The Art of Feng Shui and its Application to Luxury Wardrobe Design

Well-considered design is far more intricate than you might imagine and takes great skill to perfect.

Professionals in the field are experts at juggling elements like balance, flow, contrast, colour, proportion, unity and focus to achieve the optimal use of space. And all of these create a sense of harmony, well-being, relaxation and hygge.

As interiors specialists and master cabinet makers, the FCI London team decided to take things one step further and explore the art of Feng Shui and its application to luxury wardrobe design.

Why? Because, with a new focus on health, environment, meditation and the positive manifestation of everything we aspire to in our busy lifestyles, aligning our stars in every way possible gets us one step closer to excellence.

Here's what we unearthed.

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The basic principles of Feng Shui and its application to luxury wardrobe design

So what is Feng Shui? In essence, it is an ancient Chinese belief based on the fact that everything has an energy flow (known as Chi), which needs to be properly balanced in order to promote well-being, relationships, good fortune and even financial prosperity.

In terms of home décor, this relates to both the design and arrangement of your furnishings to create an organised, harmonious setting. So it goes without saying that luxury wardrobes, our go-to space for shovelling in our clutter (don't roll your eyes, we're all guilty of it), is one of the main causes of discord within our living environments.

Engaging in the art of Feng Shui will bring peace and harmony to our lives and open up the opportunity for us to both accept and manifest positivity.

When planning a Feng Shui-friendly space, you should also take the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) into consideration. They are associated with various shapes, colours and directions and are thought to have unique traits that influence your personal disposition.

Yes, the link between environment and energy is an abstract concept, but the practical applications of this discipline are both flexible and uncomplicated, allowing your mind creative license to find simple solutions and establish a sense of flow.

Also, positioning your furniture using these principles is believed to encourage a decent night's sleep - and we all need that, let's face it!

So, whether you subscribe to it or not, learning about and applying the inner workings of Feng Shui can certainly do no harm. After all, it's no different to that same sense of accord we strive for in good interior design.

Using Feng Shui to design, construct and install a luxury wardrobe

Constructing a luxury wardrobe that encompasses the basic principles of Feng Shui starts with proper planning.

First, assess your bedroom space, work out a floor plan and then consult with your cabinet-makers so that they can incorporate the relevant design features into its build. Our FCI London team are experts at luxury wardrobe customisations and will help you every step of the way.

And don't panic - it doesn't have to be complicated! These simple steps will help you tick all the boxes:

• Ideally, your wardrobe should be placed within the North, North-East or North-West areas of your bedroom. These bearings are connected to the element of water and will encourage personal growth and development in your life.
• To create an equilibrium between yin and yang (the interconnected forces that create perfect opposites), consider the dimensions of your space and choose a wardrobe that will neither dominate nor get lost in your room.
• Select materials that are environmentally sustainable. Wood, bamboo and stone are all aligned with the principles of Feng Shui, while synthetic materials are not. It is also important to opt for rounded edges rather than sharp corners.
• For ease of use, make sure that your design is functional, well organised and uncomplicated.
• Assess your possessions and ensure that you have enough shelves, hanging rails and drawers to accommodate them all. Install customised organisers like tie racks, jewellery drawers and laundry baskets if they are within your budget.
• Proper illumination, whether natural or artificial, is important in Feng Shui, so consider fitting motion-sensor LEDs into every section of your luxury wardrobe.

How to use the Feng Shui principles to choose a colour for your luxury wardrobe

Finishes are an important part of luxury wardrobe design, and when it comes to picking out the perfect colour palette, there's a lot to consider.

Aside from having to live with it long-term, you need to take into account the mood you would like to create (bearing in mind that it's the most personal space in your home) and ensure that whatever you choose complements the rest of your furnishings.

Bring Feng Shui into the equation, and you might start feeling a little overwhelmed. But don't stress, because there are a plethora of both classic and contemporary colours to choose from that will promote good sleep, help you feel warm and nurtured and, if it's your goal, encourage energy and vitality.

While the colours for a luxury fitted wardrobe should be based on the desired energy you want to manifest, it's important to choose one that resonates with your personality. Feeling happy about your decisions will enhance the positivity in your bedroom.

Here are some options to help get you started:

1. Optimistic yellow

Yellow, in Feng Shui, is an earth element that represents optimism and can generate an easy-going, uplifting ambience that is reminiscent of lazy days on the beach. Choose sandy shades and ochres for calm and balance or something brighter that will raise your spirits on rainy (yes, both literally and figuratively) days.

Our design team recommends that you pair it with calming blues, bright white or deep, earthy tones like terracotta or rust. It also goes brilliantly with rich woodwork and warm metal accents.

2. Biophilic green

One of the most popular choices, green is all about relaxation. According to Feng Shui, darker shades stimulate deep thinking and paler tones promote an excellent night's sleep. It is the colour of nature, embraces the element of wood and helps to instil a sense of well-being and inner growth.

A green wardrobe will go beautifully with furniture and accessories in earthy colours and also looks marvellous with pink, white and blue.

3. Pure white

Timeless white will evoke purity, cleanliness, confidence and sophistication and will fit in with absolutely any style. Associated with the metal element in Feng Shui, it also denotes precision, communication and joy.

From a design point of view, it is the most versatile option of them all and, with many different shades available, a white-on-white room will look refined and elegant.

4. Tranquil blue

Whether you're dabbling in colour psychology or Feng Shui, blue is a top option and encourages empathy, warmth, loyalty, spirituality, contemplation and enthusiasm. It is also the colour of calm and represents the element of water.

The paler shades are perfect if you're looking for a soothing aesthetic, but be careful of anything with grey undertones if you're working with a room that has limited natural light.

5. Positive purple

While some fire-element colours are not recommended for bedrooms, lilac is considered to be comforting, charming and sophisticated.

Now making a comeback in the world of interiors, we suggest you use it as an accent on your wardrobe and paint the rest of the room in a shade of soft grey for a cool, contemporary look.

If you're picking out a colour with a specific Feng Shui benefit in mind, here's a list that will help you at a glance:

• Support: Grey
• Wisdom: Black
• Spirituality: Dark blue/navy
• Balance: Yellow/brown/orange
• Simplicity: White
• Attraction (specifically of a partner): Pink/peach
• Prosperity: Purple
• Wellness and vitality: Blue/teal/green

For more insight, read our article on the best bedroom colours for sleep.

Key pointers to help you place your luxury wardrobe in accordance with Feng Shui principles

The placement of your luxury wardrobe can impact the energy flow and equilibrium of your entire bedroom, so needs to be done mindfully. Here are some general guidelines:

• Install your wardrobe against a solid wall and make sure that it is not positioned in front of or below a window or under a beam. This will promote stability and support.
• Ideally, it should be positioned on the left side of the bed to keep your family thriving and prosperous.
• Corner wardrobes are preferred as they have less impact on the flow of everyday life - but keep them away from passages or you will encourage a sense of disarray.
• If your bedroom is small, do not put it at the head or foot of your bed or you will feel oppressed in your daily life.
• Maintain a good distance between your luxury wardrobe and your bed to create a positive energy flow and promote a sense of openness in the room.
• Avoid mirrored wardrobes as much as possible as they could cause ill health and sleepless nights. If you have chosen a design with a reflective finish, make sure that it does not face a window or doorway or it could lead to your private matters being exposed to the outside world.
• Above all else, make sure that your wardrobe is clutter-free. Any clothing and possessions in disarray will negatively impact the balance in your room.

Remember that there are many ways to use Feng Shui, so go with your gut and adjust your furnishings accordingly.

How to organise your luxury wardrobe using Feng Shui principles

Once your luxury wardrobe is safely installed, it's time to focus on organising it in a way that enhances the Feng Shui benefits. These 7 pointers will keep you on track:

1. Clear out the clutter

Begin by cleaning out your wardrobe and getting rid of items you no longer need. This will bring about a sense of order and provide room for positive energy to flow.

2. Place your mirrors properly

Yes, we said don't use mirrors on the outside of your luxury wardrobe, but installing them on the inside is an entirely different matter. Mounting them on the backs of your doors will contribute to a sense of openness and allow you to make sure that you are perfectly turned out.

3. Get organised

Sort your clothes by colour and hang them accordingly, beginning with the lightest and ending with the darkest. This will allow for a harmonious, balanced Chi.

4. Look after your shoes

Always keep your shoes organised by pairing them up and storing them neatly. This will help you feel stable and grounded.

5. Use open shelves

Open shelving will allow you to access your personal items with ease, creating a sense of order, calm and well-being.

6. Keep the doors closed

Keep your wardrobe doors closed when not in use so that the flow of energy in the rest of your bedroom is not disrupted.

7. Clean habitually

Clean your wardrobe and its contents on a regular basis to keep everything spotless and clutter-free.

These simple steps will help you create a sense of harmony, keep you organised and ensure that you feel confident at the start of every day.

Tips on decorating the rest of your bedroom using Feng Shui

Your luxury wardrobe is just one element that makes up a beautifully balanced bedroom and, if you're making it Feng Shui-friendly, perfectly placed furniture and accessories are key.

Here are some checkpoints that will help you tick all the boxes:

• Aim for symmetry

If possible, leave an equal amount of space on each side of the bed to create symmetry. Add matching tables and lamps for extra balance.

• Find a commanding position

Having a commanding position in your bedroom is one of the key principles in Feng Shui. To achieve this, your bed should allow you a clear view of the entranceway.

Metaphorically, this will help you to see all the opportunities that are approaching you in life and physically, who is coming into your space.

• Declutter

To promote good health, improve your quality of sleep and help you age well, reduce the clutter in your room. A less-is-more approach is fundamental to Feng Shui.

• Be cautious of mirrors

Use mirrors sparingly and if you do decide to hang one, be mindful of what it reflects.

• Ground your room

Positioning a beautiful area rug near or under your bed will help ground the energy in your room while you are sleeping and create a balance between the yin and yang.

• Avoid storing items under your bed

From a Feng Shui standpoint, storing items under your bed may disrupt your sleeping patterns and stop an even flow of energy beneath you. However, if you have no option, be aware of where they came from and what emotional relevance they have in your life.

• Be conscious of your furniture

Furniture in a bedroom should be as low as possible so that the energy is not constricted. Keep anything tall and imposing (like bookshelves ) in a different area of your home.

• Invest in a big bed

Choose a queen- or king-size bed rather than a double or three-quarter to allow the Chi to circulate around you seamlessly.

• Be aware of sharp corners

Sharp corners should be avoided wherever possible, so make sure that you position your furniture in such a way that none are aimed at your head.

• Get rid of your tech

TVs, work-related gadgets and paperwork, laptops and cell phones are a no-no in the bedroom because they emit electromagnetic fields which might interfere with your immune system and sleep patterns. So if you want to create a WFH space, try to keep it out of your bedroom.

• Make your bed and draw your curtains

Feng Shui is all about balance, and clean living is a part of this sentiment.

Making your bed on a daily basis will help to minimise stress, enhance motivation and start your day off with an organised mindset. It is also a sign of high self-esteem.

Drawing your curtains or blinds will let in the fresh air and natural light, thereby refreshing the energy in your room every morning.

How to Feng Shui your luxury wardrobe with FCI London

At FCI London, we believe in creating balance and harmony through design, and encourage you to find ways to further enhance the energy flow in your room.

To do this, we advise that you consult with a Feng Shui specialist before you start the planning phase of your built-in luxury wardrobe. This will give you insight into where it should be positioned and which structural elements it should feature in order to fulfil your goals and aspirations.

It's important to understand that a Feng Shui consultant is not the same as a designer, so once you know exactly what you're looking for, our team will get to work on conceptualising the perfect configuration to suit your needs.

Find design inspiration through FCI London

Not only can we help you design gorgeous spaces in your home but we also offer a range of luxury furniture that will tickle you pink.

To find out more, connect with us today or pop into our spectacular NW10 showroom to explore our range.

If you're looking for some inspiration, have a browse through our latest projects - you're sure to find ideas that will ignite a flame!