Q&A Sunday: Feng Shui for Small Spaces

Anjie Cho June 13, 2021

Can I still use feng shui if I live in a very small apartment?

This is a question that comes up often! A lot of people think it would be more challenging to apply feng shui principles to a small space, but it doesn’t actually make a difference. I’m currently living in a renovation, so I’m essentially living in a really tiny space right now. I thought it would be good timing to answer this question and share some feng shui-inspired suggestions for small spaces.

First, define the entry in some way. Often, small living spaces mean that there is less distinction between the different areas of your home. The entry to your home represents how energy comes into your space, and it’s one of the most important areas to look at from a feng shui perspective. Try to find a way to define and differentiate it, whether that be through a welcome mat, a colorful accent wall, lighting, or furniture. You can also think of your own creative ways to do this!

Next, bring in as much light as possible. Most of my clients want more light in their spaces. All living things grow towards the sun, so having natural light is quite important. You can do this simply by bringing in more reflective materials, and placing a mirror strategically to reflect in a view. The color white is also very reflective. I love white ceilings and walls! It’s also helpful to make sure your windows are very clean, so they can bring in as much light as possible.

Lastly, if you can separate your work place from your sleeping place that is ideal. When those begin to intermingle, it’s hard to keep a well-balanced differentiation between life and work. After the past year, I think we’re all experiencing the line between work and home becoming blurred, and creating a defined space in your home can really help. You may not have a spare room to use as an office, but maybe you can carve out a dedicated corner where you will focus on work. If your bed and workspace are close together, do your best to create some visual separation between the two areas.

by Anjie Cho

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com

7 Tips to Make the Most of a Small Space

Anjie Cho March 10, 2021

Do you have a space you label cozy (as a code word for small)? Whether you’re living in a studio apartment or you’ve got a bonus room that could use just a tad more bonus, squeezing a little more from the space you’ve got is as easy as these seven tips.

Hidden storage

You’ve got stuff, and that stuff needs a place to go. Having it out in the open can make even a large room look cluttered. Invest in items like an ottoman or bench with storage hidden under the seat. Look for tables with drawers or compartments. If it can double as storage and it fits your aesthetic, it’s worth considering.

Create illusion

There are a number of ways you can create the impression of more space without actually having more space. Mirrors and glass will reflect light, which in turn creates the illusion of a bigger room. A glass topped table, a mirror placed just right on the wall and artwork framed behind glass are all great options. In a similar vein, remember that rule about hanging artwork at eye level? Ignore it. Hanging your wall art a bit higher than usual will draw the eye up creating the impression of higher ceilings and, in turn, a bigger room.

Go big

It sounds all wrong, but putting larger pieces in a small space can actually make the room look and feel bigger than it is. You’ll want furniture that multi-tasks to make this work. Use small bookshelves for end tables or nightstands, or place that bench with storage in the seat strategically at the foot of your bed. Be careful not to overcrowd the room. A few well selected pieces will do the trick.

Let the light in

A dark room is a visually small room. Look for light. airy window treatments. Even better, choose curtain rods that are wider than your windows, and hang the side panels outside the window frame. This will allow your delicate curtains to frame – rather than enclose and block the window. Place your mirror on an opposite wall to reflect the sunlight as it streams through.

Go outside the lines

In an attempt to maximize minimal space, people tend to place their furniture flush to the wall. The extra bit of room you may pick up doing it that way, however, can make the space less functional and awkward. Decorate in triangles. For example, place your sofa against a wall and then angle a chair away from the wall to face the sofa. Use an area rug to define the area.

Edit

Don’t overfill the space. Your favorite collection doesn’t need to be all out on display. Every square inch of shelf doesn’t need to be filled. That library of music you once accumulated on CD can be pared down to the music you actually still listen to on CD.

Vertical climb

Don’t let vertical space go to waste. The space above furniture is ideal for shelving and art work. Plus, remember: the more there is to draw the eye up, the larger those walls will appear.

by Anjie Cho

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com

Q&A Sunday: Feng Shui in a Small Home

Anjie Cho July 21, 2019

I am living in a very small house with a combination of toilet and shower (too small) on the ground floor. We have the intention to create a proper bathroom (no toilet) on the first floor, but the only room where that's possible is in the wealth & prosperity area of the bagua. As far as I know, this is not the best place because of the downward flow of energy. At the same time, we want to make an extension to create workspace, but this is only possible in front of the front door line. I have a lot of doubts and even consider whether it is better to move.

Corina van T., Holland

Hello to Holland!

Thank you for your email, and thanks for reading my newsletter!

For clarification, in your small house, you currently have a small bathroom with toilet and shower only on the ground floor. You would like to create a bathroom on the upper floor with a bathtub and sink, but no toilet. However you are concerned because this area is in the wealth/abundance area of your home.

I have a couple of thoughts and comments. First, laying the bagua on upper floors is sometimes challenging. You would determine the layout based on what direction you are facing and where you are located as you make your final step onto the floor in question. So, I would ask you to double check the bagua layout. It’s a little challenging and usually something that an advanced feng shui practioner should advise you on. But if the bathroom must be in the abundance area, or you’re not able to layout the bagua confidently, it is what it is! I suggest balancing the energy with plants. The thought with bathrooms is that there is a lot of water flowing out, which symbolizes loss of cash flow and wealth. By adding plants, you can use this downward qi flow and feed the plants so there’s an upward positive growth.

Your second question is in regards to a work space or office in front of the front door (or “kan line”), which places it outside of the bagua. My teachers have taught that an extension of workspace in front of the kan line (front door line) is fine. In fact, it might be beneficial in two ways. First, you are extending the “gua,” whether the gua is Knowledge, Path in Life/Career, or Benefactors/Helpful people. The extension improves and expands your work in light of the gua it’s in. Second, the office outside the front door can mean you’re out in the world more, and can receive support in this way for your career.

Finally, whether to move or not, well that's up to you. I don’t know exactly how challenging it is there, functionally and feng shui wise, but in BTB feng shui we try to make suggestions so you don't have to move, which can be difficult and disruptive. However, if moving seems like the best positive thing for you, it should be considered. My intuition tells me that the issues that you asked about are able to be worked with :)

by Anjie Cho

Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Our a unique training program takes an holistic approach to learning the art of feng shui design. Mindful design is about becoming aware, and attentive, to the energy around you: both inner and outer qi. It is about promoting a better way of living and creating sacred spaces that support, and nourish. Visit us at mindfuldesignschool.com.