Interior Design

The unbreakable link between interior design and energy flow

(5 min read) I recently ran into this lengthy article that discussed the topic of insomnia and other less known sleep disorders. In the article, my fellow blogger briefly touched on the subject of bed positioning in one’s bedroom, as well as some of the general rules when it comes to bedroom interior design and sleep-related benefits that could come out of those rules if applied properly. Although I wholeheartedly agreed on almost everything that was written, I felt that one short passage didn’t do justice to the importance of interior design and its connection to people’s mental and sometimes even physical health.

A Living Room designed with Feng Shui in mind.
Living Room with Feng Shui elements.

I wasn’t really a strong believer in any of the said things up until a couple of years ago. However, some things that I experienced convinced me to change my opinion and even my beliefs to an extent. My point in writing this post is to try to make you think about a few “little” things that would potentially change the quality of your lives for the better.

A beautiful bedroom decorated in accordance with Feng Shui.
Master bedroom decorated in accordance with Feng Shui.

Some nine years ago we rented a house on top of a small hill in a nearby suburb. That hill actually overlooked that area but it wasn’t really the desired location since it was steep and the house was somewhat weirdly positioned. It wasn’t long before I started waking up in the middle of the night, and later even full-on insomnia. By default, I started googling, and I kid you not solved my problem in no time. Once I got rid of the mirror that was “staring” at me from across the room, I started sleeping better. Better, but not as well as I did before we moved. However, at least I knew that the problem wasn’t a haunted house, but the fact that my bed was placed under a huge window. The house wasn’t big enough for me to remedy that, so I just bought a taller headboard and made peace with it.

A beautiful interior designed Scandinavian living room with Feng Shui elements
Scandinavian style living room with Feng Shui elements.

Later on, I did some research and found out that there was one ancient art that, if we knew of it at the time, could have helped us better understand the trouble we were in — Feng Shui. When it comes to bettering your every-day life, not many interior design techniques will work quite as well as Feng Shui. Needless to say, most of us simply don’t have the money to pay for the expert advice of an interior decorator or Feng Shui master. We can, however, make a list of some general rules and stick to them as much as we can. Here are some good pointers when it comes to interior design and Feng Shui, that you can use right now without damaging your budget.

Open plan living room with Feng Shui elements that encourages conversations.
Open plan living room with Feng Shui elements.

1. Living room

The best arrangement of furniture for good energy flow in your living room is the conversational one. Chairs and sofas or couches should face one another to encourage conversation and a sense of togetherness. This kind of arrangement focuses on people rather than material things. On the same note, furniture should be placed away from the walls to allow for the energy to flow easier and more freely. Add some plants to the sunniest places in your living room and make sure they are healthy. Feng Shui can also be somewhat related to minimalism as it preaches the same “decluttering” theory, so make sure you don’t have too many unnecessary things in your living room so that the energy can be free.

Contemporary living room designed according to the ancient art of Feng Shui
Small contemporary living room designed according to Feng Shui.

2. Bedroom

Get rid of any mirrors and avoid placing your bed under a window. If you have to place it there get a solid headboard and heavy window covers. In order to get some good night’s sleep, the bed should also be placed so that the occupants can have a full view of the door. Also, avoid putting the bed on the same wall where your bathroom plumbing fixtures are. I suppose most of us avoid doing this in general, since it’s just common sense to place your bed next to the most “peaceful” wall.

Perfectly used bedroom color pattern according to Feng Shui ancient science.
Perfectly used bedroom color pattern according to Feng Shui.

3. Kitchen

One of the main rules in relation to kitchens is that you should keep your kitchen tidy at all times. Don’t let the dishes pile up, and keep the stove and fridge clean. The kitchen is considered to be one of the key elements in the so-called Feng Shui trinity which includes the bedroom, the bathroom, and the kitchen. Feng Shui wise, the kitchen is the most important room in your home, as it sustains and nourishes life and wellbeing. One of the most important placements in the kitchen is the placement of the stove which should most commonly be placed in the south or the southwest. However, each house has its own “Bagua” map — An eight-sided energy map used to map out your life starting with the front door. However, since these are just budget-friendly changes, just keeping your kitchen tidy and decluttered is already a good start.

Black and White kitchen designed in accordance to Feng Shui.
Black and White kitchen designed in accordance to the ancient art of Feng Shui.

4. Bathroom

Some general rules are that your bathroom should always be clean and the doors should be closed. It is advised that you add some air-purifying plants in it, as well as art and/or candles. Make sure your bathroom always smells nice and try to make it more beautiful with some seashells or other decorations.

Oriental style bathroom designed by Feng Shui rules.
Oriental style bathroom designed by Feng Shui rules.

There is also a variety of common-sense rules, like that you shouldn’t hang your art too low or that you should separate your work and sleeping area, but in this post, I’ve only focused on the major, budget-friendly ones. If you are still doubtful, just try applying one of these tips. It won’t cost a thing, but it may benefit your lifestyle on so many levels.

Modern living room with Feng Shui elements in mind.
Modern living room with Feng Shui elements.
Interior design concept that keeps the energy flowing.
An open space concept keeps the energy flowing.

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M. Belosh

M. Belosh

Passionate art enthusiast; avid reader (you can find me on Goodreads under the same name); movie connoisseur; intolerable before my morning coffee.

82 Comments

  1. Nate
    October 23, 2019 at 12:55 pm

    Like you said, there are some “common-sense rules”. I’ve been to houses where they hang their art too low. And they do their work in their sleeping area! Which to me is a no no!

  2. Amber Myers
    October 23, 2019 at 3:24 pm

    I’ll keep these in mind. I always want my home to have a good flow. I’m not so anal about it, but I just want to be sure I’m comfortable.

    • October 24, 2019 at 4:57 pm

      I can’t agree more with you Amber, comfort trumps everything else.

  3. Gigi
    October 23, 2019 at 3:51 pm

    I wish I had the interior design eye! I think all of these interiors are stunning but if I ever try to re-create it… It just DOES NOT WORK! lol!

  4. Jessica Joachim
    October 23, 2019 at 6:03 pm

    I will admit, I hang art much too low. The reason I do it is because I am short HAHA. I need to do some redecorating and this gives me some real inspiration.

    • October 24, 2019 at 4:56 pm

      So happy this article inspired you Jessica. Thank you.

  5. Stephanie
    October 23, 2019 at 6:30 pm

    So I already do a lot of this, but didn’t know it was Feng Shui! The only big one that I could change fairly easily is the mirror in the bedroom. But there aren’t windows over the bed and it’s on an outside wall so no plumbing. I hadn’t ever thought of that. And my stove is on the south side of the house just by luck since we didn’t build the house!

    • October 24, 2019 at 4:55 pm

      You might wanna get rid of the mirror or at least change its location, it would help you sleep a lot better.

  6. Flossie McCowald
    October 23, 2019 at 10:15 pm

    Absolutely agree with what Nate said! It was my senior year of college when I literally divided my tiny single bedroom (in my suite with a common area too tiny to work in) into two halves: work-half and sleep-half. With furniture. And NEVER did anything on the wrong side. After that, I slept a lot better – and NEVER slept with a desk again.

    • October 24, 2019 at 4:54 pm

      That is awesome!!! As i mentioned in the article, these tips actually work!

  7. Marjie Mare
    October 23, 2019 at 10:49 pm

    The spaces are beautiful, well designed, and bright. I am definitely getting some ideas. Thanks for sharing.

  8. Nicole Bertrand
    October 23, 2019 at 11:20 pm

    I recently got rid of the mirror in my bedroom because it was acting as a light reflector and pointing the light directly at my face as I tried to sleep! Great article as always!

    • October 24, 2019 at 4:53 pm

      Good call! Did you feel better without the mirror?

  9. Lyosha
    October 24, 2019 at 1:48 am

    everything looks so beautiful! very calm and stylish! I have never given much thought about that flow but it is there

  10. Cristina Petrini
    October 24, 2019 at 4:14 am

    I agree with how it affects not only a design environment but also a comfortable and extremely beautiful and relaxing environment in everyday life

  11. Nat
    October 24, 2019 at 4:15 am

    Common sense rules, I get, but sometimes I like to do things out of the ordinary. But within reason (Let’s not bookshelves in the bathrooms please).

    • October 24, 2019 at 4:52 pm

      yep no bookshelves in the bathroom lmao! Good call!

  12. Cris
    October 24, 2019 at 5:17 am

    These are some great ideas! I wish I could follow these instructions and decorate my house like this!

  13. Krysten Quiles
    October 24, 2019 at 6:51 am

    I wish I was better with interior design, these are all beautiful options. Thanks so much for sharing this with us!

  14. AMY
    October 24, 2019 at 9:30 am

    This place is so beautiful. I really wanted to place a visit someday. Thank you for this guide. You get me so excited to come in the place. It was awesome and stunning picture!

  15. Kelli A
    October 24, 2019 at 9:43 am

    It is amazing to me how simply arranging items in certain ways can change the atmosphere and mood of a room, so I fully believe it definitely effects us as well.

  16. Myrah Duque
    October 24, 2019 at 9:54 am

    I agree that there are common-sense rules. Hanging your art too low is nor correct.

  17. October 24, 2019 at 11:02 am

    I will definitely keep this in mind!

  18. Gervin Khan
    October 24, 2019 at 11:28 am

    These designs are so beautiful, some of them looks simple, classy and elegant but all of them are comfortable.

    • October 24, 2019 at 4:51 pm

      yes they do!!! And in my opinion comfort comes first before design or anything else.

  19. Neely Moldovan
    October 24, 2019 at 12:17 pm

    Oh I love all of these! We for sure try to keep all the rooms at a good flow.

  20. Bree
    October 24, 2019 at 12:37 pm

    What beautiful spaces! I am very particular about how I arrange things and hang things. Flow is important!

  21. Garf
    October 24, 2019 at 1:16 pm

    Over the years, my taste for interior design have changed. I now prefer natural colors.

    • October 24, 2019 at 4:50 pm

      Same!!! I love natural colors, seem to me more authentic tbh.

  22. Patricia Chamberlain
    October 24, 2019 at 7:49 pm

    These designs are all amazing! I am terrible at interior decorating, but I am getting better as I get older and practice more.

  23. Annemarie LeBlanc
    October 24, 2019 at 8:28 pm

    I do believe Feng Shui has some truth to it. My friend advised me to avoid putting mirrors in the bedroom too, but if it unavoidable, The mirror should be placed in an area where the bed is not caught in the reflection. She said it will bring illness. I did follow that and took it to heart. I will have to check out these other tips!

    • October 25, 2019 at 9:14 am

      Thanks a lot Annemarie for your comment. Yes if possible, mirrors shouldn’t be placed in the bedroom.

  24. Danjay Reyes
    October 24, 2019 at 9:49 pm

    These are helpful informations. Thank you for sharing!

  25. Tara Pittman
    October 24, 2019 at 11:22 pm

    I am redoing my bedroom. I will have to think of the energy flow thing.

  26. Krystal Miller
    October 25, 2019 at 12:12 am

    I apparently need to take another look at how my bedroom is set up. I have my bed under a window and I have a huge mirrored dresser.

  27. Christa
    October 25, 2019 at 1:21 am

    I just got back from a trip to China and learned SO MUCH about feng shui. It is such a fascinating subject. I absolutely believe that the energy of a room can be influenced by placement.

  28. catherine santiago jose
    October 25, 2019 at 1:27 am

    All these designs are beautiful but I like the most those designs who have a natural colors because it makes me feel more comfortable.

  29. Sundeep
    October 25, 2019 at 2:00 am

    Thanks for sharing some amazing tips on Interior Design. We are shifting to new place next year. I am going to bookmark this post and this is going to help us in future. A big thanks to you

    • October 25, 2019 at 9:11 am

      This is great Sundeep, I am so glad this article helped.

  30. Kate
    October 25, 2019 at 5:58 am

    I love all these looks – I’m a big fan of natural colours and materials in the home…

  31. kumamonjeng
    October 25, 2019 at 6:47 am

    I love the idea of having a tidy kitchen as it is the eating place and hygiene is number one.

  32. AMY
    October 25, 2019 at 7:26 am

    Wow! I am so in love with these interior designs. It gives me more ideas for my home makeover.

  33. Cynthia Nicoletti
    October 25, 2019 at 8:33 am

    Every room looks so amazing. I wish I had that touch to design a room.

  34. aisasami
    October 25, 2019 at 9:19 am

    I have heard of the Feng Shui method in relation to how to design a house to achieve good energy and peace, but never saw it in practice. I learned something new because I have never seen suggestions on the subject.

  35. Catherine
    October 25, 2019 at 9:37 am

    My goodness these rooms are gorgeous! I can definitely feel the different energies from each style and design. I love it.

  36. Dana Brillante-Peller
    October 25, 2019 at 9:58 am

    I love to keep a light energy in our home. It helps when concentrating. We go with soft colors as well.

  37. Maureen
    October 25, 2019 at 11:53 am

    These are all so breathtaking. I am especially drawn to the Scandinavian style living room because it reminds me of my mom cave

  38. Jasmine M
    October 25, 2019 at 12:19 pm

    I love the decor of all these rooms! I would love to re-decorate my home like some of these rooms. I am going to have to save this and use this as inspiration for when I do redecorate.

  39. Luci West
    October 25, 2019 at 12:39 pm

    Thank you for this excellent overview of Feng Shui inspired tips. It’s been a while since I read about Feng Shui. So it was really nice to read your article and at the same time check off each of my rooms as being pretty well in line as much as possible. Some aspects are more common sense (bed on the wall with the plumbing) but others wouldn’t come to mind naturally. Yet all of them are so helpful!

    • October 25, 2019 at 1:22 pm

      I am so happy the post helped. Thanks a lot Luci for your feedback.

  40. Laura
    October 25, 2019 at 1:56 pm

    I didn’t know anything about fengshui, but it makes sense. I’ll keep it in mind when reorganizing my home.

  41. Lee
    October 25, 2019 at 2:45 pm

    You post has been an eye opener for me, as I never knew that interior design is somehow connected to people’s mental and can also affect physical health. Sometimes I need to consider when I redesign my home

  42. Mel
    October 25, 2019 at 3:03 pm

    I am especially loving your tips for the bedroom. I have a calming blue color on the walls in our room and he insists on the black out curtains so that he can sleep in on the weekends 🙂

  43. Melissa L Cushing
    October 25, 2019 at 3:03 pm

    I am loving this post and all of your wonderful tips on design. There are so many things to it but honestly I have always had a good visual eye when it comes to the home and beyond and always get compliments from people. If I had an endless budget… forget about it 🙂 As it is I refinish old pieces from Thrift stores or yard sales and make then my own which is rewarding.

    • October 30, 2019 at 9:12 am

      I’ve done that as well, A lot of my furniture is reclaimed or bought from yard sales. That is were you find amazing gems.

  44. Susan
    October 25, 2019 at 4:19 pm

    Great common sense rules, I didn’t know the one about keeping the bathroom door closed!!

  45. Bella
    October 25, 2019 at 5:47 pm

    My folks need to learn more about Feng Shui and light has always been an important consideration for them. Our house is so dark with neighbours hedges, so we’re looking to move soon x

    • October 30, 2019 at 9:10 am

      In all honesty, I can’t handle living in a dark space. I am happy you’re moving out, i am sure the difference is gonna be huge.

  46. Patricia
    October 25, 2019 at 6:05 pm

    Thank you for the Feng Shui tips. Like you were, I’m also struggling with sleeping through the night. We don’t have the bed underneath a window because of the threat of earthquakes, but I think being beside two windows isn’t helping. I’m going to try to move the bed to another spot, and move the mirror. I also think adding heavy window dressings will help. I’ve also been working in there lately, and I think, as you suggested, we need to separate our work and sleeping spaces again.

    • October 30, 2019 at 9:09 am

      These tips should work Patricia, there is no harm in trying them anyway. I really hope it works out for you.

  47. LaToyia Dennis
    October 25, 2019 at 6:11 pm

    I absolutely LOVE the wonderful tips. The design elements are fabulous. I love them all.

  48. Rosey
    October 25, 2019 at 7:08 pm

    I have heard of Feng Shui. I do believe it has truth to it.

  49. Fassam
    October 25, 2019 at 10:55 pm

    Thank you for all the common yet useful tips and people like me easily can miss it. A little change can make wonders. Beautiful design inspiration.

    • October 30, 2019 at 9:08 am

      Great this post inspired you Fassam, thanks a lot for your comment.

  50. Waren Jean Go
    October 25, 2019 at 10:55 pm

    Awesome tips! My bed is definitely beside and under a window. Hmmm… now I’m thinking of rearranging.

  51. Celeste
    October 25, 2019 at 11:12 pm

    I love your suggestions and tips on how to make our lives happier. Will need to make a few changes.

  52. Sheri
    October 26, 2019 at 2:53 am

    This is really a very interesting and in all honesty i had no idea about a lot of these things. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

  53. Kuntala
    October 26, 2019 at 6:19 am

    Such beautiful and dreamy decorations. I liked the oriental style bathroom. I hope my house turns into an exotic beauty one day.

  54. AMY
    October 26, 2019 at 7:02 am

    This interior is so beautiful. I really wanted to have this design someday. Thank you for this guide. You get me so motivated to have this designs. It was awesome and stunning picture!

    • October 30, 2019 at 9:07 am

      That is great Amy, I am so happy this helped.

  55. Jennifer Tanney
    October 26, 2019 at 8:10 am

    I love these designs especially the modern living room with feng shui. The colors are so vibrate and sunny.

  56. Kimberly Caines
    October 26, 2019 at 10:40 am

    Those interior designs are so awesome! I love the kitchen design the most. I like how tidy elegant and how tidy it looks. Thinking of redesigning my kitchen. Hmmm

    • October 30, 2019 at 9:07 am

      The kitchen is gorgeous!!! Kitchen Goal for sure.

  57. twain
    October 26, 2019 at 7:40 pm

    I’d love to have that big open space for a living room, and the straight line and white and gray theme in my dream house.

  58. kimberly c
    October 26, 2019 at 10:45 pm

    This is going to really help me. We just bought a house and are about to move in there. I a sooooo going to make sure to apply some of these tips. My main thing has always been it has to be clean… now I have much more to think about. Love the photos you used. Just looking at them made me feel good, so I can image that living in them would be nice too.

    • October 30, 2019 at 9:06 am

      This is great to know Kimberly, I am so glad this post helped.

  59. Bismah Bonnie
    October 27, 2019 at 2:15 am

    I really love the look and design of every one of these rooms. I would have a hard time keeping any of my rooms as nice as these with two little boys running around. I do make an effort to make sure our home is clean though and somewhat tidy!

    • October 30, 2019 at 8:52 am

      Well with two boys keeping the house clean and tidy is a huge achievement lol…

  60. Eileen M Loya
    October 27, 2019 at 3:37 am

    Being Asian, we do follow some advice from Feng Shui experts. I mean, there is no harm in heeding their advice. In our home, we make sure there is no faucet or water fixtures facing the main door. It is believed that this would “wash away” good fortune.

    • October 30, 2019 at 8:52 am

      I actually didn’t know about that!!! Good to know and yes as you said, a lot of these tips actually make sense and there is no harm in following them.

  61. Marie Phillips
    November 7, 2019 at 3:00 pm

    I love most of these tips! I am planning to go room by room in the next month to renew and refresh everything. This will be helpful!

  62. Wand
    December 14, 2019 at 9:31 am

    Good flow is so important when decorating a home. You made some great points in this post. iI need to keep in mind these recommendations when I move soon!