How to Style a Small Space for Good Luck, According to a Feng Shui Expert

Expert tips on creating positive energy in your petit space.

Is there a room in your home that you feel just looks off? Maybe you've not worked out where your sofa should be positioned or there are just too many things but you don't know what to get rid of. Small homes often present big challenges when it comes to decorating, and styling these spaces often requires more consideration so as not to make them look cluttered, unbalanced, and even smaller than they are.

Luckily, there are design solutions for even the tiniest of homes, and the ancient art of Feng Shui can help you create a harmonious living space regardless of square footage.

Translating to 'wind-water', Feng Shui centres on the belief that the arrangement of objects, structures, and spaces can impact the wellbeing, fortune, and flow of energy of individuals. It takes into consideration; the orientation of buildings, the placement of furniture, the use of colours, and the arrangement of decorative elements.

We reached out to Feng Shui master and founder of Feng Shui Concepts, Jane Langof, who has spent 15 years studying the art. Below, she shares her top tips for mastering Feng Shui in your small abode.

Clutter

Clutter is the enemy of Feng Shui. It creates obstacles which block the flow of energy and opportunities in your life.

De-cluttering is a transformative process that will make your small space feel more comfortable and inviting. It creates space for new opportunities and experiences to enter your life – think of it as making room for the future.

In my practice, I meet people who sometimes believe they need larger homes when in reality, a thorough decluttering and reorganisation of their existing spaces can work wonders. So, before you consider knocking down walls or extending your home, start by decluttering and thinking about the hidden potential of your space.

Colours

Colours can have a powerful influence on the energy in your home. When picking out colours for a small room, remember that they are key in expanding or contracting your room's energy.

Light and peaceful colours work like magic to visually expand a space. They create a sense of openness and airiness that's beneficial in small rooms. Warm whites and calming neutral colours tones that resemble nature are ideal from a Feng Shui perspective.
Dark colours can have a contracting effect, making a room feel smaller than it really is. I advise against using them on large surfaces, especially on walls in compact spaces.
Highly saturated colours, like bright red, should be used sparingly, if at all. The colour red is known for creating charged emotions and amplifying energy in a space, which can be overwhelming in a confined area.

Use mirrors to your advantage

Mirrors enhance small spaces. They have a remarkable ability to transform a room's energy and create a sense of spaciousness.

Mirrors reflect light, making any space instantly feel larger and more vibrant. They bring yang, or active energy, to quiet or dimly lit areas.
Mirrors visually expand a room, making it seem more open and inviting.
For maximum impact, place mirrors opposite a pleasant view or something beautiful, such as artwork. This amplifies their effect and adds to the overall harmony of the space.
Avoid using tiled mirrors or those that break your reflection up into pieces. Symbolically, this can represent fragmentation and disrupt the room's energy flow.
In bedrooms, avoid placing mirrors directly opposite the bed. This can symbolically magnify unresolved issues between couples, which is far from ideal for a harmonious bedroom.

Layout

By thoughtfully arranging your furniture with Feng Shui principles in mind, you can maximise the functionality of a small space and create an environment where energy flows harmoniously, enhancing your well-being.

Imagine your room as a treasure map. The area diagonally opposite the entrance is the wealth corner. This is where energy gathers and is contained. Regardless of the room's size, it's often the ideal spot for your main furniture piece, whether it be a bed, desk, or sofa.
When arranging your furniture, create a meandering flow of energy. Avoid placing furniture in a way that creates blockages or hinders the natural movement of chi. You’ll want the energy to circulate freely.
Consider the volume of your room and how you can use wall space efficiently. While wall shelving can be a smart solution to keep items off the floor, avoid placing shelves directly above your head as you sleep at night. This helps maintain a sense of security and tranquillity while you sleep.

Lighting and ventilation

Creating a balance between light and shade is an important concept in Feng Shui. Enhance and optimise the natural light and ventilation to keep energy fresh in your small space.

If you're fortunate to have a window with a view, you can create a connection to nature. Open your curtains and blinds to let the outdoors in. This allows natural light to enter your space and refreshes the indoor air.
If you need privacy, sheer curtains are a great solution that adds an element of softness to your space. They allow natural light to filter in, creating a gentle and inviting atmosphere while preserving your privacy with a screened view of the outdoors.
To add depth and interest to your small space, consider incorporating different sources of lighting. Overhead lighting provides general illumination, while strategically placed lamps can create cosy pockets of light. This layering effect enhances the ambience and sets the mood to suit your changing needs.

Furniture

How you furnish your space significantly impacts the energy flow in your home. Your furniture should support both your practical needs and the flow of positive energy.

In small spaces, curves create a smoother energy flow, allowing chi to meander gracefully through your environment. It softens the edges and fosters a more harmonious atmosphere.
Avoid bulky furniture that can obstruct the energy flow within a room. For instance, a grand four-poster king-sized bed might work in a grand boudoir, but it won’t work in a tiny room with standard ceiling height. Choose furniture that fits the scale of your space.
For compact areas, look for multifunctional furniture that serves more than one purpose. For example, a bench seat that doubles as storage maximises space and adds practicality to your decor.

Decorating

Decorate thoughtfully to ensure each item and texture contributes to a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.

Make every item in a small room meaningful. Choose decor that reflects your personality and brings you joy and peace. Surround yourself with items you love and value. They add a personal touch to your space and create a positive atmosphere.
Avoid overcrowding your room with too much decor. Display what resonates with you and let go of unwanted gifts or anything that brings you negative feelings. A clutter-free space allows chi to flow freely.
Create visual interest by using a combination of elements and textures. Mix and match different materials, colours, and patterns to add depth and warmth to your space.
Incorporating an element of nature, such as a small plant, can bring greater vitality and tranquillity to your room. Hanging plants can be a beautiful and space-efficient way to introduce greenery without taking up valuable floor or bench space.
Pay attention to the materials you use in your decor. Some materials have a subtle reflective nature that can make a space look and feel more expansive. For example, timber flooring creates a more expansive feeling than wall-to-wall carpet.

For more from Jane, follow her @fengshuiconcepts

Expert tips on creating positive energy in your petit space.