Eastern Traditions in Home Design

It seems to me that Eastern traditions in home design can be a great addition to the Western tradition of architecture was founded in logic and the study of visibly pleasant proportions.

I think the Eastern traditions can be well worth examining because they do a good job of suggesting design ideas which tap directly into the psychology of why we find a space appealing rather than being overly concerned with decoration.

We'll look at a very short introduction of each of the topics on this page...

Feng shui

Feng Shui, which translates to "wind" (feng) and "water" (shui), is an ancient Chinese philosophy focused on harmonizing individuals with their surrounding environment. It is rooted in the belief that the energy, or chi (also spelled qi), flowing through a space impacts the health, wealth, and well-being of its occupants. By arranging elements in alignment with natural forces, Feng Shui seeks to create a balanced, harmonious environment.

The practice is heavily influenced by Taoist principles, particularly the interplay between yin and yang (opposing yet complementary energies) and the Five Elements

wood
fire
earth
metal
water

These elements represent different aspects of nature and are used to create equilibrium within a space. For example, too much fire energy may feel overwhelming, while an absence of earth energy might cause instability.

Feng shui is a traditional practice originating from ancient china which claims to use energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment.

A key aspect of Feng Shui involves the Bagua Map, an energy grid applied to a space to identify areas corresponding to different aspects of life, such as career, relationships, wealth, and health. Practitioners use this map to guide design decisions, ensuring each area supports its intended purpose.

Feng Shui Bagua Map

Feng Shui principles influence everything from the layout of a home to the placement of furniture. Common recommendations include:

Keeping pathways clear to allow chi to flow freely. People as well as chi need to be able to get around your home easily. Read more about analysing a floor plan for circulation.
Placing the bed, desk, or stove in a command position—facing the door but not directly aligned with it, symbolizing environmental control and awareness. A lot of the furniture arrangements that you'll find in the room by room section follow these principles.
Using mirrors strategically to reflect light and energy but avoiding placements that create confusion or negative reflections. Mirrors can also be used to reflect parts of a room to make it feel bigger.
De-cluttering spaces to avoid stagnant energy. I'm sure we can all identify with how good and light it feels after a good clear out.

The practice also considers external factors, such as the positioning of buildings, natural features, and roads, as they affect the flow of chi.

While Feng Shui is deeply spiritual, modern interpretations often highlight its psychological and aesthetic benefits. A well-designed, uncluttered space feels calming and promotes focus, mirroring the principles' core intent.

Though some view it as superstition, others appreciate its insights into creating environments that feel nurturing and balanced. Whether approached as a tradition or a design tool, Feng Shui encourages mindful interaction with spaces, fostering harmony between people and their surroundings.

Feng Shui Resources

I have picked out the following resources for you as a member.

I have this book which I thought was great. Being published in 1996 it's old (but so is Feng Shui).

The Feng Shui Handbook

by Master Lam Kam Chuen

It's also available on internet archive.

Vastu Shastra

Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian architectural science, focuses on designing spaces that harmonize with natural forces to promote health, prosperity, and well-being. Rooted in the Vedas, this traditional practice combines science, art, astronomy, and astrology. The term "Vastu" means dwelling or building, and "Shastra" means science, reflecting its emphasis on creating environments aligned with cosmic energy.

The core principle of Vastu Shastra is balancing the five elements which are believed to influence human life.

earth
water
fire
air
space

By aligning structures with these natural elements, Vastu ensures a smooth flow of energy (prana), fostering harmony between individuals and their surroundings.

Vastu is guided by the Vastu Purusha Mandala, a symbolic energy grid that maps a building's layout. This grid aligns with cardinal directions each associated with specific elements and energies. For example:

North: Linked to wealth and governed by Mercury.
East: Associated with health and growth, ruled by the Sun.
South: Represents strength and governed by Mars.
West: Symbolizes stability and ruled by Saturn.

Vastu Purusha Mandala

Key principles in Vastu include the orientation of buildings, the placement of rooms, and the use of space. For instance, the main entrance is considered crucial and should ideally face north, east, or northeast to attract positive energy. Bedrooms are recommended in the southwest for stability, while kitchens should be in the southeast, symbolizing fire.

Hemispheres

When you're deciding where rooms should go, by far the most important thing, particularly if you live in a hot climate is to consider the path of the sun during the day. As Vastu Shrasta is an Indian tradition, I have a feeling the advice above may be for the southern hemisphere. If this is the case, north and south should be reversed for homes in the northern hemisphere.

Vastu also emphasizes symmetry and proportion in design, believing that imbalance can disrupt energy flow. Open spaces, natural lighting, and proper ventilation are integral to creating a harmonious environment.

Although Vastu Shastra is traditionally spiritual, modern interpretations adapt its principles for practical use. For example, architects and interior designers often incorporate Vastu guidelines to create spaces that feel more comfortable and functional.

While Vastu Shastra shares similarities with Feng Shui, such as aligning human life with nature, it is uniquely tied to Indian cultural and spiritual beliefs. Critics may see it as superstitious, but many embrace it as a holistic approach to architecture that connects mind, body, and space.

Vastu Shastra Resources

Dr Smita's website is a great starting point.

Wrapping up

I can't help be struck by a few similarities between these eastern traditions in home design. The five elements are more or less the same and they each use a grid of 9 squares to visualize the design practice.