What You Need to Know About Feng Shui (Even If You Don’t Have Time to Study It)

When people hear the words Feng Shui, they often think of organizing, decluttering, or moving furniture around to “fix” a room. But the truth is, Feng Shui is about so much more than tidying up. It’s an ancient, thoughtful practice that helps us create spaces where energy — called chi — flows freely, supporting not just our homes but our lives.

In a world that often feels busy and chaotic, Feng Shui offers a way to bring calm, beauty, and balance into our spaces and, consequently, into our lives. And here’s the best part: you don’t need to study ancient texts or make dramatic changes to benefit from it. With a few simple, mindful, and practical adjustments, you can begin to create a home that feels like a quiet ally in your daily life.

What Feng Shui Is

Feng Shui, which means “wind” (feng) and “water” (shui), is about the movement and balance of energy in the spaces we inhabit. Like the way water flows smoothly through a stream or how wind dances through trees, good energy flows easily through our homes. When it does, it nourishes and uplifts us.

The goal of Feng Shui is to guide this energy so that it supports who we are and what we hope for.

The Power of Yin and Yang in Your Space

At the heart of Feng Shui is the balance of nature’s two main components, Yin and Yang — these are two opposite yet complementary forces that naturally exist in everything.

Yin is soft, still, quiet, and nurturing. It’s the energy of rest, reflection, and calm.
Yang is bright, active, strong, and dynamic. It’s the energy of movement, motivation, and action.

I refer to the sun as Yang and the moon as Yin. Light as Yang, darkness as Yin. These are my references, and when I decorate, I try to combine both looks. Too much brightness is overwhelming and uneasy, and too much darkness is sleepy and demotivating.

The beauty of Feng Shui lies in creating a gentle balance between the two — where your space feels both peaceful and alive.

Tip: In practice, opening window curtains halfway on a bright, sunny day or lighting candles on dark winter days helps balance yin and yang energies.

My Approach to Creating a Harmonious Home

Over the years, I’ve found that the best way to apply Feng Shui in daily life is to look at each area of your home with fresh eyes — and ask yourself three questions:

1. Does this space feel peaceful?
If it feels cluttered or heavy, consider what you can simplify or remove. Even an aesthetically well-decorated home can be out of balance, so it’s essential to pay attention to how it feels and whether it’s easy to maintain what you’ve created. It is entirely okay to have a high-maintenance home if you like your life to be high-maintenance. It’s all about personal energy.

2. Does it combine simplicity with gorgeous decor?
This is my style — I love spaces that feel easy to maintain but that also reflect elegance and beauty. I love adding personal touches and statement pieces. An elegant home inspires me in my creative work. I feel naturally at ease when I am in a well-decorated home. I actually have a habit of scanning my surroundings often when I am quietly sitting and reading a book or writing articles like this.

3. Does it represent who I am?
Every room and every corner should feel authentic to you. Your home should tell your story, not someone else’s. Don’t try to copy decor books or other people’s homes — use them for inspiration, but understand what works for you and your unique personality and family’s needs.

Years ago, when I lived in a large home, I kept adding more — more furniture, more decor, more “finishing touches.” I thought I was creating comfort and beauty, but in truth, I was overwhelming myself. The maintenance became a burden, and I didn’t feel at ease in my own space. I ended up with a home that everyone complimented and that looked exceptionally beautiful to guests, but it didn’t make me feel at ease.

Through Feng Shui, I learned that simplicity paired with intention is what creates true harmony. Just enough, thoughtfully chosen, is always enough.

Your Home and Your Life Are Connected

Here’s one of the most important truths I’ve discovered: Your home and your personal life are deeply linked.

When you give loving attention to your space — when you style it with care, clear its clutter, and let its energy flow — you naturally begin to feel that same sense of clarity and ease in your personal life. The more intentional you are with your physical surroundings, the easier it becomes to connect with yourself, your values, and your goals.

It’s not magic. It’s mindfulness in action.

Simple Feng Shui Practices You Can Start Today

If you’re drawn to Feng Shui but short on time, begin with these gentle steps:

Clear Your Entryway: The Mouth of Chi

Your front door is where energy enters. A clean, inviting entry sets the tone for your whole home. Energy enters through your front door; catch energy’s attention by adding something that catches your guest’s attention. Energy works the same way.

Remove piles of shoes, bags, or clutter.
Add a soft rug or plant for warmth.
Make sure the door opens fully and easily.
Add a beautiful console table.
Add something very personal, like a beautiful photo frame.

Let Pathways Flow

Ensure furniture placement allows for easy movement. Blocked pathways create blocked energy. Walk around and see if you (and your family or guests) can move around with ease or if there are any subtle blockages.

Reposition items if needed so you can walk freely.
Avoid overfilling rooms — let the space breathe.

Balance Yin and Yang in Decor

Use a mix of soft and active elements.

Pair smooth with textured, light with dark, soft with structure.
Create contrast in a way that feels harmonious to you.

Tend to Corners

Corners often collect stagnant energy.

Place a healthy plant or a soft light source there.
Keep them clean and thoughtfully styled.

Choose a Decor that Feels Authentic

Feng Shui isn’t about filling your space with “lucky” objects. It’s about surrounding yourself with things that reflect you.

Select art, objects, or colors that feel uplifting and meaningful.
Let your home tell your story.

A Simple Shopping List to Start Your Feng Shui Journey

Indoor Plant (e.g., Money Tree or Snake Plant) — fresh, vibrant energy for corners or entryways.
Soft Throw Blanket — adds yin softness and comfort.
Elegant Entryway Mirror — brightens and expands the space.
Warm Table Lamp — keeps the energy flowing and creates a cozy atmosphere.

Feng Shui doesn’t have to be complicated. At its heart, it’s about creating spaces that support you — spaces that feel peaceful, beautiful, and true to who you are.

Even small, mindful changes can help your home become a source of strength and serenity. When your home and your life align, you’ll feel the difference every single day.