The Chinese New Year is approaching, presenting an opportunity to reorganise – or even redesign – your home and, by extension, your life. According to feng shui expert Kelly McCloskey (aka The Feng Shui Girl), this season isn’t just about tidying up – it’s about intentionally shifting the energy, or Qi, in your space to foster new opportunities and balance.
McCloskey’s recommendations combine practicality with a deeper understanding of how the home environment reflects and influences personal wellbeing. Here are her insights to reset your home for the year ahead.
Re-evaluate your surroundings
What you choose to surround yourself with matters. Look critically at your home – does it reflect the life you want to cultivate? McCloskey highlights the power of visual cues, suggesting the introduction of meaningful artworks or items that align with your aspirations. Art, particularly, carries importance because time and effort went into its creation. Plus, the simple act of looking at it every day means it can be a continual reminder – both good and bad.
Ripple House by Marker Architecture, photo by Simon Whitbread.
Lots of flow
Fresh air and light are essential for fostering good Qi. Open all windows and doors to create movement and let energy flow freely through the space. McCloskey stresses the importance of maintaining clean and functional windows, describing them as “the eyes of the house.” Dirt or disrepair can symbolise areas of life where clarity is lacking.
Jacaranda House by SP Studio has a strong indoor-outdoor connection, photo by Christopher Frederick Jones.
Reclaim outdoor spaces
Your garden, balcony or entrance isn’t just an afterthought – it’s a critical boundary between your home and the outside world. Clear weeds, trim back overgrown vegetation and ensure pathways are unobstructed. Healthy plants and well-maintained outdoor spaces invite growth and prosperity while promoting a sense of welcome.
Vipha House by Anonym Studio connects beautifully to the garden.
Reinforce boundaries
Inspect fences and property lines. Broken or neglected boundaries in your home may reflect a lack of personal boundaries in other areas of life. Repairing these physical structures is a practical and symbolic act of reclaiming stability and control.
Reinstating fencing and boundaries around your property is a tip to reinforce security for the year ahead, Little More House by MEGA.
Declutter with purpose
There’s nothing more invigorating than decluttering to start on the front foot. A focused wardrobe clean-out isn’t merely about organisation – it’s about clearing space for a new year, new opportunities and new energy. Donate items that no longer serve you, turning excess into an act of generosity. Extend this approach throughout your home by removing objects tied to negative memories or outdated chapters of your life. McCloskey advises: “Keep only items that carry positive memories or represent what you want to bring into your future.”
Elwood Residence by Adele Bates.
Reset through renewal
If the past year has felt particularly burdensome, repainting your home can offer a reset. A fresh coat of paint doesn’t just improve aesthetics – it transforms the atmosphere, providing a tangible way to mark a fresh start.
A living space refresh
Central spaces like living and dining rooms set the tone for daily life. A clean, uncluttered coffee table can represent clarity and opportunity. Add intentional elements like a sculpture, plant, fresh flowers or a single scented candle to create warmth.
Statement pieces like flowers and artworks are an important addition, but keep it clutter-free, Tamarama House by Flack Studio, photo by Anson Smart.
The heart of the home – the kitchen
In feng shui, the kitchen symbolises nourishment and wealth. Ensure the stove is clean and all burners are functional, as neglect here can signify missed opportunities. Repair leaks and ensure doors align properly – every detail contributes to the home’s overall harmony.
Kitchens are central spaces for energy and renewal, Bent Street by Kim Kneipp, photo by Lisa Cohen.
Create a welcoming entrance
Whether it’s a front garden or an apartment balcony, your entrance is the gateway for new energy. Decorate with plants and install good lighting to set a welcoming tone for the year ahead.
A welcoming front entrance is one of the best and quickest ways to set the right tone from the get-go, Woollahra Residence by AK.ID, photo by Prue Ruscoe.
By applying these principles, you create a space that supports renewal and growth. Feng shui isn’t about surface-level aesthetics, it’s a deliberate method of aligning your environment with your goals. As McCloskey puts it, “your home is an extension of your inner world. By changing the space, you change your trajectory.”