Your home should inspire you, says feng shui master Theirry Chow. “Your space reflects your past, present and future,” she says, which should rejuvenate rather than draining you. Literally translating to ‘wind / water’, feng shui uses Traditional Chinese Medicine principles to harness energy flow. “It’s an ancient art of channelling vital, natural, universal energy, known as qi in Chinese, to benefit our well-being,” says Thierry. “Our environment largely influences our mental and physical health, so being more aware of how we arrange our environment can bring better energy into our life, and therefore allowing us to be the best potential self and individual.” Whether you’re looking to spruce up your home, wardrobe, or go for a full-on makeover, the principles of feng shui can help guide you to balance the five elements for better wellbeing at home and beyond. Thierry shares eight rules from her Go Lucky guidelines to get you on your way.
Pick a style that speaks to you
Your space is your space: make sure it reflects your personality and taste, says Thierry: “Be it bohemian chic, Versailles opulence or minimalist Zen realness, the style of your home is crucial as your space reflects who you are. Be mindful of who you are. Nature knows what it is, you are no different.”
Choose cheerful, fun colours
Statement walls and contrasting colours have long been a part of interior design, and Thierry says there’s a good, mood-boosting reason for it. “A sun-soaked yellow, an optimistic orange or a nourishing green: colourful accents do brighten the mood. Looking at our birth charts can help us figure out what colours we lack. For example, if you need more fire elements to have a good balance, you should use more red, purple or pink colours.”
A decorative detail that delights
It’s all about making your place personal, says Thierry, which means incorporating in sentimental things you love. “Place a picture or piece of art that sparks positive emotions — be it an inspirational painting or photograph, grandma’s quilt or a cute teddy bear from childhood — whatever makes you smile.” As Marie Kondo put it, pick something that sparks joy.
Five elemental phases
“The philosophy feng shui , such as ying-yang and the five elements, all come from the book of I Ching, which most Chinese traditional methods such as TCM take from as well,” explains Thierry. Incorporating these five elements into your home is important for good balance. “Living plants (a wood element) keep you company and remove stagnant qi. Metals minimise illness—copper, bronze, gold and silver are known to have antimicrobial properties. Bring in the Earth element for grounding with marble or crystals. Lit candles (fire element) invoke inspiration and creativity in spaces. Water features, such as fish tanks or fountains, let abundance flow through.”
No qi blockage
Qi, or energy, is at the centre of feng shui and TCM principles and ensuring good flow is vital in home spaces. “Imagine a river going through your home or office. Position furniture to allow for a smooth flow to all areas, keeping the qi moving freely through and letting it flow into the right directions of your life.”
Purge and declutter
We’ve all heard of spring cleaning, though Thierry recommends doing it more than once a year. “We collect emotional debris all around us, and it’s hard to expand and create when boxed in with all that stagnant qi. Get rid of old, unused items and clothing. Declutter your physical space to make way for something new. I’m very aware of how my space affects me: I make sure that I purge my space at least two to three times a year, and I make changes around the space at least one to two times a year.”
Mood lighting
It’s not called mood lighting for nothing: having a range of different lamps and candles around is important for your happiness and energy, says Thierry: “Invest in diversified lighting that reaches every dark corner, with a good balance of Yin and Yang — neither too bright nor too dark, overly warm or cold. Coloured candles and curtains gives you a lot of options, as ample sunlight can be let in during the day, softened in the afternoon, and made ambient in the evening.”
A good home lets you stay present
“The most surprising thing I’ve learnt through feng shui was the power of balance, and awareness of our surroundings and connection to nature,” says Thierry. “I think especially living in a city, it’s easy to forget we are one with nature.” Thierry recommends setting an intention to help shape your space and bring awareness. “Whether you want deep invigoration, soothing relaxation or a quick reset, your space should allow you to connect to your soul, effortlessly.”
Go Lucky is a contemporary concept by Thierry Chow, fusing feng shui with mindful, modern design to create the space you want to be in. Find out more information on her Instagram.
