Your home, your method

FENG SHUI is an approach to design based on ancient Chinese theories of placing materials to attract luck, health and wealth.

The words “feng” and “shui” mean “wind” and “water” and these elements, along with wood, earth and metal, affect energy. Balancing them is the goal and that’s up to interpretation.

The traditional approach involves formulas, compasses and charts.

The land, building and rooms are evaluated based on how they may attract or repel energy and other factors, and inhabitants are categorized by the day, time and year of birth.

This information is used to find remedies -- physical and psychological -- to bad energy.

A nontraditionalist uses instinct for what looks and feels good. There is no board or association that regulates feng shui consultants.

Natural light and materials are preferred, but some people feel better with charms.

“When I teach, people ask about mirrors and crystals, but in traditional feng shui, things aren’t determined that way,” says Simona Mainini of Beverly Hills, who lectures at the American Feng Shui Institute, American Institute of Architects and UCLA Extension.

Gene Cooper, a USC anthropology professor specializing in East Asian cultures, takes a more relaxed stance: If homeowners feel more protected and confident in a house that keeps the bad influences out, “then, hey, it works for them.”

-- Janet Eastman