This Is How to Feng Shui Your Entryway Layout

Feng Shui Entryway Layout — Courtesy of Alexander Design

We all want to come home to a healthy and happy home, but little things we barely notice can alter our mood when we walk through the door. Piles of unopened mail, a lock that gets stuck easily, or pairs of shoes that can easily be tripped over can affect our psyche, even if we don't realize it. Additionally, things that are virtually impossible to notice can also negatively impact our day-to-day: the placement of a mirror or the type of plants you own, for example.

So how do you make your entryway a happy and healthy space that brings you good energy instead of weighing you down? We spoke to Heather Askinosie, holistic healer, feng shui and crystal expert, and co-founder of Energy Muse, about ways to make your entryway more feng shui-friendly. Ready to give your space major stress-reducing positive vibes? This is the feng shui entryway layout you need.

01 of 06

Eliminate Clutter

Make sure you have solid organizational systems in place to keep clutter to a minimum, and choose thoughtful furniture and accessories that will keep paths clear. "The entryway to your house is what sets the atmosphere for the whole home," says Askinosie. "If you come home to a cluttered house, your mind immediately takes on that energy. But if after a busy day, you come home to a home that’s clean and organized, your environment will provide a peaceful space to unwind in."

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Bring the Outdoors In

Feng Shui Layout — Courtesy of Alexander Design

"I’d recommend tossing dead plants," says Askinosie. Dead plants represent death and weaken the energy in your house. She also warns to pay attention to the types of plants you invite into your space. "Replace plants with pointy leaves with ones that have round leaves," she says, "as pointy leaves are thought to be uninviting to energy." Depending on the amount of space and sunlight you have in your space, consider a Jade plant, Chinese money plant, rubber plant, or fiddle-leaf fig tree. They are all round-leafed plants that are relatively low-maintenance.

03 of 06

Pay Attention to Lighting

Feng Shui Entryway — Courtesy of Alexander Design

When planning your lighting, try to have light sources at a variety of heights: a ceiling pendant and a lamp or a pair of sconces, for example. To let natural light in while maintaining privacy, consider sheer roller blinds. "You’ll want your space to be well-lit, as open as possible, and spruced up with welcoming artwork," says Askinosie. Make sure you have sufficient lighting sources inside and out, but also make use of natural light. "When you can, open your windows and let the sunlight shine in. It will regularly cleanse your room’s energy," she says.

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Watch Out for Mirror Placement

Feng Shui Foyer Layout — Courtesy of Space Exploration

"One mistake I see often is when people hang a mirror in front of their entryway," says Askinosie. "You don't want to have a mirror facing the door, because when the chi enters your home, it bounces off the mirror, and goes back outside." Instead, place a mirror on a wall perpendicular to your door—over a console, for example. This will also provide a station to drop off your keys and mail, while allowing you to give yourself a quick check before heading out the door.

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Take Care of Your Front Door

Feng Shui Foyer — Courtesy of Brady Tolbert

"If you have a front door that sticks, or isn’t easy to open and close, it’s important to get that fixed," recommends Askinosie. "On an energetic level, issues with the door are believed to make bringing in new opportunities more difficult. So make sure that your door is in pristine condition without cracks, scratches, or chips." Give your door a quick check: Does it close and open easily? Is the lock tricky? Does it need a paint job? This is an easy project to tackle on a weekend that can completely alter your mood when you walk in and out the door.

06 of 06

Add a Few Crystals

Fend Shui Layout with large circle mirror — Courtesy of Space Exploration

Read up on the meaning of crystals and incorporate them into your home. Not only are they pretty to look at, but they can also alter the energy of your space. While we don't have definitive proof that this actually works, we think of it like taking vitamins: It can only do good. "I would recommend placing a large piece of black tourmaline outside the front of your entryway to protect the energy of your space as people come in and out," says Askinosie. "I also love placing an amethyst crystal in the room to act as an 'energy purifier.' Amethysts neutralize any negativity and radiate positive energy."