What are the basics of feng shui?

Question

I live in a basement of a house, and its not really a finished basement.. I'd like to make it more... pleasant. So far, I've covered the cinderblock with sheets (tan along one wall, sage for the support wall in the center of the basement, etc) what else can I do, it still feels like... a nasty basement. I'd really like to move but at the moment, this is all I can afford. :(

Answer 1

The most important thing, if you move, is to be sure to sleep in one of your favorable directions. Use the characteristics of the five elements where necessary, such as colors.

If you want to learn the basics of Feng Shui, you'll find all the information here (theory, glossary, calculators etc.):

Answer 2

Feng shui basics will involve printing out a copy of the bagua map and using it to find the best colors and elements for different areas in your space. In eastern feng shui, that means using a compass and figuring out a lot of different factors. Western feng shui is probably easier to practice, especially in your situation. Find a copy of the bagua map and imagine the stairs coming into your space (the "front door") to be the starting place and orient everything from there.

I would like to kindly suggest that you're not likely to get the feeling your after by putting up sheets. I can understand what you're trying to do, but I think that hanging sheets is never going to look polished or finished. If it were me (and you have permission from the homeowners), I would paint, paint, paint! Even paint on concrete blocks is probably going to look better than hanging a sheet that won't fit the wall exactly and is likely to sag. If you want to try decorating with feng shui, choose a neutral color to paint the entire space, or most of it, then use accents to satisfy the feng shui desire. I know paint can be expensive, but so will sheets if you buy enough of them. Think of a few color options, then shop the mis-tints from your local Home Depot or hardware store. I've gotten paint as low as 97 cents a gallon by shopping the mis-tints. If you need more than a gallon, buy a bunch in similar shades and mix them together in a large bucket before you start painting.

After painting, arrange your furniture for a nice flow and start accenting. I would suggest nice soft lighting and some (fake if you don't have light) plants in the corners. Also, how about some art on the walls? You can make your own. Find any large piece of flat material and paint it in a color you like, then if you can draw at all, paint something you like on it. If you can't draw, go with a geometric pattern of colors...

Try to keep the clutter down and use scented candles so things smell nice and you'll be well on your way to a nice space!