Feng shui is a powerful strategy when trying to sell your apartment and can add thousands of dollars to its value if you get it right. If you’re a buyer in the market, you’ll find the logic of feng shui will resonate strongly.
The surrounding area is actually more important from a feng shui perspective than how it is used inside the apartment.
Much credence is placed on which direction your apartment building faces. If you are on the ninth floor or higher, then the direction your largest window faces has greater relevance. Prestigious directions are east and west.
Here are a few negatives that feng shui highlights: being opposite a hospital, funeral house or cemetery, or behind a large hill or mountain so large that your apartment block appear inconsequential. Taller buildings, a mish-mash of roof lines outside your windows, telegraph poles and nearby intersections are all referred to as “poison arrows”.
On the positive side, a mountain behind your apartment is auspicious, as is a water feature. A curved driveway outside the main building entrance is very auspicious. A straight line of tarmac is not.
In smaller apartments, you’ll find that the confined space means the living area and kitchen are almost part of the same room. And if you have a batchelor pad, then your bedroom is your living room, and vice-versa!
Yet, you can still tap of the power of feng shui to create a more peaceful, happier home. A foundational principal of feng shui is organisation. That means no mess and every item in each room or area must have purpose or function.
Here are nine tips on how to embrace feng shui in your apartment.
Get rid of the clutter
The Chinese see clutter as a blockage to clear thoughts. Make sure that every item in your room has a purpose. That doesn’t mean the apartment has to be perfectly styled. Instead, ensure it has functionality without needless embellishment. The result will add simplicity to your life. The car keys will no longer mysteriously move on their own because you’ll find a proper location for them. If you live in a large complex, you should expect the same lack of clutter in the main foyer, along with good lighting and artwork.
Welcome in the chi
The Chinese believe that energy, or chi, will enter your apartment through the main entrance. So, it is important that you clear the front door and entry area. That means putting away random pairs of shoes, coats and umbrellas. Enhance the area with a bright pendant light and perhaps some artwork that will make a striking first impression for any visitor. If you are career-minded, consider placing a symbol of your work near the door.
Energy flows are important
Feng shui demands that you trap the positive energies (chi). Create definition between each area of your apartment so they have purpose or function. This will provide a feeling of greater size, as the apartment will no longer appear to blend into one single room. Your bedroom(s) should have as much privacy as possible. And if you work from home, then you should endeavour to have a demarcated space away from the rest of the apartment.
Let in the light
Buyers are strongly influenced by the predominance of light in a room and across the entire apartment. Not surprisingly, feng shui puts this element of living, high up on the list. In units starved of light, the more mirrors the better. They reflect the existing light and make rooms so much larger. The key to using mirrors in feng shui is to make sure that they reflect positive aspects of your home and life, rather than a broom cupboard or laundry.
Furniture to trap the energy
A functional lay-out of furniture creates positive energy. In a confined space, it is important your furniture you have smaller scale furniture, and less of it. Your apartment will feel cramped with large couches and an oversized coffee table.
Power of the ‘Five Elements’
Another foundation principal of feng shui is the importance of the so-called five elements – earth, wood, fire, metal and water. You must try to strike a balance with these. Using water may mean your block has a small garden fountain. Inside, the strategic use of candles is a winner for fire. Wood can be represented by furniture or even the colour green. Consider candle holders or ornaments of metal to strike a balance and complete the ‘five elements’.
Kitchen capers
The philosophy of “five Element’ is never stronger than in the kitchen feng shui seeks as triangle between the fridge, stove and sink. If the cooker and basis are opposite each other – water extinguishes fire – then an object or colour (green) that represents wood will calm this juxtaposition of the elements.
Symbolism is powerful
Feng shui says that single pieces of furniture – say, a vase – represents negative symbolism. Instead, you should embrace pairs, especially for ornaments and photographs of family, as pairs represent relationships. Negativity is also produced by mirrors that are hung too high, or surfaces covered with unwanted or discarded items, such as newspapers or handbags that haven’t been put away. This circles back to de-cluttering but is more far-reaching. Walk through your apartment and consider where negative symbolism might exist.
Career and reputation
Feng shui is powerful if you are concerned with your reputation or career. Displays of accolades is encouraged. It’s like having lucky charms. A well-lit entry encourages career progress and you should consider putting an item that represents your career or passion near the door as this has powerful symbolism.
