Natural materials have a unique way of connecting us with the world around us.
The feel of wood, stone, or clay can remind us of nature’s timeless beauty, strength, and vitality. These simple elements, which have supported life for centuries, can also be part of your home—creating a space that feels peaceful, grounded, and aligned with nature.
What is Feng Shui?
Feng Shui is a way to arrange your space to invite good energy and harmony into your life. It’s about clearing clutter—not just in your home, but in your mind, too!
By aligning nature’s elements—water, wood, metal, fire, and earth—with your home’s layout, Feng Shui can help you bring balance and positive energy into your life.
For example, placing a water feature in a specific area of your home (like the far-left corner when you stand at the door) can symbolize wealth and bring good fortune. Or adding plants can purify the air and create a calming effect.
Feng Shui isn’t just about shifting furniture around. It’s also about creating a space that reflects who you are and what makes you feel at home. Choose colors and décor that bring you joy, and trust your instincts to create a space that supports your well-being.
The Basic Elements of Feng Shui
Each of the five elements—water, wood, earth, fire, and metal—brings a unique energy that works together to create balance in your space. Let’s break them down.
glass
“In the kingdom of glass everything is transparent, and there is no place to hide a dark heart.” ~ Vera Nazarian
Water symbolizes flow, flexibility, and purification. Glass reflects these qualities, promoting calm and openness. Adding glass elements like mirrors, vases, or windows can enhance the flow of energy and create a bright, refreshing space. The reflective quality of glass also magnifies the positive energy of abundance.
wood
“In the woods we return to reason and faith.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Wood represents growth, renewal, and vitality. It’s connected to spring, a time of fresh starts. In a Feng Shui setting, the wood element can be incorporated through the use of green plants, wooden furniture, and accents in shades of green or brown. The energy of wood promotes good health, creativity, and stability. It’s also said to attract abundance, prosperity, and wealth, making it perfect for spaces where you want to nurture growth and success. The energy of the wood element is thought to bring a sense of vitality to a space, promoting good health and wellness.
fibers
“Every hidden cell is throbbing with music and life, every fiber thrilling like harp string.” ~ John Muir, Father of the National Parks
Fibers—like textiles, rugs, and fabrics—are part of the Wood element, bringing energy into your space. They add warmth and create a beautiful connection to nature, making your home feel nurturing and inviting. When you choose natural fibers in earthy tones or calming greens, you’re setting the stage for serenity and comfort. Whether it’s a cozy rug, soft pillows, bedding, upholstered furniture, or drapes—fibers have a special way of grounding the energy in your home.
natural vs. synthetic fibers
When it comes to your home, natural fibers just feel better. Think cotton, wool, or silk. These materials come from the earth, bringing a natural flow of energy into your space. They create a warm, calming atmosphere, perfect for feeling grounded.
Synthetic fibers? Not so much. They’re made from man-made materials, which can disrupt the harmony in your home. They may look fine, but they don’t have the same energy to nurture and support you.
Natural fibers breathe, regulate moisture, and last longer. They help create a comfortable, balanced environment that feels right. So, when you can, choose natural. It’s a simple step to bring more peace and positive energy into your life.
fire
“Do not let your fire go out… In the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not-quite, the not-yet, the not-at-all.” ~ Ayn Rand
Fire brings passion, energy, and creativity. It’s about warmth and transformation. You can bring fire into your space with candles, lamps, or the color red. Fire helps clear negativity and encourages positive change, but it’s important to balance this energy. Too much fire can create chaos, while too little can leave you feeling uninspired.
clay
“Learn to humble yourself, you are but earth and clay.” ~ Thomas à Kempis
stone
“Write your worries in the sand, carve your blessings in stone.” ~ Robert F. Kennedy
Both clay and stone symbolize the Earth element, bringing grounding energy into your space. These materials promote stability, comfort, and a solid foundation, creating a sense of security. In Feng Shui, the Earth element is all about balance, and using ceramics, pottery, and stone accents can help you bring that grounding energy into your home. These elements not only support learning and personal growth but also create a calm, balanced environment where you can feel at ease.
metals
“As true as steel, as plantage to the moon, as sun to day, at turtle to her mate, as iron to adamant, as earth to centre.” ~ William Shakespeare
Metal represents clarity, focus, and organization. It brings strength and determination, making it a great choice for workspaces. Metal also symbolizes abundance and prosperity. Incorporate metal through picture frames, lamps, or small accents in silver, gold, or white to bring clarity and precision to your environment.