Whereas most people still work outside the home, in today’s technological age, many people opt to work at home, whether running their own companies, acting as consultants for other companies, or accepting assignments on a contractual basis.
Wherever one’s office is located, however, is irrelevant. The only things that matter are the prevalence of chi (positive energy) and, depending upon one’s profession, chi’s balance between the opposing forces of yin and yang, for these are the things that will create the ideal environment for success.
How can this ideal environment be achieved? The answer is simple: Although some modifications apply, the same principles of feng shui used to encourage luck, happiness, health, and prosperity in the home can be utilized in the office.
Ideal Atmosphere to Encourage Success
The ideal atmosphere is one of serenity and order; therefore, the office should be uncluttered and organized. Plus, the middle of the room should be open, not crowded with furniture, and a rug should be placed in the center of the floor, even if the room is carpeted. The rug, however, should be a rich dark color, and the ideal color is deep blue since this symbolizes a pool of water upon which one can rest one’s eyes and reflect or mediate.
Another way to create an air of peacefulness and tidiness is with lighting. Ideally, it should be soft and indirect, except in a reading area or at the desk, where direct lighting is preferable.
Ideal Office Shape, Size, and Placement
Despite some people’s preference for large offices, the ideal size for good feng shui is neither too large nor too small, but instead just large enough to create a sense of openness while, at the same time, engendering an air of comfort and coziness.
The ideal shape is rectangular, yet if the room is not rectangular but L-shaped, square, or irregular, certain principles should be kept in mind:
- For an L-shaped room, place the desk in one area and use the other for an inviting sitting area.
- For a square room, place the desk in a corner, but with its back to a wall, not a window.
- For an irregularly shaped room, position mirrors strategically to activate chi and keep it active, for example, by placing mirrors on opposing walls.
Regarding placement, when exiting the room, people should not face a corner, since corners are like daggers that “stab at” success and discourage it from entering the room. Plus, such positioning can lead to accidents and sickness. Then again, neither should the door open outward toward a bathroom because the yin that resides in the bathroom will rush out and collide with the yang that dwells in the office.
Ideal Desk Design and Placement
The desk is of primary consideration since it is the most significant piece of furniture in any office; therefore, certain principles apply:
- It should be neither too high nor too low.
- It should be neither too large nor too small.
- It should not be in a state of disrepair but sturdy and serviceable.
- It should be positioned so that whoever sits at it will have his or her back to a wall, which provides support and protection, and not to a door or window.
- It should not be positioned under an exposed beam or at an oblique angle, since this encourages financial setbacks as well as disagreements among any employees.
- It should ideally be positioned in a corner opposite the door, unless such positioning conflicts with the alignment of one’s astrological sign (For example, if one’s birth sign is in the north, the desk should not be in south).
- It should not face the doorway nor be positioned so that either side is parallel to the doorway.
Ideal Office Window Treatment
When one is sitting at the desk, one’s attention should not be constantly diverted to the windows, so if the view is too distracting, consider hanging blinds or curtains and keeping them closed when working or meeting with clients. On the other hand, if the view is directly due north, which is considered an propitious direction, open the curtains or blinds, that is, unless the view is unappealing, for example, an untended, scraggly lawn or structure in need of repair.
Other Considerations for Good Feng Shui
According to feng shui master, Man-Ho Kwok, some additional guidelines to keep in mind include:
- There should be a separate bathroom for the office; however, if this isn’t possible, if the office is on the second floor, the bathroom on that floor should not be located directly over a room containing statues, photographs, or other prized possession.
- If the office contains a safe, it should not be positioned so that it’s viewable through the door or windows, nor should it be reflected in a mirror, since either placement encourages a loss of profits, failed business ventures, and even bankruptcy.
- An aquarium can combat malign influences and convert negative energy into positive; however, the tank should contain an odd number of fishes of various sizes.
- Although some greenery is desirable, it should not be overabundant or placed in hanging baskets.
By applying these and the other principles of feng shui, people can improve their luck in business and encourage success; and it doesn’t matter if their office is located in a building downtown or between the walls of their own home.
Sources:
- Kwok, M. & O’Brien, J. (1991) The Elements of Feng Shui. New York: Barnes & Noble Books.
- Simon, R. (1996) Feng Shui Step by Step. New York: Crown Trade Paperbacks.
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