Sitting Room

South facing for late morning and afternoon sun.

Kitchen

Southwest facing for morning and afternoon sun.

Dining Room

East or west facing for morning or afternoon sun.

Playroom

West facing for afternoon sun.

Bedroom

Southeast facing for morning sun.

Bathroom

Any direction which allows the maximum light.

Study

West or northwest facing for reflected light.

Storage/Garage

West or north facing for late afternoon sun.

Studio/Office

North facing for reflected light.

Exercise Space

East facing for morning sun or west facing for afternoon sun.

Meditation or Sanctuary

East facing for sunrise or west facing for sunset.

These directions are for homes in the northern hemisphere and just the reverse of these directions for homes in the southern hemisphere.

Feng shui may be described as a subtle form of interior design and it means 'wind and water'. The Chinese believe that the elemental forces shape our landscape and also have the power to affect our everyday life. They affect all our physical needs, mental well-being and financial security.

In China, feng shui is a way of life and no decision is taken without referring to the vital force which flows through the Universe. By using feng shui it is possible to change any environment into the one which supports us, one which improves our relationships, our financial positions, health and career. We can deflect the negative influences by using a number of devices such as mirrors and wind chimes, which need to be carefully positioned. To create a good feng shui, we need to identify the size and position of our homes, as well as its shape, materials used and the arrangement of furniture too.

For instance, it is a bad feng shui if a tree has been planted too close to the building which may disturb the foundations. Living at the bottom of a hill, will mean that there are possibilities of flooding and it is also a sign for bad feng shui. On the other hand, if your house is built half-way up a hill side with an open view, the pleasing and uplifting effect will mean it is a good feng shui. The open view over water gives the house a good feng shui in which the occupants are likely to prosper.

Here are some ways to cut down on waste and make your kitchen a healthier and friendlier place:

· Try to buy fresh food as often as you can. This reduces the need for storage.
· Use natural washing-up liquid and scouring powders.
· Sort rubbish into organic matter and waste that can be recycled such as bottles, paper and tins.
· Wash up by hand.
· Avoid plastic wrap which can give off vapours, especially when food is hot. Instead, use glass, ceramic and stainless steel to store food.
· Keep food in a cool, dry larder or cellar and perishables in the refrigerator.
· Get a water filter: either a jug or a filter fitted in the tap.
· Do not buy over-packaged food.

These are some ways by which you can bring peace and harmony into your home.

· Bring in plants for peace and tranquillity.
· Hang peaceful and loving pictures.
· Fabric or woven hanging or rugs give warmth, grounding and security.
· Clocks provide harmony and rhythm.
· A piano or musical instrument gives social or personal empathy and compassion.
· Natural objects are healing and provide feeling of connection.
· Wind chimes give sound and rhythm, variety and balance.
· A water feature is emotionally soothing and healing.
· Light fittings provide sparkling light and inspiration or create a more intimate atmosphere.

Everyone should be aware of the sources of indoor air pollution. These include:

· Tobacco smoke.
· Aerosols and sprays (including perfumes).
· Gas or smoke fumes from cookers and fires.
· Chemicals emitted by synthetic carpets, curtains and furniture.
· Plastics.
· Polyurethane foam, including foam carpet underlay.
· Oil tanks, petrol and detergents.
· Certain bricks, cements and aggregates.
· Ground water.
· Natural gas.
· Chemically-made paints and varnishes.

Combating with the Indoor Air Pollution in your Home
· Do not smoke or allow smokers in your home.
· Get your chimney cleaned regularly.
· Open windows at different sides of the home to create cross ventilation.
· Seal cracks in the floor edges, pipes and walls, especially in basements.
· Use extractor fans to expel any dampness.
· Buy an air-filter to clean the dust and bacteria.
· Use porous paints and wall coverings.
· Use an ionizer to create negative ions.
· Place an air vent in your roof so fumes can leave your home.
· Have extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens, if they have no windows.

No form of artificial lighting can match the natural wonders of sunlight, so we must try to allow light and air to come into our home from outside.

· Keep windows clean and check that they all are open.
· Draw curtains back as far as possible and keep blinds up during the day.
· Move away plants or objects which obstruct light coming into your room.
· Use mirrors opposite to windows in rooms with low light levels.
· Use low-energy lighting or full-spectrum lights where possible.
· Create skylights, atrium, and sun rooms where you can, so that you can enjoy the benefits of sunlight.

Coloured Lights
· Blue light is exceptionally soothing and cooling. Use it in hot rooms, or when you are suffering from anger or a fever.
· Green light is very cooling and soothing but is not recommended when you wish to read or concentrate on a task.
· Orange light is warming and stimulating. It creates an atmosphere of happiness and vitality.
· Pink light has muscle relaxing qualities. It is also a gently warming and loving colour.
· Red light is physically warming and emotionally arousing, so it is also associated with sexual passion.
· Violet light bulbs can help harmonize your mental and emotional state.

. Keep a candlestick or candles permanently in the bathroom.
· Use soft lighting, especially bulbs with a yellowish or pinkish tint.
· Keep moisture loving plants in the room.
· Make sure you have a portable tape available to play a relaxing music.
· Use a cotton bath mat, flannel and towels.
· Try a natural bristle back brush or loofah.
· Vegetable oil soaps made with natural plant extracts are aromatic and leave your skin silky smooth.
· Clean the bath with a mixture of either vinegar or lemon juice and water.
· Use potpourri or natural herbal spray as a room deodorizer.
· Have a chair or stool in your bathroom so you can enjoy a manicure or pedicure.
· Get as much as natural light and air into the room as possible, keeping a healthy atmosphere in the bathroom.