When shifting into a new home, whether you believe in Feng Shui or not, one tends to look at the possible Feng Shui corners, especially the Wealth Corner.
As an X-men, I am a believer in Feng Shui, but not the kind that will go all the way to decorating according to Feng Shui advice. I still want my own style. In our Punggol home, we embrace a modern, contemporary interior style. Swedish-inspired, artistic, and some Mediterranean elements, along with a sense of balance, drive most of our interior design decisions.
As a Chinese family, we’re of course familiar with traditional feng shui, but our home doesn’t follow classic Chinese decor. We like it modern, minimal, and sometimes, artsy. That’s why when I decided to create a “wealth corner” in our living room, I knew I had to tread carefully. My wife, the in-house design police, would have vetoed anything too gaudy, red, or obviously out of sync.
Hence, I took an “eclecticism” approach in designing this corner so as not to affect our interior style. The result? A fresh, personal reinterpretation of the traditional Feng Shui wealth corner. It integrates seamlessly with our modern aesthetic.
This post shares why I built it, how I designed it, and how it’s become more than just a decor statement—it’s now a space for healing, reflection, and switching off from the daily grind.
What Is a Feng Shui Wealth Corner or Fortune Corner?
Feng Shui, which means “wind” and “water,” is an ancient Chinese philosophy that focuses on harmonizing individuals with their environment. Harmony is the key word in the Fengshui concept. It is about optimizing the flow of energy or “qi” in a space, which can influence well-being, prosperity, and peace of mind.
Contrary to popular belief, Feng Shui isn’t purely mystical or superstitious. In fact, many of its principles align with environmental psychology and common-sense spatial planning—like maximizing light, creating uncluttered paths, and using nature-inspired elements for emotional calm. The concept is quite commonsense for healthy living as well. For instance, nobody will feel healthy or bright when living in an uncluttered space.
The interesting part about Feng Shui is that it is also being offered as a course in some Singapore institutions. Check it out here.
The wealth corner, also known as the wealth corner, refers to the far left corner of a room or home when standing at the entrance. In Feng Shui practice, this corner corresponds to the “Xun” area of the Bagua map—a grid used to analyze spatial energy. Traditionally, people believe this area can attract prosperity, abundance, and good fortune when activated with proper symbols.
Typical elements placed in a fortune corner include:
- Water fountains: Representing wealth flowing into your life
- Crystal trees: Believed to amplify energy and intention
- Gold bowls or coins: Symbols of material abundance
- Red accents or lucky figurines: Meant to energize the space
Some of this might sound superstitious, but for many, the fortune corner serves as a visual and mental reminder to focus on abundance, gratitude, and balance. Whether you believe in energy flow or not, dedicating a space to calm and intentionality can meaningfully influence your mood and mindset.
Disclaimer: I am not a Feng Shui master! If you need one, please consult one!
My Wealth Corner, Reimagined
My challenge? Creating a feng shui-inspired corner that doesn’t look like a Chinese gift shop exploded in our living room.
So, I set out to build what I call my modern wealth corner—a space that plays with Feng Shui concepts but through the lens of contemporary interior styling and must feel blended in.
Here’s what my setup includes:
- A white cabinet from Taobao that fits the clean lines of our living room
- Crystal trees placed on top, carefully selected for color and shape harmony
- A compact water fountain, also from Taobao, that emits a soft trickling sound, soothing and meditative
- LED lighting for a warm, ambient glow
- A few hand-picked wealth ornaments, like symbolic coins, gold bars, and gold-toned accents, arranged without clutter
Importantly, the corner beside my TV console must feel blended in. When I show it to my peers, they ask where they can buy the same setup. It can’t be bought. It needs to be curated from different shops and set up.
One of my essential criteria is to have a fountain. Beyond feng shui meaning, it’s scientifically calming. Studies show the sound of water can reduce stress, enhance focus, and help regulate your nervous system. I love the sound of water at night; it just feels so therapeutic!
So, even if you don’t buy into energy metaphysics, you’re still winning!
My DIY Journey: Built with Intention (Not from IKEA)
Let’s talk about the fun part: putting it all together. None of this came from a cookie-cutter furniture store. Every item was sourced, selected, or repurposed intentionally. I sourced most of my wealth corner setup from Taobao. And my shipment took like a month to arrive.
- Cabinet: I curated and found this bedside table fit for the purpose. Purchased from Taobao for its sleek design, it has been repurposed with interior LED lighting.
- Water Fountain: Taobao again! Over the years, I bought a lot of fountains, and they all look like conventional, traditional designs. This time, I decided to try a modern “museum” like fountain style. Easy to set up and maintain
- Crystal Trees and Ornaments: As my cabinet has two shelves, I decided to decorate the upper shelf with Crystal trees. I also bought a cluster of bronze horse, bowls, and carts. They were probably the most expensive items in the setup.
- Wooden Cabinet Legs: Bought from a local supplier for a natural accent and height
- LED Strip Lights: Sourced locally and added for depth and atmosphere
- Riser: I decided to build my riser by sourcing the plank from New Zealand wood, which follows my other furniture texture.
Altogether, these pieces transformed an unused diagonal corner into a serene, purpose-driven zone. And while fengshui may be the original inspiration, the corner now serves as a healing point for me at night.
Why You Should Try Creating Your Wealth Corner
So why should you consider setting up a wealth corner—fengshui or not? While having a Wealth corner is the driver behind this mini home project, it is actually an excuse to do some DIY at home. It allows me to switch off from my usual busy workloads. It’s fun and healing!
- Mental Break Zone: It gives you a calming, dedicated space to pause.
- Aesthetic Expression: Styling your version can be fun and creative.
- Daily Intention-Setting: Whether you light a candle, listen to water, or glance at a symbol of abundance, you’re subtly resetting your mindset.
- Not Just Decor: The corner becomes a functional well-being asset, a mix of interior design and personal ritual.
You don’t have to follow strict feng shui rules. Make it your own. Focus on how the space feels, how the elements interact, and what energy you want to invite into your life.
Feng Shui Without the Fuss
The wealth corner I built might have roots in tradition, but it’s grown into something uniquely mine. It doesn’t scream superstition. To me, it was the time when I found some space to build something at home. This is real healing, and it allows me to train on my own creativity.
Whether you’re into feng shui or love a good home project, creating a space like this can reconnect you to your surroundings and yourself. It doesn’t have to be big, expensive, or culturally loaded. It just needs to be personal.
Of course, if you are not living alone, then your little project needs the respect of your other half’s eyeballs. 😊
So go ahead. Time to switch off and build your version!
