Not too long ago I received a call for a Feng Shui Consultation in New York City and my client shared he is a minimalist. In short, he wanted to know if it is a requirement that he has a lot of furniture in order to experience a Feng Shui consultation? 

The quick response is, No. You do not need a lot of furniture to experience Feng Shui. In fact, those who practiced Feng Shui in the past, based their practice on auspicious landforms, spiritual energy, and the five elements.

The true origins of Feng Shui began with “yin” Feng Shui (also known as Yin Zhai). According to this method of Feng Shui, based on the auspicious landforms, proper alignment and timing of construction for a grave plot, and placement of the five elements and gifts inside and around the grave plot will allow the children of the deceased (i.e. ancestors and parents) to benefit from blessings and support to live a more positive and fruitful life. The connection becomes stronger between the living and spirit world, not weaker. So this means, more help can be provided to the living.

If you are a minimalist, you don’t need a lot of furniture to experience a Feng Shui consultation. However, since we live in modern day times, it might be a good idea to have some very basic pieces of furniture; such as with a bed, maybe a dresser or some type of storage unit if there is not enough closet room, a table and chairs to share meals and do work on, and/or perhaps a small gathering area with a sofa or floor cushions.

What about artwork and other furnishings? If anything, since we live inside structures, if you can bring the outside in, that would be great! This could be done by referencing the five elements theory - fire, water, metal, earth and wood.

Fire: real candles - be safe - soy or beeswax prefered - unscented. Open your blinds and pull back your curtains daily to let the sunlight in.

Water - water fountain or imagery, or accent colors of blue.

Metal - could be the base of a table or sound (playing music).

Earth - crystals are always a great go-to

Wood - real living plants.

Bonus - Air - opening your windows to allow in fresh breezes.