How to transform an awkwardly shaped room with feng shui
For interior designers and keen DIY enthusiasts alike, awkwardly shaped rooms often present a challenge. If you don’t know where to start, Feng Shui could help you transform your home into a harmonious, balanced and inviting environment.
All is not lost when it comes to an awkwardly shaped room, it just requires a little more thought and creativity. If you’re up for the challenge, feng-shui can help you tackle the room.
What is Feng Shui?
Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of placement which teaches us how to align our living spaces with the natural world to promote well-being and positive energy. By applying Feng Shui principles, even the most irregularly shaped rooms can become serene havens that encourage productivity, relaxation, and joy.
How to incorporate Feng Shui principles into your interior design scheme
Maximise natural light
One of the foundational principles of Feng Shui is the importance of natural light. It's believed that light carries Chi, or life force energy, which vitalises the space and its occupants. To maximize natural light in an awkwardly shaped room, consider the placement of mirrors to reflect light deeper into the space. A strategically placed mirror can double the light from a long bay window, making the room feel more expansive and lively.
You should also try to keep window treatments minimal if you can. If that’s not possible, consider sheer fabrics as these still allow sunlight to beam through. As well as adding texture to the room, they provide a form of privacy without blocking out the natural light.
Avoid clutter
Clutter is the nemesis of Feng Shui as it blocks the flow of Chi. This creates stagnant areas and encourages negative feelings of unease and overwhelm. As over 35% of adults in the UK are already stressed, it’s important to keep these levels of unease as low as possible!
In awkwardly shaped rooms, where corners and angles might already create a sense of disarray - clutter only serves to exacerbate this.
Where possible, utilise clever storage solutions that fit the unique dimensions of the space. This will help maintain a clear and open environment.
Optimise the layout
The layout of furniture and décor plays a significant role in Feng Shui as it influences the movement of energy and the room's functionality. When dealing with an awkwardly shaped room, it's important to define distinct areas based on their use (such as a reading nook or workspace), to create a sense of purpose and harmony.
When zoning your room, use rugs to anchor these spaces and guide the flow of Chi through the room. Avoid placing large pieces of furniture in the centre of the room as this disrupts the flow. Instead, arrange your furniture so that it doesn’t hinder movement through the space.
Use a soft colour palette
Colours have profound effects on our emotions and energy levels, so it’s important to make the right choice when it comes to your colour palette. Soft, light colours like pastels, warm whites and muted earthy tones) are best as they foster a sense of openness and tranquillity.
Continuing the soft tones from the walls to the furniture will create a calming flow throughout the room, with natural textures and muted colours keeping the environment tranquil and serene.
Think about your commanding position
The concept of the commanding position is central to Feng Shui. It dictates that the main piece of furniture (usually a bed or desk) should be positioned opposite the door but not directly in line with it. This placement offers a sense of security and control, allowing you to see the entryway without being in the direct path of incoming energy.
In an awkwardly shaped room, achieving this positioning may require creativity, such as using screens or plants to subtly redirect the flow of Chi towards a more favourable alignment.
Final thoughts…
An awkward-shaped room doesn’t need to be a design dilemma! Using the principles of Feng Shui, you can transform every room into a beautiful, balanced space that you cherish spending time in.
Make sure to keep your personal style at the heart of the room, as Feng Shui principles can be applied in multiple different ways.