When you think of feng shui, your first thought is probably not about Mid Century Modern design; and yet, the two undeniably overlap. Both philosophies embrace minimalist styling with an emphasis on clean lines, balance, light, and an appreciation of nature. You can easily maintain good feng shui in a mid mod home with a few easy steps.
Again, if you’ve chosen to decorate in the Mid Mod aesthetic, you are already well on your way to attaining good feng shui. However, there are a few things to keep in mind that apply specifically to this style.
Feng-Shui Tips for a Mid Mod Home
1. Keep Art Minimal
You may be tempted to adorn all your countertops, tables, and consoles with mid-mod trinkets and art. As with any design involving feng shui, however, you will want to keep surfaces as clear as possible.
The goal of feng shui is to allow harmonious energy to flow freely within the home; excess clutter creates an obstacle for this energy and drags down the space.
The art you choose should complement a room, not overwhelm it. A modern sculpture on your TV console and a single, eye-catching painting over the couch are really all that is needed. Mirrors are also a great way to enhance natural light and open up the space. Just be sure they reflect a beautiful view or a place in the home you find relaxing.
Asian-inspired prints are another great option for feng shui in a Mid Century home. In fact, Asian art was extremely popular during the 1950s, with many homes showcasing prints featuring motifs like cherry blossoms, willow trees, and calligraphy.
2. Don’t Forget Scents for Feng Shui
Beautiful and comforting smells are essential for good feng shui. In place of additional artwork or other accents, try placing a bowl of fresh oranges to the coffee or dining room table. Add one or two scented candles in the living room, and put a bamboo diffuser in the bedroom.
Scents that are particularly good for feng shui are:
- Orange and lemon, for brightness and energy
- Lavender, for good sleep and balancing the mind
- Eucalyptus, for alertness and peaceful breathing
3. Bring the Outdoors Indoors
Mid Mod design is inextricably linked to the outdoors. Bringing a sample of nature inside will not only enhance your overall mid-century look, it will also greatly enhance the flow of positive energy within the home. This is easily accomplished by a few, healthy houseplants.
Plants bring cheer and life to a room while simultaneously purifying the air. Certain plants exert additional properties through their scents, such as lavender, lemon balm, and chamomile.
4. Optimize Traffic Flow
While conversation areas are often a priority in Mid Century Modern interior design, so is good traffic flow. Traffic flow is simply the ability of people to move around a room comfortably and intuitively.
In a sense, good traffic flow is a physical indicator of good chi within a living space. If you feel cramped or constantly “tripped up” by a room, it’s time for a revamp.
One of the simplest ways to adjust traffic flow is by rearranging furniture. Walk through the space as you naturally would and place furniture in a way that allows you to move as freely as possible. For example, you should not have to weave around tables or behind chairs to reach your destination.
One way to accomplish this is by aligning larger pieces of furniture against a wall. This will also open up the room and prevent excess clutter from building up behind or around seating areas.
Feng Shui is not Right or Wrong
Remember that feng shui is first and foremost how you feel when you enter a room. While there are certain methods that can improve an overall sense of harmony, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to accomplish a good flow of energy. It is an ongoing process that will change with your personal tastes and moods. The best thing to do is keep an open mind and design a room that you love to be in.
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