With the warming weather, it’s time to get your yard in order. No matter its size, creating an inviting and peaceful outdoor space is essential to the overall look and feel of your property. If the task seems overwhelming, incorporating a few basic elements of feng shui into your yard can make a big difference with just a little effort.
What is Feng Shui?
Although it may sound complicated, feng shui is quite easy to achieve in any space. This ancient art of design originated in China and dates back hundreds of years. Simply put, feng shui assumes that there is energy in all things, and the way you arrange a space should minimize the bad energy and accentuate the good. With this simple principle in mind, adding feng shui to your yard can be easy and enjoyable.
Simple Tips to Incorporate Feng Shui:
Out with the bad, in with the good.
The first step to creating a more relaxing atmosphere in your garden, patio, or yard is to clear out the clutter. Take a look around and determine which items are not adding positive energy to the area or may be taking up otherwise usable space. Removing these excess items will have an immediate positive effect and will create a fresh backdrop for your new design.
Make room to gather.
To make your yard feel more inviting, create a space for you and your family to comfortably gather. Even a small area can feel roomy with the right arrangement. Place chairs and furniture so that you sit with your back to a hedge or wall. This will give you a clear, unobstructed view of the rest of your garden and make it feel more open. Small side tables, footstools, and pillows will make you and your guests feel comfortable and welcome.
Just add water.
A good addition for any space but especially for smaller gardens, a water feature can pack a powerful punch in your design. The gentle sound of a waterfall is soothing for many and can distract from other ambient noises. If you don’t enjoy the sound of water, a small, still pond that reflects the sky will create a feeling of openness and depth without adding noise.
Keep it curvy.
If your yard was built with a landscape of mainly long, straight lines, you may notice it feels stark and cold. If you’re able, redesign some of your straight curbs into more gentle curves. For a less labor-intensive solution, simply add plants, rounded sculptures and stones, or other smoothed objects to break up the long edges and create a more calming atmosphere.
Consider your colors.
Different colors reflect and encourage different moods, so choose the hues you place in your yard with that in mind. Black, blue, purple and white tones are calming while white, yellow, red, and orange elevate mood and increase energy. Avoid mixing too many of these shades in one space; colors should compliment rather than compete with one another.
Simplify.
Adding feng shui to your yard shouldn’t be overwhelming or stressful; rather, it should be a reflection of your inner self. If you enjoy working in the garden, adding plants and elements that require more upkeep will create an enjoyable atmosphere. If you prefer less upkeep, incorporate low maintenance plants and durable décor to minimize the effort needed to maintain your space.
Feng shui isn’t just for design experts. According to the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, “meandering leads to perfection.” Take your time to experiment, create, and discover what makes your outdoor space feel more like home.
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