Finding Harmony at Home Through Feng Shui

Dusty Rhodes • September 9, 2024

There are a million different ways to make your house feel like home, from hanging gallery walls, to showing off your hobbies through your décor. Among these many approaches to interior design is a philosophy called feng shui, a practice believed to help cultivate an environment where you feel centered, happy and creative. Feng shui consultant Susan Chan shared tips to help you understand how you can align your home with the natural world and create a nurturing, supportive space.


What is feng shui?


Feng shui is an ancient Chinese art that originally came through India and Tibet about 7,000 years ago. The word “feng” means wind, and “shui” means water. Chan said the meaning behind feng shui comes from the idea that the natural world is a significant source of inspiration for balance and harmony.


“The Chinese believe that nature promotes good health,” she said. “And when you have good health, you can work, and when you can work, you can bring in fortune.”


The point of this philosophy is to create a harmonious environment that will support your wellbeing, from the décor you bring into your house, to the layout of your floor plan. Chan said feng shui emphasizes the importance of aligning your home with the natural flow of energy, also known as chi or qi, to enhance the quality of your life.


Some key tenets of feng shui


Feng shui is all about achieving balance, and there are several ways to do that. Its principles take cues from the natural world to help bring positive energy into your space. Having a clean home and avoiding awkward furniture placement are also among the methods for achieving balance. Let’s take a closer look at the tenets of feng shui.


Chi


In Chinese philosophy, chi represents an energy that flows through all living things, and it's what binds everything, all the way from a universal scale, to individual rooms in your house. To be surrounded by positive chi means to have peace and comfort.


“Ensuring that chi flows freely and effortlessly throughout your home is crucial,” Chan said. This can include arranging your space to encourage good energy circulation (more on how to do that below).


Yin and yang


One aspect of practicing feng shui is balancing opposing forces to achieve harmony. Yin represents slower and calmer energy, while yang represents active and vibrant energy. So you’d want more yin in your bedroom and more yang in your living room, for example. 


“A well-balanced home and lifestyle has a mix of both to create a dynamic yet peaceful environment,” Chan said.


The bagua Map


This feng shui tool helps identify which areas of your home correspond to different aspects of your life, such as wealth, creativity, and relationships. It is often laid out in the shape of an octagon, made up of eight wedges surrounding a circle in the center. That center represents the emotional and physical health of the home’s occupants. This map is meant to be layered over your entire floor plan, or even in a single room, so you can design your space to encourage the flow of energy throughout.


“By aligning your space according to the bagua, you can enhance specific areas to make sure your space supports your goals and well-being,” Chan said.


Natural elements


Having a feng shui home layout encourages using natural elements and materials in your décor. Chan said this works to connect you to your environment and allows for a sense of tranquility that may come with being outdoors. There are five elements you can use when decorating: Earth, fire, metal, water, and wood. 


Let’s say you want to incorporate water into your home, but you’d rather not have a water fountain inside. You could add a blue accent chair or some art that has flowing shapes instead. Want to include fire, but don’t have a fireplace? Candles will suffice, or even some warm lighting.


Seeing feng shui when choosing a home


Before we go further, it’s important to understand that this philosophy is not just about how you arrange your furniture. Chan said doing so is important for energy flow, but more so, it’s about balancing your space and yourself in the home.


“Another misconception is that feng shui is complicated and requires major changes and a huge financial investment,” Chan said. “Depending on the scope of your goals and project, small adjustments can make a big difference in creating a harmonious environment.”


It’s not uncommon for architects to work with feng shui experts, like Chan, when they’re drawing up blueprints for commercial and residential structures. In fact, she said it goes back a long way.


“In ancient China, people would consult a feng shui expert to select the perfect plot of land, design the blueprint of their home, and guide them through construction and furnishing to align with feng shui principles,” she said.

When you’re looking at a home, or looking at building one, here are some features to keep in mind:


The floor plan


A deeper floor plan is preferred over a wider one, according to Chan. That means a home where the structure extends further back than its width when looked at from the front, as opposed to a house that’s wide and shallow from the same view.


This allows positive energy to be welcomed deeper into your home and increases the likelihood of it staying. If you’re shopping for existing homes, many listings on Zillow have 3D floor plans to give you a better idea of how the energy would flow through your space and whether it's a good fit for what you want. When searching for a home, select the “must have 3D tour” filter.


The ceilings


Ceilings should be at a comfortable height — not too low or too high. You don’t want to feel oppressed by your home, or too disconnected from it. If your head nearly touches the ceiling, that’s not ideal. And if it extends more than eight or nine feet up, then it feels less cozy. 


If this is the case for a very large room, like an open-concept living room and kitchen area, then it may feel fine because it’s proportionate. But if your bedroom isn’t overly large, your ceilings shouldn’t be too high, since you’ll lose that comfy feeling.


If your ceilings do feel too high, you could hang something like a chandelier to help give the sense that things are more closed in — just don’t go too low, or else the space will feel too tight.


The bathrooms


It’s best to avoid having a bathroom too close to a bedroom, since bathroom energy is not considered positive. Plus, bathrooms are associated with bacteria, and you don’t want that near an area that should be pleasant.


“By selecting the ideal plot, choosing the best floor plan, making thoughtful construction decisions, and picking architectural details that match the occupants' energy and elements, we can create a home that supports their health and helps them reach their full potential,” Chan said.


Decorating for balance, inside and out


As we said earlier, many feng shui methods essentially ask you to make things feel less awkward in your home: i.e., don’t buy furniture that’s too large for your space (so you won’t have to squeeze around your own home). 


Remember, incorporating this practice into your space doesn’t mean you have to rearrange your whole house or spend big. In fact, it may come down to just making some small adjustments.


And don’t forget about the power of nature. Each of the elements mentioned earlier has its own characteristics, and can shape your home’s energy differently. Chan said it’s important to balance them out and avoid oversaturating your home with one over the others. This does not mean you need to have a lot of any of them.


When you’re looking for what types of items to include, Chan said she loves to decorate with mirrors.


“Mirrors, when placed correctly, can amplify positive energy and bring vibrant energy to areas that may lack it,”


Another favorite of hers is plants. She said they’re a nice way to include nature in your home and add some vibrant energy.


The living room


Sofas serve as an anchor to a room and a place of relaxation, so they should be placed against a wall to help you feel supported and safe. If you can’t do that, you could place a sofa table against the back instead.


Try to avoid having your sofa against a window. This will help avoid disrupting the energy entering your home and help you feel secure. Be sure to leave plenty of space between your furniture so both chi and people can move through. 


The bedroom


Having a doorway directly in front of the foot of your bed can disrupt your home’s calming flow and your peace of mind. It could feel unsettling to see a dark hallway in front of you when you’re trying to fall asleep. Having the bed diagonally across from the door is recommended. 


If possible, try to have some symmetry (in keeping with the goal of balance) in this room, specifically by using matching nightstands on either side of your bed.


The yard


The outside of your home also offers some opportunities to promote the flow of positive energy. Chan said curb appeal is key. Making your home aesthetically pleasing enhances its resale value, plus it can make you feel good whenever you see your nice, clean yard. This applies to the backyard as well.


Chan also said having a neat exterior attracts good energy, as energy loves to find people easily, as opposed to having to squeeze and wind through various obstacles.


What’s the best décor approach for you?


There are a number of ways you can have a home layout that follows some feng shui rules. Chan said most people fall into two camps: those who have too much stuff and tend to be overwhelmed in their lives, and people who are minimalists, who may feel like they are searching for more in their lives.


She suggests doing some reflection to figure out which one of these describes you the best (it doesn’t have to be an exact match). Depending on what you find, there are different tips you can follow.


If your home feels cluttered, start by intentionally releasing nine things in the next nine days so you can create space for more positive energy to come in. If it doesn’t “spark joy,” consider tossing it out, or donating it.


If you tend to be more minimal, consider adding some color, texture, or natural elements to your home using plants or rocks.


“[Add things] that make you and your insides feel warm and fuzzy,” Chan said. “And yes, I said ‘warm and fuzzy.’”


You don’t have to do it all


There is such a thing as "feng shui paranoia,” as Chan calls it. This is where you may feel compelled to apply every principle you read about, even when it's unnecessary. Chan said it’s OK to take a more hands-off approach.


"If it ain't broke, don't fix it,” she said.


By concentrating on the strengths of your space and making mindful, meaningful adjustments, you can create a harmonious and supportive environment without getting overwhelmed. Instead of trying to follow everything the experts suggest, focus on what you want to improve in your life. Chan suggests identifying a few areas you'd like to enhance and use feng shui to address them. 


“I always emphasize the importance of focusing on what you have, rather than what you lack,” Chan said. “My approach to feng shui is all about highlighting the positives.”

Source: Zillow



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What Stays With the House When You Move?

By Dusty Rhodes • March 30, 2026
When you’re selling your home , it is natural to assume that anything you can safely remove is yours to keep—like the light fixtures you painstakingly cleaned and repaired, or the appliances you bought last year. But the truth is, the buyer may want some of those items, too, and sometimes it's better to part ways with these items for the sake of the sale. Rather than keep everything, you should decide what you'd like to keep and what you'll leave behind as a way to entice buyers into making an offer, particularly in today's market where buyers are holding more of the cards than ever. What stays with the house? Generally, certain items stay with the house when you sell and move. Some features may seem obvious, but the truth is, you're probably expected to leave more behind than you think. Some of these items can include: Built-ins: Built-in bookshelves, benches, and pull-out furniture generally stay inside the home. Landscaping: Trees, shrubs, and any flowers planted in the ground should stay in the yard. Wall mounts: If you have TV wall mounts or picture mounts that might damage the wall if you remove them, it is a good idea to leave them in place when you move. Custom-fit items: If you have custom-made curtains , plantation shutters, or blinds, leave them on the windows and doors. Hardware : If you upgraded the knobs and drawer pulls in the bathrooms and kitchen, you should either leave those behind or install replacements before you move. Alarm systems : Wireless alarm systems are designed to be removed. Otherwise, leave the alarm monitoring station attached and either relocate or cancel the monitoring service. Smoke detectors : Smoke detectors and sprinkler systems should stay in the house, especially if you plan to move before selling the house. What can you take? While you’re expected to leave some items behind, in general your belongings are yours to keep. Here are some examples: Patio furniture, lawn equipment, and play sets : If you have a wooden swing set in the backyard and a bistro table on the front porch, take those items with you. Appliances : Some lenders require that a home have an oven installed before approving a loan, but for all other appliances, it's up to you to decide what you will take and what you will offer as part of the home. Some light fixtures : Generally, homeowners leave light fixtures behind, but if you’re attached to a certain fixture, you can make arrangements with the buyer to take it. Built-in kitchen tools : If you can safely remove a mounted spice rack or the pasta arm, you can take it with you. Rugs, basic curtains, wreaths : Small decor items like rugs or curtain rods that can be safely removed can be taken. What should you consider leaving? Some of your personal items can be used to help sell your house—or increase the asking price. Before you take everything just to take it, consider offering some hot items like the following: Appliances : Homeowners, especially new homeowners, don’t always have their own appliances. Many buyers would be more likely to place an offer on a home if it came fully stocked with appliances. Custom swing and play sets : If you have a swing set or playhouse your children have outgrown and you notice a potential buyer has children, offer to include the item with the deal. Kitchen built-ins : Built-in spice racks, pantry organization, and windowsill shelves can really help sell a kitchen. Consider offering the items to an interested buyer. Light fixtures, curtains, rugs, and other upgrades : If you’ve upgraded the light fixtures or have custom rugs in the entryway, a buyer may be willing to increase his or her offer to keep those items in the home.  If you’re not sure what would entice a buyer, ask your real estate agent to provide suggestions. Don't have an agent yet? Here's how to find a real estate agent in your area.

Top Mistakes Homeowners Are Making in 2026 (And How To Avoid Them)

By Dusty Rhodes • March 23, 2026
Let’s be clear: selling your house is absolutely possible right now. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), roughly 11k homes sell every day in this country. And the sellers who are making their moves happen all have one thing in common: they’ve adjusted their strategy to match today’s market. They’re realizing inventory has grown. Homebuyers are more selective. And buyer expectations are higher. The sellers who struggle are usually approaching today’s market with yesterday’s expectations. Here are the three biggest mistakes they’re making – and how to avoid them. 1. Pricing Based on What Their Neighbor Got a Few Years Back Setting your price is the most important decision you make when you sell – and the one that’s most often mishandled. Realtor.com data shows almost 1 out of 5 sellers in 2025 had to drop their price. Here’s what those sellers went wrong. Buyers have more choice and more negotiating power now that inventory has grown. And house hunters will actively avoid your house is if feels like it’s priced too high. That’s why overpricing usually leads to: Fewer showings Less competitive (or lowball) offers Longer time on market And all three of those side effects are things you don’t want to deal with. What To Do Instead: The good news is the cure is simple. Just price for today’s buyer, not yesterday’s headlines. Lean on your agent’s knowledge of recent comparable sales, current competition, and local buyer behavior to land in the value “sweet spot” that drives traffic and urgency from day one. 2. Trying To Skip Repairs That Buyers Now Expect A few years ago, you could sell as-is and still get well above asking. Today? Not so much. Right now, NAR says two-thirds of sellers are making at least some repairs. And the reason why is simple. In a market with more inventory, buyers compare homes side by side. Homes that don’t show well (or feel dated) are going to lose attention quickly, even if the issues are minor. What To Do Instead: Ask your agent which high-impact, low-stress updates they’d recommend for your house. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s helping buyers see themselves moving in without a mental to-do list. Small investments in staging, repairs, and curb appeal can make a huge difference in how quickly offers come in – and how strong those offers are. 3. Playing Hardball When Buyers Try To Negotiate Today’s buyers have housing affordability at the top of their minds. And since money is already tight, they’ll be pickier and will probably ask for some compromises from you. Whether that’s making repairs, giving them a credit at closing, or taking just a few thousand dollars off your asking price, negotiating is normal again. So, if something pops up in the inspection, you’re going to need to be open to talking about it. If you’re not, you may very well see your buyer walk away. And some sellers are figuring this out the hard way. Redfin data shows one of the big reasons home sales fell thru in 2025 was inspection or repair issues. Odds are those homeowners weren’t willing to flex a bit to get the deal done. What to Do Instead: Meet with your agent to make sure you understand what buyers in your area care the most about. Align your price with value, present the home clearly and confidently, and stay open to reasonable negotiations that keep deals moving forward.

10 Aging-in-Place Features Pros Swear By

By Dusty Rhodes • March 16, 2026
They’re often called aging-in-place features, but things like curbless showers, nonslip flooring and wide walkways and doorways can benefit everyone, no matter their age or ability. “Regardless of aging in place, there is a place for these in day-to-day life, whether it be a teenager on crutches, a family member having had surgery, active kids,” designer Dana Bass says. “It’s not just about aging in place. We’ve got to account for unplanned life emergencies.” Designer Tammy Battistessa of Ellaire Kitchen & Bath Design agrees. “Whenever possible, I include aging-in-place and universal design features in every project, as I believe many of these features benefit clients of all ages and abilities, in addition to allowing a client to safely remain in their home for a longer period of time,” she says. Creating a home that can adapt also makes it more sustainable. “Aging in place is a key element to making legacy homes that can evolve over time,” architect Tim Barber says. With all that in mind, we asked more than 50 home design and construction professionals to share the aging-in-place features they always recommend. Here are the 10 that came up again and again. 1. Wide Walkways and Doorways Planning ahead is one of the most important steps when incorporating aging-in-place features. Many of these elements require thoughtful design and construction, so it’s wise to start early — and to consider hiring professionals who understand the nuances. “Thinking through how you will really use the space makes all the difference,” designer Haiku Durden of HDS Design says. “Having a designer involved really makes a difference.” A professional can help you create a plan that works for your current needs and anticipates future ones. “We currently default to aging-in-place features when our clients are near retirement or retirement age,” says designer Jenny Guggenheim of Guggenheim Architecture and Design Studio . “Preplanning by adding blocking behind the wall finish, spacious floor planning to allow for wheelchair or walker use.” In fact, spacious layouts are among the most commonly recommended aging-in-place strategies. Wide walkways and doorways — and generous clearances around furniture and fixtures — make it easier for anyone to move through the home comfortably. Installing a continuous flooring material throughout also reduces tripping hazards caused by changes in height or texture between rooms.