Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice that involves arranging spaces and objects to create balance and harmony that ultimately results in peace, prosperity, and good fortune. Arrange your living spaces following these principles and, who knows, good things might come your way!

Swipe through to learn the principles of feng shui.

Five-Element System

Feng shui uses the five-element system—earth, metal, water, wood and fire—that is derived from Taoist philosophy. The elements are each associated with particular qualities, shapes and colors that can be used as design elements.

Earth

Bring stability, nourishment and grounding energy to your space by incorporating earth elements into your space. Colors such as beige, taupe, and terracotta evoke the earth element, as do rectangles and squares, according to feng shui principles. Look for natural materials like clay and stone. Houseplants, are another good way to bring earth into your feng shui.

Photography: Real Estate Spice - Creating Your Home Oasis via Pinterest

Metal

In feng shui, metal is thought to bring clarity, joy and beauty. Metal is particularly well used in an office space, where decision-making is important. Add circular shapes in white, gray, and metallic colors to encourage these attributes.

Water

The water element represents wisdom, connection and fluidity. It’s associated with emotions and spirituality. If putting a fountain in your living room is a bit over the top, consider hanging some art that features a body of water. Black and deep blue are the colors associated with the water element.

Wood

Wood represents growth, healing, expansion and vitality. Look for tall columnar shapes in green, blue and teal. Vertically striped curtains, houseplants and wood furniture and decorations are good ways to bring this feng shui element into your home.

Fire

Fire represents passion, joy, inspiration, excitement and visibility. Triangular shapes are good fire feng shui, as are fiery colors like red, pink, bright orange and even purple. Light is connected to the fire element, so embrace this feng shui principle by adding lamps or candles to your space.

Commanding Position

Another important tenet of feng shui is commanding position—where certain elements are placed in a room. Furniture for example, should be placed where you can see the entrance to the room, but not directly in line with it. The thought is that you feel more secure and in control when items are arranged in such a way.

Photography: Pinterest/House Beautiful