Feng shui means ‘wind and water’ in Chinese and it has existed in China for over 3,000 years. Feng shui is the study of how proper balance and your environment can help you achieve better mental and, in some cases, even physical health.  Feng shui is also based on the Taoist idea that the earth is filled with good energy.

Here are some of the common Feng Shui basics that will help you create a healthy aura in your home: 

Clutter Must Go

If you are going to have a feng shui room, it is important that you eliminate the clutter because clutter keeps the natural energy or “chi” from spreading across the room and the home in general. Get rid of items you do not need and use smaller furniture in the room instead of large bulky pieces.  If you live in the UK, you can find affordable upscale furniture at AHF.

Image via: Reiko Feng Shui Interior Design

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Increase Natural Sunlight and Open Windows

In keeping with the feng shui basics, you want to increase the energy in your room by opening the windows during the day. This will increase the amount of natural sunlight in your home. Sunlight improves your mood and natural sunlight is more eco-friendly than lamps or ceiling lights. You can also light candles to increase the energy in your home.

Image via: Christopher Stark 

Use Natural Decor For Home

A major part of having a feng shui home is using more natural accessories and items for decoration. You can use wooden chairs, wicker baskets, bamboo rugs, twigs instead of artificial flowers and baubles that were made by artisans from various parts of the world. Green plants are also ideal in feng shui homes. 

Image via: Cary Bernstein Architect

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Feng Shui The Bedroom

To feng shui the bedroom, you do not want to place a mirror in front of your bed. This prevents positive energy from entering the bedroom and it sustains a sense of privacy in the room. You should also put the headboard for the bed on the wall. Another thing you want to do is open the bedroom window for fresh air.

When you apply feng shui basics to your home’s decoration, your home will feel much more peaceful. If you need additional tips, you can read books and magazine articles on this topic. You can also talk to friends who have used feng shui in their homes.

For more home ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

There is something to be said about a color that is the most abundant in nature and naturally makes you feel comfortable! This year, Pantone chose Emerald: 17-5641 as the color of the year for 2013.

Image via: Nostalgia and Now

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According to Pantone:

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature — the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said in a press release. “It’s also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity — no other color conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity.”

Image via: Octavia Brown NYC

The firm characterized emerald as “vivid, verdant” and “promoting balance and harmony,” according to the release. In contrast, 2012′s  “spirited” hue Tangerine Tango “provided the energy boost we needed to recharge and move forward.”… courtesy of Time.com

2012 – Pantone color – Emerald

2012 – Pantone color – Tangerine Tango

Image via

2011 – Pantone color – Honeysuckle

2010 – Pantone color – Turquoise

Can’t wait to see all of the gorgeous green tones that come our way in 2013 for your home, fashion, and more!

For more color ideas and the past Pantone colors, click here!