You may think this is a strange question, however, it is an important question and is one that needs to be addressed. You have probably heard the saying, "one man's trash is another man's treasure."

In other words, what may seem like clutter to one person may feel warm and comforting to another person. And a so-called uncluttered home may feel to some to be cold and sterile, lacking in personality and style.

So the question is, what really describes clutter, and how is it tied in with the concept of feng shui?
And, why can we so confidently say that clutter is the biggest enemy to good feng shui?

What Is Clutter?

The dictionary definition defines clutter as:

* A confused or disordered state or collection; a jumble: sorted through the clutter in the attic.

* A confused noise; a clatter.

The word clutter can also be used as a verb; when someone adds to this mess or confusion, they're said to "clutter up" a space or a situation.

So we see the tie-in between clutter and confusion in both instances, whether it's physical clutter or clutter as it applies to noise. And, in both cases, the definition refers to things that are unnecessary and overrun.

A "jumble" wouldn't refer to a collection of things that is modest in size or number, instead, it means just plain far too many of any one thing.

This is where there is a distinction between clutter and one's prized possessions. It's not really and truly the things themselves that define something as clutter or not, it's how they are kept or arranged.

The Description Of a Cluttered Desk Top:

One way to think about it, is to imagine a cluttered desk. Now, what can you see? Most likely you will see files, folders, stacks of papers, pens, pencils, diary, paper clips, invoices and messages.

With that picture in your mind, ask yourself, what does the person who sits at this desk actually do here? Can you tell from the papers and other items whether or not they pay bills, write novels, design greeting cards, or if they're an architect, a doctor, an engineer, or anything else about them?

It begs the question, how would anyone easily find something on that desk? If you are asked to get a particular invoice or bill, would you be able to find it easily and quickly? The probability is it would take quite a lot of time to find them.

Now, if you were someone who needed to work at that desk, how do you know how many months worth of phone bills you've recently paid, or still owe? Can you quickly and easily find the paid bills or check stubs or receipts?

Perhaps the application is clear. There is much confusion on a desk that's jumbled with papers, files, business forms, and so on. Nothing is clear about what is happening on this desk, what has been accomplished, what still needs to be accomplished, and so on.

Finding a Pattern:

The difference between order and clutter is very similar to the difference between music and noise. There is harmony in music, even in the types you don't like. However, with noise, you will find there is no pattern.

Think back to that jumbled desk. Is there any type of pattern as to where things are? Are all the invoices in one area, all the business forms in another? Are pens and pencils placed neatly in a jar or holder?

Of course, the answer to the question above, is no. There is a definite lack of planning and organization when objects are strewn all over the desk.

It is quite obvious, that person using this desk lacks structure and organization, which in overall terms will make them less efficient and their job more difficult.

You can apply this philosophy to any part of your home that you suspect is cluttered.

If you found this short article both interesting and helpful. There is more information about Feng Shui and other holistic, and environmental topics at...

EcoHolistic.com the site that covers topics from Biodiesel to Feng Shui

Feng shui has become more and more popular with many people because they are searching for balance and vitality in their lives, and want to do this in a natural way. Whilst others are looking to create a more relaxed and calmer environment for themselves. With this in mind, a good place to start trying this ancient art would probably be to create a feng shui bedroom by using a few simple methods and tricks.

Tip 1, Feng Shui bedroom:

The first and most important thing you can do before making any changes to your bedroom is to ask yourself what type of atmosphere you are trying to create. For example, do you want to feel warm and relaxed at night, and have a room that encourages you to drop off to sleep immediately, or are you looking to add some spice to your bedroom, and perhaps create some sexual energy as well?

So, at this point you will need to decide the mood and atmosphere you want to create in your bedroom. The question is, are you looking to create a room that is relaxing and you want to want to sleep in? Or do you want to create a room that is exciting, vibrant, and dynamic, a room where you would not only sleep but could hang out in too.

Tip 2, Feng Shui bedroom:

The next step you need to take when creating your feng shui bedroom will be to de-clutter it. Remember the bedroom is not supposed to be an exercise room, office, or a laundry room

Check out any decorating magazine and the pictures they are showing of bedrooms, how many of these are cluttered? I'll bet that none of them are.

Tip 3, Feng Shui bedroom:

Using colors when practicing feng shui is very important, and the bedroom is no exception. Dark and warm colors calm and relax you, whilst bright and bold colors bring in energy.

In your minds eye you can now see the colors you chose to create the type of atmosphere you want in your feng shui bedroom , whether you choose energetic colors like red and purple which will create energy , or relaxing and calming colors like brown and green , be sure not to create an overwhelming color scheme. There is nothing worse than walking into a room that overwhelms you , it just leaves you tired and drained.

So if you apply these three simple tips that we've given you , then you too can have a true feng shui bedroom that will either calm and soothe your jangled nerves , helping you get a good night's rest , or that will introduce some spice and energy to your life.

Feng shui interior design can transform a room in a very positive way, so upon entering the room an individual is affected both emotionally and visually. Chinese interior design has been practiced in China for many many centuries and is now becoming very popular worldwide.

It's always a good idea to decorate and interior design the rooms of the home with a focus on creating different moods and atmospheres. This is where Chinese feng shui interior design will help, with the use of color, furniture design and placement, you will be able to create the right atmosphere in any particular room.

So what is feng shui?

Chi, is the hidden energy of a place, person, or object, this energy is very important in the practice of feng shui interior design. This flow of Chi or energy is unique to every home and place, the feng shui practitioner will check this energy and help it to flow freely, if required.

The ancient art of Chinese feng shui can be broken into several components, and these are the five elements and ying and yang. These elements are used by the practitioner in feng shui interior design to bring about balance and harmony in the room, this will aid an individuals well-being, helping them to relax.

The elements in Chinese feng shui interior design are wood, water, metal, earth and fire. When correctly used Chinese feng shui interior design will bring about balance, harmony, and prosperity into the household.

When beginning your new feng shui interior design it might be a good idea to sketch and make a note of the colors you require in each room. Also, you might want to make plans of furniture placement, ornaments, carpets and drapes. In some rooms you may want to add things like a water fountain for example.

How to learn Feng Shui Interior Design:

Feng shui interior design has become very popular in the world at large and there are many feng shui books that will help you to understand the ancient art and give you tips on how to apply it in the home and office. You also have the option of searching out specialist websites that will also help you to understand feng shui interior design and give you tips on how to apply in your life.

By studying feng shui interior design an individual may come to realize that everything is interconnected in the environment, and that we can affect the atmosphere and energy of a room in both a negative and positive way by where we place the furniture or the color we paint the walls, doors, and widows.

There are some good books about feng shui
that will show you how to create positive energy and remove negative energy.

Feng shui tip One:

The de-cluttering feng shui tips can also apply to large items like furniture, motorcycle and car parts.

Feng shui tip two:

For example, one of the best feng shui tips for increasing your energy is to use bold and bright colors in the rooms you use most before going out for the day. When you are wanting to relax in rooms like your living room and bedroom use warmer colors like greens and browns.

However, there is no need to be cautious when applying these particular feng shui tips.