As a feng shui consultant, I have found that more and more people are living in smaller spaces. Yes, I have the people downsizing when the kids fly out of the nest. And I have also found that there are more multigeneration families living together, in spaces that are separated or adding mother-in-law units to their property. More people are considering tiny homes as their main living situation, and I have worked with many folks who are in a house sharing situation with people who are just roommates, not family or friends. I have even worked with clients living on boats.

The Dorm Drama!

This time of year, there are many young folks heading off to their first living space outside the family home… their dorm room or studio apartment. In terms of feng shui there are some key points that make much more sense in these small home situations.

Be In Command!

Command position in when you can be in the space, with your back to a solid wall, and facing or easily seeing the main door into the room. Without command position it is hard to feel relaxed, focused, study or sleep well. It also sends a signal out ot the world, that you are NOT in charge. Sitting with your back exposed in the room is not being in command, or having your headboard on the same wall as the door is also a problem. And, these situations are common in dorm rooms or studios, in order to sometimes save on space. Optimally, rearranging the furniture to achieve command position is best(see the floor plan suggestions), here are some solutions if you cannot.

1. Desk: Use a high-backed chair to feel protected from the open space or movement behind you.
2. Desk: Place a small mirror at the desk to be able to see what is going on behind you.
3. Bed: Have a nightstand or other object between the bed and the door
4. Bed: Move the bed so that your head is further from the door

Focus on What You Want! In small spaces, perhaps more important that the bagua details is thinking about the overall life you want to achieve and goals that you have. Random objects and their energy can create more chaos in the space, and in your life. Representing your dreams in the space should be the overall goal in what you have in the space in terms of function and beauty.

1. Declutter and edit collections: In small spaces, you need to keep just what represents you at this time and moving forward. Momentos of the past can be there, but should not be the main décor or storage space.

2. Choose your art carefully: The symbolic power of photographs, posters and other art place a huge impact on your space. Images and words can create positive energy or also can create negative impacts. Photographs should be of people at a happy time in their life. Artwork should be uplifting and supportive of how someone wants to feel. And choosing art that has nature imagery or nature inspired patterns and forms provides the most healing and restful spaces.

3. In small spaces, and shared spaces, don’t’ forget to use the power of clothing to feng shui supportive. Using clothing in the colors from the bagua represent how you want to feel, or also how you want to be perceived as ways to be supported through your day. When choosing clothing, be wary of words. Trendy fun and funny shirts might make you laugh but may also be shifting your energy in ways that does not support your goals.

Create Expansiveness! Make a small space look bigger with the use of cohesive color schemes. This will also achieve more peaceful feeling.  Cohesive means choosing a tone on tone neutral scheme, or just two colors. Color drenching is fun and popular, but every color holds an energy. While they might be gorgeous, avoid dramatic dark color drenching in rooms, when that is the only room you live in.  I tend to recommend using earth tones as central color scheme in one room living, to create a feeling of cozy nurturing. This can range from light tans, to peachy browns, to deep dark chocolate colors on the floor. Then another color can be brought in as pops of color, and these can be items that are easily changes out seasonally, or when you crave a different feeling in the space. Using LED lights that change the colors in your room can bring you that variety when needed, when you keep everything else neutral in the space.

Feel Safe: While it’s not always address in feng shui, feeling safe is one of the key aspects of feeling supported and at home. Create safety through physical locks, potentially using inexpensive video cameras to keep an eye on your space outside and in. In energy realms of safety,  work with stones and crystals that create energy protection. My favorites are Selenite, and Black tourmaline. You will also want to keep the energy of your space feeling clear all the time, so Salt lamps can be an excellent addition to keep your space feeling great.

Emf and other 21st century hazards. When you are in a small space to live in, there is the potentials that you are a lot closer to invisible hazards such as EMFS from electronics or even electrical panel boxes on the other side of the wall; WiFi signals, and have your computer and blue tooth devices all sending lots of signals around you. Earthing sheets can help you not only ground at night, but create a protective energy blanket shielding you at night. Turn your phone on airplane mode when you sleep to cut down on the cell signals near you, and turn off all the electronics at night.

Moving into a small space can feel cozy and freeing, as well as very supportive when arranged with attention to these suggestions!  If you would like to have a personal a consultation on your small space, I would be delighted to support you!