for life. Historically, the practice has its roots in Taoism and Buddhism. However, Feng Shui elements can be seen in many different cultures.
Over the years, the art has made its way across the world and into Western homes. The main point of the practice is to allow positive energy to flow through living spaces and create a mindful space. This isn't just good news for your interior design, but using Feng Shiu organisation techniques can also help to reduce stress.
How to use Feng Shui To Declutter
Feng Shui comes from the roots of minimalism, which mean less mess and more organisation. Clearing clutter is an essential part of the Feng Shui process. Excess objects, belongings and general items lying about can create a messy home and a messy mind.
It's easy to declutter a room in 30 minutes; there are just a few simple Feng Shui rules to follow...
Make A List
Before you start, make a list of the zones in your home that you want to declutter. This helps create a visual diagram of what you need to do to keep you on track. Start with the areas that have the most cleaning needed, and work your way down.
Offload Excess
We have all been there; sometimes, we hold on to belongings for a possible future event or scenario or just because it's been with us forever. When in reality, a simplified space means curating your belongings and becoming intentional about what you hold on to.
If you have things you no longer like, need or don't use any more, get rid of them! A simple way to do this is to declutter by categories, such as ornaments, units or clothing. This should help release positive energy and space into the room.
Smart Storage
If you have a smaller space, with too many things and not enough room, investing in storage is the key. Investing in storage units or furniture that includes storage areas can help tuck away all your little trinkets.
We have a number of discreet and elegant storage solutions for this, such as our Havana Gold Media Unit. We also love the Bentley Designs Indus Rustic Oak & Peppercorn Narrow Sideboard for a little more room. To see more of our fantastic storage products, head to our website.
For bedroom storage, we also have an extensive range of stunning ottoman beds you can check out!
Rearrange
Finding the room's focal point is crucial to creating flowing energy in your space. Each room can have different focal points, such as a sofa, a dining table, a bed or even a painting. You want to create a calming space around these main features, so avoid cramming too much around them!
Here are some excellent tips for furniture placement in different rooms:
Bed - In Feng Shui bedroom layout, the ideal spot for your bed is in a commanding position. This means you should be facing the door but not in direct line with it. This position is believed to bring a sense of calmness and relaxation.
Sofa - Being the pinnacle of most living rooms, you will want to ensure large pieces of furniture, such as your sofa, are in the right place. Having your sofa against a wall near a window brings a sense of peace to your space. 'L" shaped sofas are perfect for ensuring flowing Feng Shui, too, as you want to build a space where all your family can relax and communicate easily with one another.
Desk - After the pandemic, many of us have begun working from home or at least have an at-home office. You will need to focus and concentrate in this space, so ensuring it has calming and stimulating qualities is essential. Make sure you have your desk positioned where you can see the entrance to the room, also in the 'commanding' position. If you happen to have any windows in the space, make sure your desk is positioned in a way you can easily look outside too.
How to Use Feng Shui To Destress
If you experience fatigue, sadness, or a lack of motivation, it is likely that the energy flow (known as "chi") in your home is sluggish.
Many are doubtful about the science of Feng Shui. However, some still believe it can help enhance positive mental health. Taking the time to notice how each room makes you feel while considering your arrangement or decor can massively impact your motivation and happiness.
Practice the above methods to achieve a tidy home and a tidy mind. Here are a few extra Feng Shui tips that can maximise your well-being:
Lighting - Strategic lighting is fantastic for relieving stress. We advise opting for warm lighting scattered around your home rather than cold overhead lighting.
Colour - Pick soft and neutral colours in rooms where chilling out is the goal. Earthy tones, in particular, are incredibly calming and can bring a sense of relaxation to any room.
Nature - Adding some plants and flowers into your space automatically reduces stress and makes your room smell great! Studies have proven that adding some extra greenery to your surroundings can reduce stress by 15%!
There you have it! Balancing your home will not only add to the visual appeal of your space but bring you a sense of peace. After using these Feng Shui rules and tips, you should be on your way to being a pro organiser.
