How to introduce Feng Shui into your decor
When it comes to positive energy and feel-good vibes, taking a closer look at your decorative scheme can influence your wellbeing, happiness and more.
Indeed, the design principles of the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui have harmony and balance at its core.
Think rearranging your furniture, blending nature-inspired hues with key elements, and ensuring everything aligns – which are all central to boosting good fortune and wealth.
And with the zodiac Year of the Snake tied to change and renewal, there couldn't be a better time to enhance your surroundings.
'The year of the Wood Snake brings the possibility of 'shedding' our skin, metaphorically, to let go of what no longer serves us,' explains Diane Shillito, Feng Shui consultant, and member of the Feng Shui Society.
'This allows us, if we choose, to take a new form – it can be a time of mystery, creativity and transformation.'
In relation to Feng Shui, it's the perfect time to let go of clutter and have a clear out, says Shillito.
'A bit like the traditional spring clean my mum used to do… this removes 'stale stuck energies,' and space for more movement of energies in the home to support creativity and transformation.'
She continues: 'The effects of Feng Shui can be profound. Specific object orientation can promote physical and mental wellbeing in the home – inhabitants benefit from the harmony and connection fostered by a well-balanced environment.'
Here, Shillito has teamed up with Barratt London to share her top tips to help good things happen, and fortune smile on you….
The front door
''Wealth does not enter the dirty door.' This ancient Chinese proverb directly relates the cleanliness of your front door with your prosperity,' highlights Shillito. 'By keeping the pathway clear of leaves, rubbish and bins, energy can flow more easily towards your front door, like a stream.'
The living room
'The lounge is a space where we can spend quality time with loved ones, to unwind.' To foster an environment of comfort and peace, she says to consider the following Feng Shui practices…
'To enhance family interaction and a relaxed atmosphere, incorporate different light sources within the room, and maximise natural light by opening your blinds and curtains daily.'
These may be a combination of floor lamps, table lamps and overhead lighting to create different effects for different levels of social interaction, suggests Shillito.
'Natural light and fresh air are invaluable to maintain a positive energy flow so, open windows regularly and keep them clean and unobstructed.'
'A mirror can be a beneficial distraction from the TV when placed above a fireplace or positioned to reflect a beautiful view, such as the outside landscape or a piece of artwork,' outlines Shillito.
'It's worth noting that mirrors amplify energy and enhance the room's perceived size, creating a feeling of abundance.'
The kitchen
The kitchen is an essential space in your home that can significantly impact your health and wellbeing, underlines Shillito. 'By applying Feng Shui principles, you can create a harmonious environment that promotes nourishment, vitality, and positive energy.
'A window allows natural light and fresh air to enter the space, clearing and circulating energy to promote a fresh and positive atmosphere.'
She says to try to incorporate a range of light sources, including overhead lights, main lights, and under-cupboard lighting. 'This variety ensures the kitchen can be well-lit and welcoming, enhancing an individual's visibility and a positive flow of energy.'
Integrate the five elements to create a harmonious kitchen design…
Water – represented by the sink.Fire – represented by the hob/oven.Wood – found in cabinetry, floor or furniture.Metal – through appliances, hardware, oven/hob, granite/marble counters or metal bar stools.Earth – Found in colour schemes, terracotta tiles, fabrics and flooring.
The bedroom
The bedroom can be a sanctuary for rest, nurturing, love and relationships…
'Ensure the bed is accessible on both sides, rather than pushed against a wall, advises Shillito. 'Avoid further solo furniture in the bedroom when you intend to enhance your relationship with others – and not your relationship with yourself.'
She says it's common to have a mirror in the bedroom, but to retain your integrity and supportive sleep, ensure your reflection is not visible from your sleeping place.
'A dressing mirror needs to reflect your whole body and being, to enhance your energetic support.'
The bedroom can be the focus for your desired relationship, notes Shillito. 'But things that don't serve this purpose can be removed.
'This may include work-from-home items, like desks or monitors, as well as any gym equipment,' she adds.
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Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 'WOW, this is the best house ever,' scream my two kids. While their reactions slightly rile me — having just decorated both their bedrooms back home — I can see where they are coming from. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Enjoying a stroll along the beach Credit: Supplied 4 We had buckets of fun at Splash Waterpark, only 50 yards or so from our lodge Credit: Supplied For starters, our eight-man Platinum lodge at Unity Beach in Somerset has a hot tub — and it comes complete with undisturbed views of Brean's windswept coastline and a clear sky at night. Everything inside is sleek and stylish, with a statement electric fireplace in the centre and Scandi-style wooden furniture that makes the place look more like a fancy prize draw house than a holiday park lodge. I was staying there with my partner Bianca and two little ones, Frank, six, and Pearl, four. The fun-packed resort has recently been redeveloped as part of a £15million 'Comes Alive in 25' campaign and was reopened only last month, backed by The One Show host Alex Jones. The presenter said: 'There's a misconception that British seaside parks are outdated. Unity Beach proves that's no longer true.' I can't argue with her. Even though there was so much to do at the 240-acre resort, we could easily have spent a few hours relaxing in our new home. As well as a decking area with hot tub, it included a spacious lounge with a giant TV (as well as televisions in every bedroom), a fully-fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, plus two more twin rooms. The lodges are really close to most of the activities and restaurants, too. These include the new Wonky Donkey, which serves brekkie and pub grub such as scampi, lasagne and burgers, and the Sports Cafe, where kids can play arcade favourites and cutting-edge VR games in between bites of pizza, while adults watch live sport on the large screens. Top Seashore Holiday Parks for Family Fun There's also the revamped Pavilion Theatre, where guests can tuck into wings, loaded fries and kid-sized lighter bites all while watching live game shows and tribute acts. And with a proper kitchen in our lodge, we could always mix it up with a takeaway from the on-site chippy or Chinese. Then there's the retro-decorated RJ's, which offers American diner-style classics such as pizzas, wings and build-your-own burgers. And with a proper kitchen in our lodge, we could always mix it up with a takeaway from the on-site chippy or Chinese. When we weren't sampling all the food, we had buckets of fun at Splash Waterpark, only 50 yards or so from our lodge. It costs extra to visit (from £3.25pp) but it's well worth it, with a kids' pool, play areas and plenty of slides. Ninja Zone The pre-booked 90-minute pool sessions were just enough for our two, although bigger kids, who can go on all the flumes, might want to stay longer. Despite tearing around the pool for an hour and a half, Frank and Pearl couldn't wait to go straight to Brean Play indoor soft play afterwards. If one thing's guaranteed to tire them out, it's soft play. The area includes the Ninja Zone, with a challenging obstacle course for older kids, and a state-of-the-art ball court with an interactive screen that lets kids play all manner of games. If that's not enough, there's also the Brean Theme Park, which was again just yards from our lodge. And I could see why our kids were so desperate to go. The park has a great mix of rides for kids of all ages as well as adults. Thankfully, Bianca was happy to take Frank on the scarier rollercoasters while I made sure Pearl was OK on the carousels. You'll have to pay extra for entry, but Unity guests get discounted wristbands meaning it won't end up costing a fortune. Unity is not all about the kids, though. Adults can have their fair share of fun at the 18-hole golf course. Whatever you end up doing, there's a good chance you'll finish your day in the hot tub, soaking up all the memories. Or they might want to try their hand at new must-play sport padel, with Unity being home to Somerset's only two courts. We barely had enough time to try everything within the resort, let alone to venture out. 4 The fun-packed resort has recently been redeveloped as part of a £15million 'Comes Alive in 25' campaign backed by The One Show host Alex Jones, above at Unity Beach Credit: Supplied 4 The nearby Bream Theme Park was is winner for kids Credit: Supplied But for those keen to explore the area, Weston-super-Mare, Burnham pier and Cheddar Gorge are all nearby. However, try to make it back in time for the evening entertainment, which includes discos and parties for the little ones, games shows and entertainers. Whatever you end up doing, there's a good chance you'll finish your day in the hot tub, soaking up all the memories. And you'll certainly be grateful for those comfy beds, too.
