Q

Dear Kerri

I have just moved into a villa in Jumeriah Islands and have a quite a large dining room. Could you please advise me how I can utilise my space accordingly with some basic Feng Shui principals?

Thanking you, Jerry

A

Dear Jerry,

Thank you for your letter. It has inspired me to give quite a detailed answer!

In the past, the dining room was seen to be one of the most important rooms in a house. It’s the place where people came together to “break bread”, chat and to help build their friendships within the neighbourhood.

Now, the dining room more than often has been replaced with dinner on the lap or coffee table whilst watching TV, or grabbing a bite in the kitchen prior to going out. 
However, from a Feng Shui view we are missing out an important aspect of life - one that can help relationships between family, friends and strangers blossom.

A cluttered dining room interferes with digestion and can make the family feel like they are under pressure. Dark curtains and heavy old furniture can create a feeling of heaviness, stillness and most importantly blocks the flow of chi, and again boxes and clutter on the floor bring about the same affect. The longer the clutter has been in your dining room the more stagnant the energy will feel in the room. Therefore, the first step is to de-clutter your dining room to improve the Feng Shui of this room.

Make sure that the dining table is situated in the centre of the room, with plenty of space for people to come and go from the table. Also, try to ensure that the energy flow through the room is gentle. A crystal chandelier over the centre of the table is excellent for balancing chi.

A mirror reflecting your dining table - means that you will not go without food. Having a bowl of fresh fruit or beautiful flowers on the table is an excellent energiser. You can also place plants in any stagnant or dark corners with a standing lamp to help lift chi.

If the table conversation is stagnant or abounds with old issues, try clearing all the old objects away from the dining room (old paperwork or boxes) and instead hang some nice new family pictures on the southwest wall of the dining room. This will to stimulate the conversation to move onto a newer path.

The dining room should be welcoming and can be enhanced by utilising colour and decoration. Dining room walls should be painted in warm tones such as soft beige, peach or muted yellow. Curtains should be draped in such a way that they don’t block chi from entering from a window. A thick rug or nice carpet will add texture to the room that will help absorb sound.

To create a relaxing atmosphere, especially at the end of a hectic day, use candles, lower wattage of light bulbs or dim the light switch. This will help you to relax, unwind and eat slowly, which in turn will help digestion and make you feel full.

One of the most important aspects of a dining room is to - TURN OFF THE TV. This will allow you to concentrate on your food whilst enjoying the conversations of your family or friends. You should also try and turn your mobile off, as this will help create a special time spent with love ones.

Use your beautiful table linens, plates and good silverware instead of leaving them stacked away in a cupboard. Get them out and use them! Enjoy using your gorgeous accessories, as this will also make your family feel special and loved. Try and use a tablecloth instead of placements as this encourages unity among family members.

And lastly try and remember to take a brief moment before meal to say thanks for whatever goodness and abundance that you have in your life. Saying thanks prior to a meal - fills the room immediately with positive energy and appreciation for life.

Happy Feng Shui’ing!

Kerri.