Feng Shui (pronounced Fung Schway) means the “way of wind and water”.  Feng Shui practitioners use various methods and techniques to determine the most harmonious and propitious ways to site buildings and to place objects within one’s living space.  The objective is to conserve Chi or positive energy, minimize negative forces, and create an environment in which people feel comfortable, serene, and secure.

There are four major Feng Shui Schools:
            The “Form School” which was originally used in China 5,000 years ago and used a simple    system of rules for people living in harmony with their surroundings and nature. 
 
            The “Compass School” which used Chinese astrology, I Ching yin and yang principles, and Ba Gua a compass for locating and adjusting all types of energy in any space. 

The :Black Hat School”  incorporated Tao philosophy with buddhist ritual

 elements such as bells, chanting, crystals, wind chimes, and water. 

             The “Pyramid School” is a contemporary form of Feng Shui which uses science, western culture, rituals, and icons.

Most of us enjoy a sunny day and feel happier in a warm, welcoming, tranquil environment where the space and its uses are well defined.  How can we use Feng Shui practices to achieve a sense of comfort and well being in our living spaces?

On entering a home a transition from the outside to the inside shows us that we have arrived.  This can be achieved by having an area rug at the entrance and a work of art or a mirror to the right because most people on entering a room look right first.  We would not place a mirror opposite the door because this would reflect the Chi back outside.  Similarly we would not have the front door directly opposite the rear door because the Chi would leave too quickly.  In this case we would use plants or furniture to enable meandering from front to back.  A long entry hall would have runners, wall sconces, and hanging artwork to achieve a transition to the living room. Lighting and artwork would provide a sense of welcoming and visual interest.

The living room should have a focal point such as a fireplace or a work of art or an eye- catching piece of furniture.  The entryway should be visible from the seating area so that everyone can see and welcome newcomers.  The seating area should be defined by an area rug with all seating touching on the area rug. This kind of arrangement makes the space more intimate and engages people with each other because they feel more connected.  Lighting should be variable for mood setting and tasks-reading, listening to music, playing games etc. 

The bedroom should have an inspirational picture opposite the bed.  Do not hang a mirror opposite the bed. Do not place the bed such that the head is against a window or the foot is opposite to the entry door (called the death position).  Each side of the bed should have a bedside table and a separate table lamp.  Avoid clutter.  Closets should not be overfull and disorganized-this is called “Tiger’s Jaw”-the clutter waiting to fall on your head.

Silk Road Antiques has a large inventory of items to provide the balance and focus you need to create a tranquil and welcoming enviroment.  We carry a number of various sized armoires, cabinets, baskets and boxes that can be used for storage in any room in your home and protect you from “Tiger’s Jaw."