In honor of Chinese New Year, I wanted to share a post from my colleagues at Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty highlighting some of the principles feng shui — an ancient Chinese methodology guiding interior design decisions. The name comes from the Chinese words for wind (“feng”) and water (“shui”), which ties into its intention of bringing the balance found in nature into the home.

A welcoming entryway can make all the difference when it comes to a home’s first impression. One way to elevate the entrance? Follow the principles of feng shui — the Chinese art of enhancing the balance of yin and yang in a home. According to this ancient philosophy, the front entrance is the mouth of chi, serving as the primary portal for energy to enter the home. Thus, a well-balanced entryway invites positive energy into the space and effectively sets the tone for the entire home.

Here are four simple ways to achieve entryway feng shui:

1. Add an inviting welcome mat

A well-designed doormat is an easy way to ensure visitors feel welcome when they arrive at your door. Accenting your doorstep with this chic yet functional accessory adds to the front exteriors overall appeal and helps keep the homes interiors tidy.

Ideally, the mat should be approximately the same width as the door or slightly wider anything smaller than the door width looks disproportionate. The mat should be as close to mint condition as possible, as excess wear and tear only detracts from the entryways otherwise positive energy.

2. Consider a paint job

While your front doors color should certainly complement the rest of your homes exterior, there is another factor to consider when choosing your hue: the five elements of feng shui.

Each element is associated with one or more colors as well as a cardinal and/or ordinal direction. Determining which direction your door faces and selecting a paint color that corresponds with said direction is one way to incorporate these elements into your entryway.

Front Door Color Compass

#1 — If it faces south…

South corresponds to the fire element, which is embodied by the colors red, orange and yellow.

#2 — If it faces east or southeast…

East and southeast are associated with deep green, brown and, according to some practitioners, purple all hues tied to the element of wood.

#3 — If it faces north…

Blue is linked to the water element, which has a corresponding direction of north.

#4 — If it faces west or northwest…

The metal element is aptly associated with black, gray, silver and white, with west and northwest as its corresponding directions.

#5 — If it faces northeast or southwest…

Muted shades of brown and beige represent the element of earth and northeast and southwest, direction-wise.

3. Declutter the walkway

Any paths from the exterior to the front door and then through the entry hall should be neat, clean and obstacle-free, allowing for maximum open space.

Eliminating unnecessary objects, both outside and inside, is essential in feng shui, as clutter can serve as a hindrance to positive energy trying to enter the home. A tidy entrance is both practical and aesthetic, as it signifies to visitors and potential buyers alike that your home is well-maintained.

4. Embrace the power of plants

While adorning your front porch with potted plants adds to the homes curb appeal, incorporating houseplants into your foyer can help your home feel more balanced the overarching goal in feng shui.

According to the ancient practice, certain plants promote positive energy, such as jasmine, bamboo and aloe vera, while other varieties are associated with sha chi, or sharp energy, and therefore should not be kept in the home. (Think cacti and other thorny plants.) Dead and dying greenery is also said to bring forth negative vibes, so be sure to water plants regularly and trim away any dead bits.

An added bonus of indoor blooms? Scientific studies show houseplants improve air quality and reduce stress levels, which can only improve your entryways positive chi.

Kung Hei Fat Choi is a common greeting this time of year, which means “wishing you prosperity.”

I wish you prosperity, positive energy, and balance this Year of the Dragon, and my team and I are available to help if you hope to achieve them in real estate or interior design. Kung Hei Fat Choi!