Did you know that most people decide how they feel about a space within seconds of walking through the door? Whether it’s a client’s dream home or an interior design project, that initial impression is powerful – and often tied to something many designers overlook: the flow of energy in the space.
This is where Feng Shui offers insights that go beyond aesthetics. Yet, it’s also one of the most misunderstood practices influencing interior design. Some dismiss it as superstition, while others reduce it to a handful of quirky rules. Feng Shui is a practice that helps create homes that not only look beautiful but also feel supportive and harmonious.
I’m Jane Langof, an internationally accredited Feng Shui master and award-winning author of Feng Shui: A Homeowner’s Guide to Abundance. My work focuses on creating spaces that are functional, uplifting, and aligned with the goals of the people who live in them.
In this article, I’ll debunk common myths about Feng Shui and share how understanding its principles can elevate your design projects. By the end, you’ll see why this ancient practice has a place in modern design – and how it can give your work a competitive edge.
Image Source: Interior by @fengshuiconcepts Photography by @ess.creative
Feng Shui, which translates to “wind and water”, is an ancient Chinese practice that works with the flow of energy – or qi (pronounced chi) - in an environment. The idea is simple: the way a space is arranged affects how people feel, think, and interact within it.
Everything in a room, including light, air, colours, and the placement of furniture impacts energy. When these elements are balanced, the space can support health, creativity, and abundance.
But let’s clear up a common misconception: Feng Shui isn’t about following rigid rules or filling your home with Chinese ornaments. It’s about creating spaces that feel good and work well, tailored to the people who live there.
Image Source: Interior by @fengshuiconcepts Photography by @ess.creative
Many people write off Feng Shui because it doesn’t fit neatly into a scientific framework. But consider how a cluttered room can leave you feeling unsettled, while a bright, open space with fresh air feels calm and inspiring. Feng Shui builds on this idea, offering a deeper understanding of how our surroundings influence us.
For instance, the front door is known as the “mouth of qi” in Feng Shui – this is where energy enters the home. A cluttered entryway can block that flow, making the home feel chaotic or uninviting. Clearing this area not only makes practical sense but also fosters a sense of ease and clarity when stepping inside.
Consider the experience of arriving at a home. Ideally, the entrance has an element of containment, like a foyer or a space for the energy to settle. Artwork is best placed on a nearby wall to draw energy inside. Avoid placing a mirror directly opposite the entrance, as this reflects energy and opportunities out the door.
Another misconception is that Feng Shui requires Chinese ornaments like lucky cats, red lanterns, or golden money toads. Feng Shui is about balance and energy flow, not a specific style. It uses the five elements used in Chinese Metaphysics (think acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine) to create harmony. The five elements are wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, and these elements can be introduced subtly into any design aesthetic, whether it’s minimalist, contemporary, or traditional.
For example, a sleek timber dining table introduces the wood element, while a marble benchtop brings in earth. Water can be represented by reflective surfaces like mirrors. It’s about finding balance rather than imposing a particular look.
When planning a room, think about which elements are already present and which ones are missing. A space dominated by hard, metallic finishes might benefit from warm timber furniture or soft fabric to balance the energy. Incorporating these elements accurately is based on the specific energy map of a home, which we will cover next.
One-size-fits-all advice is one of the biggest misconceptions about Feng Shui. Generic tips like “put a plant in the wealth corner” are simplistic and can only take you so far. True Feng Shui takes into account the unique qualities of a home – its location, layout, construction date, and surrounding environment – along with the specific needs and goals of its occupants.
For instance, a home built in the 1970s will have a different energy map than a newly constructed property. Even factors like the shape of the block it’s built on or the nearby landscape can influence how the space feels.
If your client is open to Feng Shui, work with a qualified practitioner to calculate the unique energy map of their home. This will show you where the positive and negative energy centres are located, like wealth sector which can be activated with the placement of a door or a water feature. Working with a Feng Shui master ensures you maximise the energy in the home for greater wealth, harmonious relationships and well-being.
While the arrangement of furniture is a key aspect of Feng Shui, it’s far from the whole story. Feng Shui considers everything from natural light to airflow, colours, and even the history of the property.
Take the bedroom, for example. Feng Shui suggests placing the bed in the “commanding position,” where the occupant can see the door without being directly in line with it. This promotes a sense of safety and supports restful sleep. But just as important are other elements, such as avoiding beams over the bed, which can create a sense of pressure, or ensuring a balance of textures to make the room feel cosy and secure.
In bedrooms, place the bed in the area diagonally opposite the door, along a solid wall without windows. Avoid mirrors reflecting the bed as this amplifies unresolved issues and tension between couples. Avoid ensuite bathrooms without doors that open directly into bedrooms.
As more homeowners seek wellness-focused living, Feng Shui provides a unique opportunity to elevate your designs. It goes beyond aesthetics, allowing you to create spaces that not only look good but also feel good on a deeper level.
Integrating Feng Shui shows clients that you’re thinking holistically about their space - how it functions, feels, and supports their goals. This can set you apart from other designers while also creating homes that leave a lasting impression.
Collaborating with a Feng Shui consultant can also help avoid common design pitfalls or give you advice on how to deal with them. For example, designing a home where the front door is directly aligned with the backdoor or the stairs can significantly impact property value and appeal when it comes time to sell.
Image Source: Stocksy.
Here are a few Feng Shui principles to inspire your next project:
Create a welcoming entrance by encouraging a meandering flow of energy with curved paths or planters. Add a focal point, like artwork or a feature wall, to draw energy inside. Avoid layouts where the front door aligns with the back door or a staircase.
Position the bed along a solid wall and away from direct alignment with the door. Use soft, calming colours and avoid mirrors reflecting the bed. Keep bold colours out of the bedroom to maintain a peaceful energy.
Water amplifies the energy in a space regardless of whether it’s positive or negative. It’s best to consult a Feng Shui master on the placement of water features and always keep the water clean and fresh. Avoid the colour red (fire energy) in large expanses and avoid red in kitchens, which needs earthy elements for balance.
Feng Shui doesn’t need to be complex or overwhelming. It’s a practical tool for creating homes that are not only beautiful but also balanced and functional. Learn how Feng Shui can enhance your projects and elevate your design approach at fengshuiconcepts.com.au or follow Jane on Instagram @fengshuiconcepts. You’ll find practical tips, inspiring case studies, and guidance on working with Feng Shui in a modern context.
Ready to take your passion for design further? Explore our online interior design course and gain the skills to transform spaces with confidence and creativity. Join us and start your journey in interior design today!
This post was authored by Jane Langof, one of our industry experts here at The Interior Design Institute.
Expert Guest writer for The Interior Design Institute
Jane Langof is a leading Feng Shui master based in Sydney, Australia and the author of Feng Shui: A Homeowner’s Guide to Abundance. She specialises in combining ancient Feng Shui principles with contemporary design to create award-winning homes and spaces that radiate abundance and positive energy.
Learn more at fengshuiconcepts.com.au
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