If you’re not entirely familiar with the concept, feng shui is an ancient idea that how you arrange your home directly influences how energy flows through it. Even if you don’t believe in the entire philosophy behind it, the aesthetic principles date back thousands of years and can help St. Louis homeowners organize their homes for optimal ease and comfort. Rooms designed with feng shui principles in mind often feel peaceful and calming, which is certainly something we can all use a little more of. If you’re thinking about how this can apply to your own space, here are a few ideas to consider:

The Entrance

The entrance to your home is particularly important in feng shui. It’s the entryway to your home where positive energy can come in. Doors should function properly, remain unobstructed and be able to open at least 90 degrees. Address any stubborn locks or creaks, and keep the path to your front door clear. Focus on making the entrance inviting and bright.

Add More Mirrors

Mirrors can benefit a room in a few ways—they’re a terrific way to brighten a space and make it feel larger than it is. In the case of feng shui, mirrors can invite energy into your home, and can reflect an element from outside a window into the room. Some examples are to place a mirror so you can see the reflection of a river or trees in your room. Water invites wealth and wood can improve your career and work life. The way mirrors reflect light and color can really transform the feeling of a space. Avoid any mirrors that are cloudy or broken.

Be Intentional About Your Seating

Furniture placement is a crucial factor of feng shui. If you’re working from home these days, you should consider where you’re sitting. Keep your desk far from the door and not in a direct line with it. And while seated, your back should not be to the door. Adhering to these guidelines puts you in a more commanding position, which is perfect for getting work done.

Increase Your Natural Light

You should let in as much natural light as possible. Maybe you get rid of heavier curtains in favor of something light and sheer that you can pull to the side. Or you can give the windows a thorough cleaning and trim back any trees or bushes that may be obscuring light. Letting sunlight into your home can make it feel fresh and inviting.

Check the Pathways

Give some thought to how you move through the house. You want your pathways to be open and clear, so you can move easily through the space. Beliefs in energy and such aside, opening up your space and making sure it’s set up to best fit your needs is an important way for homeowners to make their homes feel more appealing.

Remove Any Clutter

Feng shui and clutter are incompatible. If your goal is to improve the feel of your space, removing clutter is essential. Don’t just stash it away, though. After decluttering, keep only the things you need, actually use, and love.

You may not buy into the philosophy of feng shui wholeheartedly, but there’s no denying that it can make for a warmer, brighter, and more welcoming home.