Create Harmony in Your Outdoor Space: A Guide to Outdoor Feng Shui
Have you ever wanted to explore the art of cultivating a harmonious outdoor space using the principles of outdoor Feng Shui? If you want to create an environment in your outdoor area that fosters positive energy, balance, and tranquility, you’re in luck. This Redfin article shares tips from Feng Shui experts on infusing harmony into your outdoor space, inviting nature’s wisdom to embrace and enhance your surroundings. So whether you’re looking to create a serene outdoor patio for your apartment in Indianapolis, Indiana, or a vibrant gathering place in the backyard of your house in Prescott, Arizona, use these outdoor Feng Shui tips to design an outdoor oasis that connects you to nature.
1.Keep the area clean and tidy
A clean and well-maintained outdoor space allows positive energy to flow freely, enhancing the overall balance and vitality of your surroundings.
“Be sure to keep all areas clean and tidy, especially around entrances,” advises Landolac Designs. “Landscaping should have no visible weeds, trash cans should be out of sight, and debris should be swept or flushed away.”
2.Introduction to elements
Introducing Feng Shui elements is crucial as they represent different energies and qualities, helping create a balanced and harmonious space. Each element (water, wood, fire, earth, and metal) has specific properties and characteristics that influence the flow of energy in the environment.
“I like to utilize all five elements to create a balanced, calm, and harmonious outdoor environment,” shares Alejandra G. Brady of Life.style. “Introduce the element of water through a water feature, birdbath, or pool. The element of wood can be represented by plants, trees, flowers, and wooden furniture. You can introduce the element of fire by adding fire pits, spiky plants, lights, and lanterns. The element of earth can be brought in through clay pots, crystals, rocks, etc. Wind chimes, metal furniture, and outdoor accessories all count as metal elements.”
Feng Shui | ADARSA Elemental Design adds: “Placing a water feature such as a basin, decorative objects, or even your water source in the southeast can also activate wealth energy. Combine the natural green of the wooden elements in the environment with the neutral tones of the furniture to bring in the earth element. A quality grill placed in the center energizes both fire and metal.”
3.Implement Bagua chart
Implementing a Bagua diagram is crucial as it serves as a blueprint for analyzing and coordinating the different areas of the outdoor space. Bagua diagrams divide space into nine zones, each corresponding to a specific aspect of life, such as wealth, relationships, career, and health.
“Your outdoor space is an extension of your home, and by applying Bagua diagrams to this space, you can help attract positive energy to all nine areas of your life. From adding a fountain in your wealth zone to increase wealth, to adding a fire pit to your fame zone to gain recognition at home or work, to placing beautiful wood furniture in common areas to create a stronger spatial connection,” says Trish John of Magical Spaces.
4.Ensure Qi flows harmoniously through your space
Allowing chi (important life force energy) to flow freely in outdoor Feng Shui is essential to creating a balanced environment.
“When it comes to outdoor Feng Shui, the most important thing is to ensure that Qi can flow easily and harmoniously through your space, energizing it without any interference,” notes Feng Shui Roots. “Once you have a clear understanding of your fundamental direction, you can coordinate your color choices and create balanced chi by incorporating the Five Elements Theory into your design strategy to create an alluring look that benefits your personality, goals, and the comfortable space.”
5.Remember some Feng Shui truths
BTB Feng Shui practitioner Catherine Dean Feng Shui states: “Remember certain Feng Shui truths: Use curves rather than straight lines, keep clutter out, make it easy to access the front door, and use colors you like. Bringing in all the elements may take some thinking, but you can do it through color.”
6.Place objects in strategic locations
Placing objects in strategic locations in outdoor Feng Shui is critical to optimizing the flow of energy and creating a harmonious environment. By strategically placing objects such as sculptures, fountains, or planters, you can enhance specific areas of your outdoor space and promote positive energy.
Kerstin Tracy of Ready2Heal says, “Taking time to strategically place objects, plants, and pathways will ensure that all elements within the space remain balanced and attractive. Invite butterflies with fragrant flowers and birds with bird baths and feeders to keep plenty of energy to beautify your yard and home. Adding features such as water features in the north, east, or southeast orientation, as well as taller trees for protection at the back, will help create a harmonious outdoor area that is both beautiful and vibrant.”
7.Install wind chimes
Wind chimes can also create asense of tranquility and harmony, adding a soothing and calming element to outdoor spaces.
“To bring good energy into your yard, wind chimes are a common Feng Shui remedy that not only enhances the energy of your home but also brings a peaceful sound to your yard environment,” comments Honey Lune Hivery. “Wind chimes help break up stagnant energy and keep chi flowing smoothly. It’s important to invest in a quality wind chime that’s properly tuned and can withstand harsh weather. Place it on your doorstep to bring this positive energy into your life.”
8.Maintain your Mingtong
It is important to maintain Mingtong (i.e., clear and vibrant energy) in outdoor Feng Shui.
“‘Mingtang’ or ‘Guangmingtang’ is the open space or square in front of a building. It should be well-lit, well-maintained, and free of obstructions or overgrown vegetation. Ideally, it should be flat or slope gently downwards from the building to the street. Doors should be visible, and if there is a walkway, a curved one is best to allow gentle airflow towards the door. Adding external garden and walkway lighting will allow airflow towards the door and around the building,” Helen Keating Consulting commented.
9.Repair the front garden area
The most important residential garden area is the one leading to your front door. This is called the breath port, and it is where beneficial energy moves towards your entrance and flows through your indoor space.
Debra Duneier, president of EcoChi, shared, “The path to your door should be a winding one. So, if you have a straight walkway, use vibrant, healthy plants to create a more natural ambiance. The most auspicious orientation for the front garden is south, which is considered very lucky. However, if this is not the direction you can choose, you can use red flowers, a red front door, or a red phoenix statue in the garden. If your garden faces North, it is an area with flourishing energy. To enhance this energy, place a pond, birdbath, or fountain in this area.”
10.Respect your front door
It’s important to respect your front door in Feng Shui because it is considered the entrance to Chi, the main entry point for energy into your home.
“Honor the spirit of your home by giving special care and attention to the front door. Design a gently curving and easy-to-walk path to the door, with lighting and well-maintained plants. This helps create a vibrant connection with the land and brings a nourishing, positive flow of energy to your threshold, blessing the home and its inhabitants. Clearing the weeds around the door is very powerful and shows in your physical surroundings that you are open to new opportunities finding you,” says Natalie LaBonte, owner of One Light Interiors.
“When we live in harmony with the outdoor environment, our lives become more balanced,” adds Master Maša Zorn, a Feng Shui and horoscope expert. “To draw positive chi from the outside into our interiors, we need to focus on our front door, curb appeal, and the views around us. Greenery in the garden is recommended to reconnect with natural chi.”
11.Add a winding path
Adding meandering paths to your outdoor Feng Shui can create a natural, flowing energy throughout the space. These paths encourage a sense of exploration and discovery, inviting visitors to engage with the outdoor environment.
“When using Feng Shui to design an outdoor space, you can apply the same principles as you would for an interior space,” notes Laura Morris, teacher and co-founder of the Feng Shui School of Mindful Design. “You want to ensure that the qi (energy) flows smoothly through the space. Try adding winding paths to create a sense of relaxation. If your outdoor space has many straight edges and hard lines, you can incorporate round or irregular shapes, as well as plant material and shrubs, to soften the energy. It’s about balancing the yin and yang of the space.”
12.Raise your gaze to boost energy
Choosing taller furniture is important in outdoor Feng Shui as it helps create a sense of stability and grounding in the space.
Sanctuary Feng Shui shares, “The goal is always to boost the energy and create a calm and relaxing vibe. Often, outdoor furniture is set very low to the ground. Adding extra items to raise your eye level will also boost your energy. This creates a wonderful atmosphere, such as hanging umbrellas, tall plants like small trees or vines, or overhead Edison bulbs.”
13.Install a water feature
It is important to install water features in outdoor Feng Shui because water symbolizes abundance, wealth, and the flow of energy. A well-placed water feature, such as a fountain or pond, can attract positive energy and enhance the overall energy balance of your outdoor space.
“My favorite way to enhance your outdoor space is with a water feature,” says Lisa Morton of Pure Living. “The gurgling water of a fountain can be very relaxing on a summer evening. Make sure the fountain flows towards the house and not away from it. Water represents wealth and abundance in Feng Shui, so you want it to flow towards you.”
14.Pay attention to how people move through space
Paying attention to how people move through a space is crucial in outdoor Feng Shui as it can optimize the flow of energy and create a harmonious environment. By observing and understanding how individuals naturally move through outdoor areas, you can identify potential roadblocks or areas that may need adjustments to promote smooth energy circulation.
“When planning your landscape, pay attention to how people move through the space. It is believed that creating soft, curved paths can help energy move intentionally through the space rather than rushing out. Also, always maintain a balance of materials and colors,” points out Frisella Nursery.
15.Don’t put a swimming pool in the center of your property
In outdoor Feng Shui, it is important to avoid having a swimming pool in the center of your property as it can disrupt the flow of energy and create an imbalance in the overall energy dynamic.
“Do not place a swimming pool in the center of your property. It disrupts the energy ofthe space and can cause imbalances. Instead, position the pool towards the back or side of the property to maintain a harmonious flow of energy,” advises Karen Rauch Carter, author of “Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life.”
16.Create some points of interest that can gather energy
It is valuable to create points of interest in outdoor Feng Shui because they are focal points where chi or energy can gather and flow.
“Positive energy likes to flow and meander, so if you have the space, consider incorporating gently curved paths that lead to a quiet seating area where you can relax, a fire pit for social gatherings, or a place where you can admire a beautiful garden bed,” recommends Jia Feng. “To ensure that the chi remains positive and beneficial in these areas, keep them well-maintained and tidy to avoid the energy becoming heavy and stagnant.”
17.Arrange trees and landscaping with purpose
Purposeful placement of trees and landscaping in outdoor Feng Shui is crucial because trees have a significant energetic influence and can greatly impact the overall energy of a space. Carefully selecting and placing trees based on their size, shape, and elemental qualities can help create a balanced and harmonious outdoor environment.
Roger Lan, who teaches basic Feng Shui theory, shared, “There shouldn’t be a big tree directly in front of the door because it will block your future. When you walk out of the front door, the tree on the left should be taller than the tree on the right, making success easier. The same goes for the backyard. There should be a tall building or a hill, not an empty landscape or a large swimming pool, as it can make it difficult to receive help from others and may create feelings of insecurity.”
18.Introduce elements that remind you of your favorite travel destinations
Introducing elements into your outdoor space that remind you of your favorite destinations can add a personal touch and evoke positive emotions.
“Consider incorporating elements that remind you of your favorite travel destinations and start recreating the look and feel,” notes Lisa M. Alban, CFSP, FSSP, from Cloud 9 Feng Shui. “Solar-powered café lights and lanterns can add a quirky and useful touch in the evening, while wind chimes or breezy grass can help mitigate traffic noise. Outdoor screens, shades, and creative landscaping can create a canopy where it is missing and provide privacy for any exposed areas.”
