If you've been wondering how to decorate with natural materials, you’ve come to the right place. We’re diving into nature-inspired interior design and using the 4 major facets of feng shui to guide us on our journey. As you’re incorporating these natural elements into your home, make sure to also remove harmful toxins. Let’s dive in. 

Use the bagua map to determine what natural materials you need in your space

The bagua map is a tool used in the ancient practice of feng shui to determine how the energy flows in your space. You can see our blog on how to use the bagua map in your home for more detailed inspiration about the map and identifying the energy flow in your space. Once this step is completed, each area of the map will have recommendations on which of the five elements you’ll need in that space to bring balance to the energy flow. 

Balance the masculine and feminine energies in your space with natural materials

While it’s common for us to have an imbalance of these energies, many of us do not know how to recognize it. According to Pause Meditation, “Masculine energy is characterized by DOING and achieving and is molded by logic and reason. The feminine is more intuitive, oriented to receiving and allowing, and characterized by BEING.” 

If you are feeling an imbalance towards one of these energies, here are a few natural materials you can bring into your space to bring balance. 

To lean into your feminine energy: 

• Incorporate more sinuous/curved and rounded shapes into your home.

• Make sure that everyone living in your home has access to areas that are safe, calm, and comforting and a spot that is ideal for rest, rejuvenation, and time alone to just be. This could mean:

  • Creating more balance and comfort in your bedroom

  • Creating a spa-like experience in your bathroom

  • Dedicating a space in your home to spiritual practice, meditation, or yoga.

• Be in the present moment and bring attention to your physical senses and intuition when you are in your home. Notice how you’re feeling and the overall experience.  

And to tap into your masculine energy: 

• Include a variety of seating options in your main living areas and create conversational areas inside and out for entertaining and socializing. 

• Make sure that the more public areas of your home are receiving plenty of natural daylight, which will stimulate activity and give you an energy lift. 

• Ensure that your home has good airflow and is free of toxins. Indoor plants bring an abundance of growth energy and also filter your air. If you’re not exactly a green thumb, I highly recommend getting a copy of “The New Plant Parent” by one of my favorites on Instagram: @houseplantjournal.

Use natural materials to promote Chi and the flow of energy

Your Chi is the flow of energy throughout your body. If you have ever felt “off” but couldn't quite put your finger on it or chalked it up to “brain fog,” chances are there was a blockage of the energy flow in your body. 

Chi also encompasses the flow of air and how we experience a space as we move through it. Have you ever felt someone walk into the room and the vibe or energy completely shifted? That is their Chi at work in the space. 

By incorporating wind (air element) and water (energy flow) into your space, these natural materials will help your Chi and improve the flow of energy. Here are a few ideas for incorporating these natural elements into your space: 

Wind: 

• Conduct a space clearing in your home with a sage smudge spray, then follow up with an invocation using a palo santo smudge spray. The invocation is your opportunity to welcome in new energy after clearing out the old.  

• Welcome fresh air into your home as often as possible.

• Place a wind chime outside near your front and back door to promote fresh energy flow throughout your home.

Water:

• Tap into the power of essential oils and infuse your home with natural, healing aromas. Essential oils embody the water element and can target specific emotional issues and soothe energetic blocks.  

• When arranging furniture, make sure to leave clear walkways within each space and from room to room. Aim for slow, meandering paths that promote gently flowing energy rather than long, straight paths that do not encourage circulation and enjoyment of the space. Your goal is to savor each moment of your home and create opportunities to do so.

• Drink plenty of water and check the humidity of your home (indoor plants are natural regulators of humidity).

Balance the Five Elements

“When we pay attention to Nature’s music, we find that everything on the Earth contributes to its harmony.” — Hazrat Inayat Khan

I like to say that nature’s music is expressed through each of the five elements. It’s one of the reasons why we look at a gorgeous landscape or the lookout at the top of a hike and say that view “spoke” to us. 

The five elements each represent an aspect of our energy and life force, so it’s important that they be in balance. These five elements are water, fire, earth, metal, and wood. And here are a few simple ways you add them to your space:

• Water: Add touches of blue or black, curved elements, glass, or even a small fountain 

• Fire: Add the color red, a small candle, a warmer light, or use animal print  

• Earth: Use ceramics or opt for a cream or neutral as part of the color palette 

• Metal: A side table or lamps, as well as accessories, are great for bringing the metal element into your space 

• Wood: Wood furniture and interior finishes, live plants, and the color green are your go-tos 

If you need to bring balance to the energy in your space, make sure to check out my Top 5 Suggestions For Balancing The Energy In Your Space Using Feng Shui.  

While learning to decorate with natural materials can feel like a bit of a learning curve, the practice of feng shui is an excellent guide. If you'd like to balance the energy in your space, we offer a Feng Shui Design Consultation to lend our expertise in this nuanced practice and empower you to take control of the energy in your home.

If you’re hungry for more information on creating a deeply nourishing home, you’re in luck! Later this year, I will be launching an 8-week course that will empower you to do exactly that! Head over to the MOTIV homepage and join the waitlist today!