Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art that has the potential to transform energy to experience greater wellbeing, harmony and abundance. We spoke with Feng Shui consultant Lucy Turner of Citrus Jing to explain more about the practice and how you can incorporate elements into your everyday life.
Whilst working full time as an interior designer, Turner heard about classical Feng Shui and pivoted her career to learn more about how it worked. This experience led her to create Citrus Jing, a design conscious Feng Shui Studio where she works with clients internationally to help them improve their wealth, health, relationships, wellbeing and interiors. Read on to find out how to incorporate Feng Shui into 4 main areas of your home.
In 2022 we are moving into an era that Turner describes as ‘conscious curation’, where people are choosing homewares, colours and materials with more intention, in the hope of living a more connected and meaningful life.
Since the start of lockdowns in early 2020, many people have spent more time in their homes than they ever would have in their lifetime. As a result, people began to reconsider their choices of interior styling, and made changes to make their space more inviting.
Most mainstream references are simplified and watered down versions of Feng Shui that suggest a ‘one size fits all’ approach. However Turner explains that every single space has its own unique numerology and energy map based on the year it was built and its facing compass direction. She goes on further to explain that these spaces must allow for moments of both yin and yang;
“Yin is made up of passive activities like relaxing, reading and sleeping whereas Yang is active and can involve anything from cooking to exercising.”
Instead of completely re-inventing your whole space, there are other easier ways she suggests that you can engage your senses to evoke different energies, moments and feelings.
“In the mornings I let in all of the natural light and love to burn incense, I use New Day by Apotheke because it's fresh and invigorating.”
“At night I will draw my curtains and burn Balmoral by Cire Trudon, reminiscent of misty soils and meadows. This is so calming for me and the candle light contributes perfectly to creating evening ambiance.”
“Another easy way to do this is to set an intention for your spaces and moments at home. this will bring awareness, clarity and purpose to each space so long as you stay mindful of your intentions.”
As one of the most important rooms in a house, the bedroom should promote relaxation and calm as Turner categorises it as a ‘YIN’ space. Since it is the most personal room, you should fill it with a curation of art and objects that express the inner you. She suggests placing your bed against a solid wall, and emphasises the importance of a bedhead, which represents security and connection.
“In Feng Shui a headboard is referred to as Black Tortoise which represents support at work.”
As one of the busiest and most lively places in your home, the living room should reflect the personality and values of the household. Turner explains the importance of promoting conversation and connection by creating an open layout, which can be further enhanced with plants in the east and south east as well as a coffee table.
“A coffee table is referred to as the Red Bird: it helps people find common ground with others and encourages them to contribute to conversation.”
It’s important to prioritise the dining room as a place to come together and connect. Turner recommends avoiding electrical clocks, TV’s and radios as they can discourage conversation. When choosing a dining table, she opts for round and square shapes that improve the natural flow of qi through the space.
“Mirrors amplify whatever they reflect and therefore in the dining room they should be hung to amplify the blessings and abundance of food, connection, love, conversation and increase the family’s prosperity.”
It is essential that you set your kitchen up so that you feel comfortable, peaceful and at ease. Turner encourages clients to organise everything to prevent feelings of frustration and allow easier access to foods and condiments. This includes avoiding storing food with or near cleaning products and limiting plastic storage containers.
“I always suggest a bowl of citrus fruit. Fruits represent abundance in general, and citrus naturally cleanses negative energy.”
Turner founded Citrus Jing as a design conscious Feng Shui Studio, and now works online with clients from all around the world to help them improve their wealth, health, relationships, wellbeing and interior. Using floor plans, images and text she can provide a clear, modern and informative report with energetic insights that will last your lifetime.
Image credit: Unsplash, Citrus Jing
