Though I've worked on a lot of homes, one of my favorite projects was designing and working on the Feng Shui for a tiny house. A friend, who is another holistic health coach, has recently decided to live the tiny house life. Understanding the importance of energy, she asked me to consult on her home for the Feng Shui.
Now for those who know me, I’m not only a Feng Shui Consultant/Interior Designer, but I’m also a Tiny House enthusiast. I mean, I now live, work, and travel in my campervan, and prior to that, I had lived in my fareshare of small studios and rental apartments.
Feng Shui’ing tiny houses can be a bit of a challenge. Many models of Feng Shui go off of buildings/structures with multiple rooms, and Tiny Houses are often just one big open space. You are also challenged with the practical and functional aspect of EVERY inch of space counts. This leads to many built-in pieces which leave little for rearranging.
However, if you are building your tiny house from scratch, you can incorporate Feng Shui into the design, just like I did with my friend. Here are some tips to remember when designing and Feng Shui’ing your space.
Storage Solutions
In a space often 200 square feet or less, every inch counts. Maximizing on storage, is essential for practical reasons but also in terms of Feng Shui. Clutter is one of the big NOs in Feng Shui, as messes disrupt the energy of our spaces and our wellbeing. There are tons of ways to have savvy storage, from hidden compartments in the stairs, to above loft storage.
Close off the “Bedroom”
Bedrooms are one of the major areas of focus in Feng Shui. These rooms are a part of what is known as the ‘Feng Shui Trinity‘. Bedrooms are where we restore our energy, so it’s important for our health to have these areas designed for good qi. While bedrooms in tiny homes are often up in lofts, it’s important to have these spaces closed off somehow from the rest of the house. This allows the energy to be contained and not escape the bed, which is important for proper restoration while we sleep. You can close off these areas by having a door or using a curtain.
Bring in the Metal Element
Most of the time, tiny homes are constructed with cedar or other softwoods which are exposed. This material connects to the wood element and offers an excess amount of this chi. To balance this out, add the metal element. Ways to do this are by painting the space white, as white connects to this qi. White also helps to visually expand the space and sooth the eye, making the tiny house feel less tiny. You can also change your roof shape to bring this element in. A roof with an arch connect to this chi type.
Add Plants
In Feng Shui, plants provide extra living qi. Adding a few to your space helps to keep the energy fresh and circulating in your space. Plants connect us deeper with nature, filter toxins from the air, and provide us with oxygen to breath, so don’t be afraid to go crazy on the plant love!
Stairs vs Ladder
Often times, lofts are included in tiny houses as they offer additional and valuable square footage.
Ladders cut off the energy of this above space, as there is no direct route for the qi to flow. This means that the qi will get stuck up there and become stagnant. This is okay if you plan to have this loft function as a space you won’t physically be in, such as using it for an extra storage space. A ladder is also a good option for a bedroom, as sleeping spaces work well with ladders because you generally want this energy to be contained for a peaceful night’s rest.
Stairs connect the flow of energy between the two spaces. So if this is where your are planning an upstairs work space, where you want the energy to be more active, stairs are the method to use. One note about the stairs however is to be mindful of where they “land”. The start of a stair should not be in alignment to the entry door of the home, as this will create a path for energy to escape the space.
Watch out for Galleys & Hallways
It’s a classic tiny house layout…kitchen on one side, eating/living on the other with the entry door at the end. From a function standpoint, it makes sense, but in the world of Feng Shui, this open space in the middle creates a lot of fast moving qi. This intense energy can be draining, and a lot for our own chi to handle. Think about it like a fast moving river and you’re stuck right in the middle. Slow down this energy by placing a runner underfoot. It also visually acts to divide the two spaces on either side of the “hall”.
If you want help on designing your tiny home and to add some Feng Shui into your small space, be sure to reach out and schedule a free consultation!
For me, colors and shapes made a huge difference. I used to have a lot of round stuff like mirrors and tables, but I swapped them out for things with sharp angles. Plus, I painted my tiny house with lots of white and green in the kitchen and bathroom, and that helped a lot, too. I also redesigned my wealth corner and added more plants.