Master David Goh's Home-Office FengShui Tips

With many of us still working from home, it’s crucial to know how to create a home-office that enhances our energy and mood, inspires creativity, maximises productivity, keeps us feeling calm, and makes it conducive for us to get work done. Fengshui can help you create a more balanced and harmonious workspace.

Sharing his fengshui tips with us is Master David Goh from Imperial Harvest (www.imperialharvest.com). Master David is considered a leading authority in Imperial fengshui – an exclusive lineage of fengshui practised by the Chinese royal family. He is himself a third-generation Imperial fengshui master. 

Choose the right location
According to fengshui, the best location for a homeoffice may be determined using your personal Kua number. This number is calculated based on your year, month, date and time of birth and the San Yuan Xuan Kong flying star chart of the house.

Invest in the “best” desk
Master David says to avoid buying a desk that has sharp or angular corners, as these are thought to be “poison arrows” that create negative energy. A desk with rounded corners is generally considered to be more auspicious and harmonious.

“Second, choose a size that’s appropriate for your needs and suits your space. A desk that’s too small may feel cramped and cluttered, while a desk that’s too large may feel overwhelming.

“Additionally, consider the materials and colour of the desk. Different materials and colours can have different effects on your energy. For example, a wooden desk is thought to be grounding and ‘nourishing’, while a metal desk is thought to be more energising.”

You should also consider other factors, such as the style and aesthetic value of the desk, and whether or not it meets your functional needs.

Position your desk in the “command position”
This is considered the most powerful position in a room, says Master David. To achieve this position, sit with your back against a solid wall and face the door. This lets you see who’s coming and going and allows you to feel more in control of your environment.d 

Add other furniture for luck and success
Besides a desk, think about other items that can help enhance your home-office.

A chair that is adjustable and offers good lumbar support helps you feel comfortable. You can also purchase an appropriately sized bookshelf, filing cabinet and/or storage unit to help you organise your paperwork and keep clutter at bay.

“A small table or sideboard may be useful for setting down a drink or snack, or for keeping office supplies and other small items organised,” Master David adds.

“Choose a piece that is the right size for your needs and fits well in the space.”

Use good lighting
Natural light is thought to be “nourishing and energising” and can help create a positive and uplifting atmosphere, says Master David.

“Try to position your desk near a window, if possible.  If you don’t have access to natural light, use a combination of task lighting, such as a desk lamp, and ambient lighting, such as a floor lamp, to create a balanced and harmonious space.”

If these have adjustable intensity settings, you can adjust the brightness to your needs. Light-coloured window treatments, skylights and/or solar tubes can also help bring in as much natural light as possible. Master David suggests keeping the windows clean and free of obstructions.

Incorporate plants and other “natural” elements
Adding plants to your home-office helps to purify the air and bring nature into your workspace. Avoid cacti or succulents, as these are believed to have “sharp, yang energy” that can be disruptive. Instead, Master David recommends choosing “softer, rounder plants with smooth leaves” that are easy to care for and can thrive in your home-office.

Add extra style with artwork

Artwork can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation.

“Surrounding yourself with artwork that you find inspiring or meaningful can help to spark creativity and drive as well as create a positive and energising atmosphere,” Master David says.

“The choice of artwork depends on your own preferences and the energy you hope to cultivate in your home-office.”

Use calming colours
Choose calming, neutral colours to create a sense of tranquillity. Soft shades of blue, green and beige are all good choices. Avoid bright, bold colours, as these can be too stimulating, Master David points out.

Different colours can have different effects on your energy and mood. “For example, red is thought to be energising and stimulating, while blue is thought to be calming and soothing,” says Master David. “Choose colours that align with your Bazi chart, goals and the type of work that you do.”

Reduce clutter
“Clutter and disorganisation can be distracting and drain your energy. Keep your desk and workspace clean and organised to help keep your mind clear and focused while you work,” Master David explains.

Create a “wealth corner”
In the San Yuan Xuan Kong Feng Shui system, the wealth corner of a home is determined based on the Flying Star Chart of the house, says Master David. The Flying Star Chart of the house is determined based on the facing direction and period of the house.

Upon identifying the wealth corner in your homeoffice, follow the following steps to harness positive benefits:

• Keep the area clean and clutter-free. A cluttered space can block the flow of positive energy and wealth luck.
• Place a wealth-attracting symbol, such as a treasure trove or a wealth vase in the wealth corner.
• Avoid placing sharp or pointed objects, such as scissors or knives, in the southeast sector as they can disrupt the flow of wealth luck. 

Master David’s Tips For 2023

To succeed in the economic climate of 2023, avoid making impulsive and greedy decisions. Instead, practise moderation and flexibility, and combine your knowledge with actions to excel in your career or business. In 2023, maintaining focus while avoiding pride and impulsivity will be key to achieving success.