Chicago might be a long way from the Far East, but that doesn’t mean some of the principles and ancient philosophies of China cannot ring true for Windy City residents. If bringing the art of feng shui to life in your Chicago apartment is the plan, there are plenty of feng shui tips you can use to make this reality.
This ancient Chinese practice is all about simplicity, so don’t worry, putting into action isn’t hard. Okay, it might take a little work, especially if clutter is part of your apartment’s current landscape. Still, the outcome can prove quite pleasing and chances are you’ll enjoy coming home even more than you did before. After all, the entire idea behind this practice is to bring harmony into your life.
Easy ways to bring harmony to your apartment space:
- Use area rugs on hardwood or natural stone floors to absorb sound and maintain tranquility.
- Edit things in your kitchen that you don’t use and only keep accessories you love.
- Hang a mirror in the dining room to reflect something attractive like a garden view or great piece of furniture.
- When attempting to de-clutter, brace yourself for a bigger mess before it gets better. Start by simply getting rid of excess.
- Avoid a bedroom office. Work may consume your thoughts and affect your sleep or you may be distracted and drowsy when trying to work.
Some of the basic rules you need to consider when trying to bring feng shui principles to your Chicago apartment include:
Color Choices:
Feng shui colors are very important in this principle. In general, colors that are too bold or too bright are considered distracting and unsuitable. Warm colors, like red, gold or orange, can be an exception for some people. Pastels, light blues, light greens and other similar tones, however, are just right for inspiring the mind and relaxing the soul. Steer clear of white, however, as this is also believed to be distracting and unsettling. If white is used, it should be tempered with another color.
Furniture Placement:
Feng shui decorating is all about furniture placement. Make sure furniture flows and does not block or hamper movement. Chairs should not be placed with their backs to doors and beds should not offer a direct line of view to a bedroom door. Furniture and accessories should be placed with balance and flow in mind.
Clutter-free Organization:
This has to go in an apartment that is designed to reflect feng shui principles. Clutter clogs the mind and weighs on the soul. Try to find a place for everything and put everything in its place. Throwing out unwanted items and simplifying life can be very useful here. Pay special attention to the bedroom. Clutter can disrupt rest and remind a person of unfinished work.
Entryways:
Again, a welcoming flow is very important here. Entryways should be kept free of clutter and they should be warm and inviting.
Nature:
Creating a flow between the outdoors and inside can also be an important part of feng shui. Even in an apartment this is possible through the use of indoor gardening and even terrace or back porch gardening.
Adopting the principles of feng shui in Chicago apartments is not out of the question. With a few special touches and an eye toward removing clutter from life, this principle can be put into action with relative ease.
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