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Stunning Panorama of Luxury Home Interior with Open Concept Floor Plan: Shows Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, and Entry. Elegant Stairs Lead up to Second Story.
Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese practice of harmonizing humans with their surroundings. Literally translated to “wind-water”, the concept centers on the arrangement of objects and spaces and their influence on your life force. Famed architect, author and Feng Shui influencer Cliff Tan (@dearmodern) has garnered millions of followers online with his insights on the topic which he recently focused toward today’s open concept floor plans.
Define Your Space
Today’s larger, open-concept homes allow for more natural light and a sense of spaciousness. That being said, there is more of a need to define spaces within the larger area. Select furnishings that create openness or separation depending on how you'll use a room. For more spacious open-concept rooms, area rugs and larger furnishings can feel more protective and help define zones. You can also bring the same room-defining effects with thoughtfully placed lamps and lighting. Tan adds, "In Feng Shui, lighting is a source of energy. By crafting the type of light you use, you can change the energy levels of a space."
Enhance Energy Through Art, Color And Patterns
Art is important for influencing how you feel in a space and should be relevant to the room and its usage—for example, a dining room with vibrant art helps promote a healthy appetite. Tan also advises Feng Shui enthusiasts to incorporate a healthy mix of color to keep energy at its peak. When used in harmony, art, color and patterns can not only balance your mood, they can also be a great way to guide energy throughout your home. For example, Tan says, "if you want to make someone walk toward the living room, have a piece of art that subtly directs them."
Reflect On The Best
Mirrors don’t only reflect, they also double the energy wherever they're placed, so make sure they reflect only the best parts of your room. Tan recommends you avoid placing mirrors where they could bring even more attention to a messy kitchen. However, you could enhance a room’s positive energy with a mirror that reflects the perfectly adorned dining room table or an exquisitely framed piece of art or family photo recently hung on the wall.