INTERVIEW - The declutter effect: Impact on energy and well-being

Dina Said, Wednesday 25 Dec 2024

Sherif Kamal, interior designer and Feng Shui expert, spoke to Ahram Online to explain how clutter impacts our homes and the importance of removing it.

Declutter

 

Originating in China almost 6,000 years ago, Feng Shui is an ancient method of constructing and optimizing residences to bring about happiness, abundance, and harmony.

Clutter refers to unused items scattered around our homes, which Feng Shui identifies as "stagnant energy."

This kind of energy negatively affects the lives of household members, as objects that remain stationary prevent the positive energy needed for the home and its residents from circulating freely.

Clutter: A heritage passed down through generations
 

The accumulation of unused items in homes is not a new phenomenon. According to Kamal, this habit dates back to earlier generations, as our ancestors kept old belongings for practical or sentimental reasons, seeing them as valuable or potentially useful in the future.

This habit of saving items "for a later need" has been passed down through generations. Although younger generations may find this behaviour puzzling, it has become integral to our lifestyle. Over time, the concept of keeping unused items has evolved into a phenomenon that affects both the quality of life and the energy flow within a home. Even in modern homes, we see closed storage cabinets on balconies housing old schoolbooks or furniture that no longer fits into the main living spaces.

Decluttering: A step towards inner peace
 

Clutter and dust partner in disrupting the flow of energy inside a home. Kamal stresses the importance of moving items and decluttering, as this facilitates energy circulation throughout the space, positively impacting household members.

He explains that the entryway is a key area in distributing energy throughout a house. It should be tidy and free from excess furniture or piled-up shoes. Energy enters through the front door and exits through the windows, but obstacles like clutter or dust can disrupt this process.

Mirrors placed directly opposite the front door pose another issue, as they reflect incoming energy outside. Kamal suggests positioning mirrors on sidewalls if necessary. Incorporating natural plants at the entryway can also help absorb negative energy carried by individuals, as these plants attract and neutralize such energy.

Minimalism in interior design: A solution to energy flow
 

The rise of minimalism in home design aimed to create wide-open spaces that allow energy to flow freely. Homes crowded with furniture obstruct this flow. To optimize energy movement, Kamal recommends reducing bulky furniture and opting for side lighting or concealed lighting instead of chandeliers, which are seen as additional obstacles to energy flow.

Moreover, storing items under beds or atop cabinets is considered one of the biggest mistakes, as it leads to stagnant energy accumulation, which impacts sleep quality and daily activity levels. However, if storage in such areas is unavoidable, these spaces should be cleaned regularly, and the stored items should be moved periodically to prevent stagnation and ensure proper energy circulation, as Kamal explains.

Large, immovable pieces, like wardrobes or built-in units, can also become potential sources of negative energy due to their static nature. Kamal advises regular cleaning around these units and rearranging their contents occasionally to maintain balanced energy.

 Additionally, reducing the number of stored items by discarding old ones when buying new alternatives, like clothes that no longer fit or are out of fashion, can help prevent unnecessary clutter. Similarly, kitchen cabinets should be cleared of worn-out or redundant tools that serve no purpose.

Elegant clutter’: A growing trend
 

With changing tastes, some forms of clutter have evolved into what Kamal terms "elegant clutter." Display cabinets and vitrines showcasing valuable or cherished items are now viewed as decorative storage solutions. However, even these can become sources of stagnant energy if they are not cleaned or rearranged regularly.

For smaller or easily movable items, Kamal suggests a practical approach: a box for broken items to discard immediately, another one for repairable items to either use or donate, and one for old papers and bills to organize or dispose of. This categorization makes the decluttering process more manageable and effective.

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