Staging for Feng Shui

Staging for Feng Shui

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Gary Greene International Division

Feng Shui

Feng Shui is an ancient philosophy

of art and science

developed over

3,000 years

ago in China.It is the

balancing of

energies of

human

occupied

space

to assure

health and good fortune.

Feng Shui

It is different from other philosophical systems in the it has the capacity for “change” built into it.

There are 3 different approaches to Feng Shui:

• Compass Approach – Direction & Skies

• Intuitive Approach – Building Position

• Environmental Approach – Fire, Earth, Metal, Water & Wood

Compass

Compass Approach

– Direction

– Sky

– Astrological

Intuitive

Intuitive Approach

• Based on shapes, water direction,

and structure position.

When buildings are close together they form a narrow

gap. The building is essentially cut in half by a

heavenly knife.

The turbulent wind and strong air flow creates negative

energy for business or individuals near the buildings.

It’s believed to cause a decline in health and wealth.

Case Study

Among Feng Shui

subscribers, the twin

towers of the World

Trade Center violated

the balance of “Yin and

Yang” and harmony.

Environmental

Environmental Approach

– Fire

– Earth

– Metal

– Water

– Wood

Feng Shui Shapes

• Fire: Triangular

• Earth: Square

• Metal: Round

• Water: Wavy

• Wood: Rectangular

Feng Shui Colors

• Fire: Red, Strong Yellow, Orange,

Purple, Pink

• Earth: Light Yellow, Sandy/Earthy,

Light Brown

• Metal: White, Gray

• Water: Blue, Black

• Wood: Green, Brown

How it Works!

How it DOESN’T Work!

Staging for Feng Shui

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Gary Greene International Division

• The Bagua (pronounced Ba-

gwa) is a color chart with

nine boxes. (“Ba” means 8 –

“Gua” means trigram)

• Each box represents a

specific life situation that can

be correlated with a specific

part of your home or office.

Bagua Map

Bagua Map

1. Abundance and Prosperity

• Target this space to attract money and abundance. It’s a great place

for a plant or placing a valuable item (such as a crystal vase or jar

of change).

2. Fame and Reputation

• In the center back of the Bagua map, you’ll find the space for

fame. Place business cards or a nameplate or a photo of your first

marathon finish or your hard-earned diploma).

3. Love and Relationships

• A fresh flower, which can bring luck and maybe even spark

romance, goes here. If you already have a special someone, place a

photo of you and your loved one here.

4. Creativity

• A blank sketchbook is ideal for artists, while a metal object may

work well for others. Anything goes — get creative!

5. Helpful People and Travel

• If you’re in need of a little help from your friends, focus on the front right section. This is a great place to put a phone or an address book. This area also represents travel: a travel guide or a photo of a dream vacation spot works well here.

6. Career

• Keep this spot free of clutter. Display affirmations or motivational quotes here.

7. Knowledge and Wisdom

• To learn new material, focus on the front left corner of the desk. Place a reference book (or maybe a picture of Albert Einstein) here.

8. Family

• A family photo, according to Feng Shui principles, fits well on the left center of the desk. A wood frame enhances energy.

9. Health

• Keep the center of the desktop free of clutter to attract good energy to the area.

Entrance

Entrance

• Energy enters at the front door.

• Try to have the door color contrast with the home so that it stands out.

• Flank the door with plants that have rounded leaves. Sharp leaves will invite aggressive buyers.

First Impressions

Create an open and clear path to the

main living area.

• Arrange the furniture so that the

back of the sofa or other furniture is

not facing the entry. This causes

energy to bounce out.

• Facing a sofa or love seat towards

the entry improves energy flow and

makes buyers feel welcome.

• Ditch the clutter and all personal

items.

Lighting

• Light is very important in creating a home conducive to balanced “Chi.” A home that is too dark will have too much “Yin” energy.

• When there are not enough windows or natural light entering the home, lighting placement becomes critical.

• Avoid too much light that casts excessive numbers of shadows.

Stairs

Stairs

• Spiral staircases drain the energy

quickly, like going down a drain.

• Straight, narrow staircases cause

the energy to flow quickly

downward.

• Stair should not have open backs.

Good luck energy escapes.

Stairs

• Stairs off to the side are not a problem. Stairs that are directly in a straight line towards the front door are bad.

• Draw attention away from the staircase. Avoid artwork in the stairwell or at the top of the stairs.

• Instead, place artwork, patterned area rugs and bold paint colors that can be seen in the downstairs areas to pull your eye away from focusing on the staircase.

Stairs

Wide and gently curved staircases allow energy to flow

smoothly and rounded bannisters are good.

Staircases with landings are good allowing the energy

to slow down at the landing.

Balance the energy by placing large plants, planters,

objects or furniture at the base of the staircase.

• Something made of stone or metal is the most

effective in the West or Northwest of the home.

• Plants are effective in the North, East or Southeast

area.

• Clay pots are good to use in the South area.

Family Room

• Start with the Bagua Map to determine best colors, shapes, and materials to support the feng shui elements.

• For example, if the living room is in the Wealth & Familybagua, strengthen the Fire and Wood elements, and emphasize reds, oranges, yellows, and shades of greens and browns.

Family Room

• All feng shui elements should be represented but proportionately.

• For example, don’t eliminate the water element in the South area, just limit it in relationship to the other feng shui elements.

• Furniture arrangement should be clear, not obstructing the flow of energy.

Kitchen• Two elements in the kitchen indicate our energy and

wealth potential: Fire and Water. Fire fuels the energy force that activates wealth: Water activates abundance.

• A dirty or cluttered kitchen creates negative “Chi” affecting health and energy.

• Remove or get rid of gadgets and cookware not in use.

• Display wholesome foods. A bowl of fresh vegetables, fruits, or a glass canister filled with dried beans are good.

• Make certain the stove is working well. The stove is an energy source, associated with home owners potential for wealth and passion.

• Fix dripping faucets as the wealth potential for the home is down the drain

Kitchen

• If the homeowners back is facing the entrance to the kitchen when cooking, place a small mirror near or behind the stove to increase good fortune. – A mirror or a bright shiny teakettle or other

reflective surface visually doubles the number of burners…doubling wealth & good fortune.

• Make sure the kitchen is well-lite and well-ventilated. The light will boost positive energy as adequate ventilation is important for health.

• If the stove is placed next to or opposite the sink, place a vase with a plant in between the stove and the sink.

Kitchen

• The kitchen should not face a bathroom door. Keep the bathroom door closed.

• A potted plant or a bouquet of fresh flowers will add life energy to the room and boost “Chi”.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms

• Bathrooms are important as water is synonymous with wealth. In Feng Shui, a large bathroom using too much water leads to health problems from excess. A small bathroom can restrict bodily function.

• Use mirrors and lighting to increase the size of a small bathroom. Use plants, furniture, and lighting to minimize the size.

• Keep bathroom doors closed, toilets seats and lids down, and cover drains if they are not in use as “toilets and drains” take energy away from a home.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms

• Beds, sofas, and large furniture need a

wall of support: move them away

from windows.

• Placing objects in pairs throughout

the master bedroom as it’s thought to

increase marital harmony and

balance.

Bedrooms

• Place the bed in the position that has the most commanding view of the doorway.

• You are in a vulnerable state while sleeping and important to staying safe and supported.”

Bedrooms

Questions...thoughts

Staging for Feng Shui

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate | Gary Greene International Division