Feng Shui can seem difficult to apply to a small space like a studio apartment. But fear not! Even a small living space can have good Feng Shui. Here are our top Feng Shui tips for your small apartment.
Separate Spaces
In Feng Shui, it is helpful to space out areas from each other to achieve a balance of yin and yang. Yang spaces are more active and public, like living rooms or offices, while yin spaces are quiet and private, like bedrooms. One of the biggest challenges with small apartments, especially studio or one-bedroom apartments, is that everything happens in the same space.
If possible, try to create separate areas in your small apartment for public and private (yang and yin) spaces. Below we describe the different fields in detail. But in general, separation can be done in several ways:
- Screens
- Freestanding bookshelves
- Curtains
- Rugs
Define the Entry
The entrance to your home is called the air port because that is where energy enters your space. In a smaller apartment, your front door might be in the middle of the kitchen or living room, with no clear entrance or hallway.
Do your best to try and create a defined entry. Here are some suggestions:
- Paint the door a contrasting color
- Use a doormat to delineate the entry
- Place a mirror strategically to expand the entry area
- Use a divider to create a foyer space
Sleeping Area
The most shaded or private room in your home is the sleeping area. If possible, do everything you can to implement typical feng shui bedroom suggestions, such as:
If your apartment is small, try to avoid storing anything under the bed if possible. If you must have storage, stick to soft items like sheets, towels, blankets, and pillows.
Many studio occupants have Murphy beds or pull-out sofas. That’s okay, just make sure to make your bed every morning as part of your daily morning ritual.
Also, it’s best if you can visually separate the sleeping area from any work area. Lying in bed looking at your workspace can affect your ability to recover. If possible, try to separate the living area as well, as the sight of your bed will evoke sleepy attitudes about all aspects of communal life.
Dining Area
In a small house, a dedicated dining area is often overlooked. In Feng Shui, the dining table represents friendship and happiness. If you don’t have a place to eat, eat in bed, at your desk, or in front of the TV. We can all agree these are probably not the best places to dine. Picking a nice place to eat can help you practice mindful eating, and even invite friends to join you.
If you don’t have space, do your best and set yourself up a nice space while you dine. Turn off the TV and find a beautiful placemat, crockery, flatware, or even a flower so you can create a beautiful table setting for your meal.
Work Space
If you work from home or have an office area in your small apartment, try to put yourself in the driver’s seat. This means that when you are sitting in front of your workstation, you can see the door to the room without being directly in line with the door.
If you don’t have separate workspaces, that’s fine too. When you work from home, set yourself up properly and comfortably during work hours to focus and be productive. Then make sure to put everything away when the workday is over. This is especially important if you’re trying to maintain a good work-life balance.
Maximize The Light
Light is healing us, especially in tiny apartments. Maximizing the use of light can visually and dynamically expand the home. You can do this by using white paint on the walls and ceiling. White is the most reflective color and makes a huge difference. Don’t worry, you can add some color to your artwork, furniture, and decor.
Having lighting throughout your home can help when you have limited natural light. Uplighting (lights pointing up) increases energy. You can also vary the type of lighting, such as overhead lights, task lights, bedside lights, and lights that sit at eye level. Shine the light on the wall to brighten and expand it.
Be a Minimalist
When you have a small apartment, it is very important to choose what you have in your home. When it’s time to clean up, put away anything you haven’t used or looked at in over 18 months.
Don’t be afraid to let go. When your room is full, you don’t have room for anything new. But when you open up your space, it invites the universe to present wonderful possibilities at your feet.