How should you set up your space?

Feng Shui

The traditional Chinese art of feng shui is one very fashionable way of deciding how to set out items in the rest of your space. Now popular with many celebrities, feng shui is based on the principle that the way in which objects are arranged in a space has a bearing on how harmonious that space is to be in. Bad placing draws all of the energy out of your environment, and this can affect your wellbeing. If the feng shui way of thinking appeals to you, then take some of the following pointers:

• Avoid clutter – especially on tabletops. In Chinese tradition, this is seen to represent stress or bad luck that you might then carry around with you.
• Avoid straight lines, sharp edges or corners as far as possible. This is especially important if they point in a direction where people might sleep or sit.
• Decorating a space with wind chimes and crystals will be relaxing and is also believed to help focus good energy in the room.

See our feng shui basics article for more information.

Divide up your space

In a large room, you can dedicate at least a small corner to simple relaxation. Think of something which really calms you after a busy day, for example reading a book, or playing a leisurely board game. Lots of soft fabrics and the pieces of a board game set out and ready to be played could be an innovative alternative to the usual coffee table books. Dividing up your room into areas for specific activities can help you to maintain order and can also increase the function of the space. Another option is to create a space for watching television, one for reading, one for playing board games and so on.

This might sound time-consuming, but it can be done in a number of ways. For example, you might use rugs in different shapes and colours to highlight separate areas of the room. You could also divide the space with well-placed plants, or maybe even screens. Be creative with furniture too – sofas and tables don't have to be kept against the walls, so why not angle them? This will fill up space and add an inventive edge to your décor.

What makes you cosy?

In the end, how comfortable a room is for you depends a lot on how much of your personality you are able to put into that room. Having a large space to decorate shouldn't be scary – instead, why not see it as an opportunity to put many of the things which you find relaxing and soothing in one room? Small mementos of your family and friends can provide a personal touch, and are entirely original as they can take the form of children's drawings or old photographs. If you are a music lover, why not mount a copy of your favourite record on the wall, or even display a musical instrument which you associate with relaxation? Essentially, it's up to you, but do keep in mind these three fundamental rules:

1. Avoid clutter to avoid stress and restlessness.
2. Keep your room warm, either by making use of your fireplace or by including a deep, luxurious carpet – or both!
3. Choose complementing colours to decorate and accessorise your space, as this will bring a sense of harmony.

If you follow these, then you will be well on your way to making a big room altogether more snug and comfortable to be in.