Feng shui is a millenary theory which analyses how the spaces where we live and work- our environment- affect our sense of balance and harmony. The Feng shui approach holds that by learning how to properly organize our surroundings, we can take advantage of our spaces and improve our lives. With this idea in mind, here are some helpful tips to consider when organizing your home and office for greater balance and harmony.

Tips for the home

Although every area of the house is unique according to Feng shui, spaces where we spend most of our time are considered more important than others. These spaces are the bedroom, and dining room/kitchen. The front entrance is also an important space to consider.

The bedroom:

• There should always be a solid wall behind any bed. This allows you a good rest which will help you concentrate better the following day.
• There should be no mirrors opposite your bed or at the side of your bed as they can attract a third party to the relationship. If a mirror reflects your image while you sleep, it may cause a draining effect.
• If you have children, they should not sleep on bunk beds if you can help it. The child sleeping on the first bunk will not receive fresh chi, and his health will suffer for it.
• Always open your bedroom windows at least half an hour each day so that fresh chi may enter the room.
• Do not have your bedroom above the garage. A garage acts as dead space below the room, taking away support.
• Have your bed as far from the door as possible.
• Do not sleep with your head facing an open window to prevent your chi from leaving while you sleep.
• Do not clutter the space under your bed, as this may disturb your sleep and prevent your Yin force (Earth force) from recharging. 

 The kitchen:

• Keep the kitchen well stocked with food to attract abundance in your life.
• Make sure that the stove is not placed opposite a refrigerator, washing machine, or sink as fire and water clashes create disagreements among family members.

The front entrance:

• Hang a flat Ba-Gua mirror above the outside of the entrance. This mirror will help protect your home and your family members from any negativity by balancing the chi present.
• Try to light the walkway to your door at night to attract wealth and prosperity.

General considerations:

• Try not to clutter the house with unnecessary furniture. Too much furniture can restrict the flow of chi and limit possibilities.
• Keep hallways bright and uncluttered so that chi can flow properly.
• Choose your colors wisely. The color red represents the element of fire, and although it may bring passion to your life, too much of it can give rise to excessive work pressure and obstacles. Green has a calming effect. Blue is also relaxing, but a bit cool. Yellow stimulates the mind, so too much of this color can lead to restlessness.  
   

Tips for the office

In an office, a smooth flow of chi is crucial in order to ensure success.

• Make sure you have a solid wall behind your desk to ensure support in your life.
• Windows behind you are not recommended as any chi will escape. If your back is to a window, there should be a tall building outside the window to provide support.
• The main door should not open into your desk as this will cause chi entering the room to hit you directly and create obstacles.
• Avoid rooms with two doors, as the chi will enter through one door and quickly leave through the other.
• Place a three legged Toad God near the entrance of your office. This figure is used for attracting wealth and abundance.
• Do not position yourself in direct line of two facing windows as this will place you in the path of chi going in and out, and affect your concentration.
• Make sure that the South East sector of the room is kept clutter free and bright.
• Flat ceilings are best for promoting the flow of chi. 
• Put your computer in the North or West sector of the office to improve creativity.
• Maintain the balance of yin and yang when decorating. This may be done by balancing light and dark colors and smooth and rough textures.
• Keep any cords, such as from office equipment, well hidden in order to allow a smooth flow of chi.

Simple tips like the ones above may help you design and rearrange your spaces in order to achieve harmony. However, to gain the right balance for you, it is advisable to consult a Feng shui expert who can consider your particular needs more comprehensively.