A design concept that has garnered more attention of late, yet remains highly misunderstood, is Feng Shui. You may be surprised to learn that the concept entails more than meticulously placed mirrors, Chinese symbols and water elements.

“Feng Shui is about looking at the land and the building on the land and the people in that space. It does include design concepts, but that is after we’ve assessed energy that is there,” explains Diana Garber, president/CEO of Intuitive Concepts, Inc., a Sunbury-based company that creates Feng Shui environments globally.

Feng Shui has been around for thousands of years; however Western culture has been reluctant to embrace it completely. “I think it’s been misunderstood as religious-based and people get intimidated by things they aren’t fully familiar with,” Garber says. “But in the classic, traditional form, it’s science-based and it’s very environmentally-friendly, so we’re starting to get it.” Hence how she’s able to maintain a full-time practice, incorporating Feng Shui designs at offices and homes around the world. Prior, Garber worked as vice president of a major bank.

Trying to assess energy – or Chi – is a complicated process. It takes a specific formula derived from an energy map and incorporating information such as when the building was erected, its compass direction, number of rooms, etc. The result is a more complete understanding of what is needed for functional interaction of that energy. No two homes or buildings are the same.

Once the energy in a space is assessed, light, color, purposeful placement of furniture, etc. are planned. Clutter is eliminated, as it causes stress and sucks your energy. Feng Shui works intimately with five elements – fire, earth, metal, water and wood. “The balance of those elements helps us determine how anyone is going to experience that space,” Garber says.

However intricate the process is, the goal remains simple – to create a high energy, positive and flowing space where you are subconsciously content and, ultimately, healthier.

“You shouldn’t know you’ve walked into a Feng Shui space, you should only feel it,” Graber says. “You’ll feel welcome, safe and secure. And, of course, happy.”
Find out more information about how to create a harmonious space at www.intuitiveconcepts.com. – Alicia Kelso