As the year begins, there are two things I prioritize before January winds down. Firstly, make a vision board, and secondly, reshape my living spaces to be in harmony with the energetic theme of the year.
And the Feng Shui rules for 2026 revolve around its mascot — the horse. More specifically, the fire horse. Following the year of the wood snake, this era takes on a more dynamic mood. And if you believe in this East Asian interior philosophy, there are some key principles to consider.
From avoiding temperamental energy in certain directions to decluttering for free-flowing auspiciousness, here's what the Feng Shui practitioners recommend.
What Does the Year of the Horse Signify?
Before we get into the many ways you can improve the energy in your home, it's important to understand the year of the horse. After all, everything energy-based is all about acting with intention.
"The year of the horse in Chinese astrology is all about freedom, passion, movement, and bold action. Horses are yang fire animals — radiating dynamic energy, independence, and charisma," says Helen Ye Plehn, Feng Shui expert of Helen Creates Beauty.
"This year encourages us to break free from limitations, pursue ambitious goals, and express our authentic selves without holding back. It’s a time to trust your instincts, embrace adventure, and allow your inner wild spirit to guide you."
From a soul perspective, Helen tells me the horse symbolizes soul-aligned momentum — the ability to move forward with clarity and confidence, especially after periods of stagnation. "If your soul aura color features fire tones (like tangerine, crimson, ruby, or magenta), you may feel especially activated this year," she explains.
And if you're unsure of the palette at play, now's a good time to get a Feng Shui color reading to truly help your home step into its best year yet.
1. Avoid Facing Key Living Spaces South
Feng Shui consultant Zoë Vita James tells me that one of the key considerations for 2026 is the annual Tai Sui, an influential energy that blows from the south this year. In classical Feng Shui, she explains that the Tai Sui is likened to a strong prevailing wind, and it’s advisable not to face due south for prolonged periods
"Whether working at a desk, reading on the sofa, or watching television, facing south is best avoided to help minimise friction and unnecessary confrontation. And the same principle applies to your bedroom Feng Shui, too," she advises.
"The top of your head, whilst lying down, should not point due south throughout the year. If moving the bed isn’t practical, even a slight adjustment to the angle you lie in your bed can be enough to sleep better with the year’s energy."
2. Declutter Hallways and Entryways
"Simply put, the horse needs space to run," says Helen. "So, it's important to remove blockages, especially near doors and transitional spaces, to invite energetic flow and opportunity."
Learning how to declutter your entryway will come in handy regardless of the Feng Shui theme of the year, and it makes a good impression on anyone who is invited into your home.
Where your inner hallways are concerned, I recommend using the floor decluttering method to ensure that all paths allow for energy to flow freely. Beyond that, you can also follow things people with uncluttered entryways do.
Color: Light Wood
One of my favorite ways to organize an entryway is to pop a charming storage bench in the space, like this one from DUSK.
3. Harness the Energy of the East and Southeast
"The east and southeast hold some of the most supportive energies of the year. These are ideal locations for a home office or for spending time on creative or inventive pursuits," says Zoë.
"Enhancing these areas with healthy, round-leaved Feng Shui plants is especially beneficial; three plants in each space is considered an auspicious number." This Prayer Plant from Beards & Daisies and this Chinese Money Plant from Patch Plants are brilliant options.
Helen also explains that both the east and southeast are associated with wood elements. "And water nurtures wood," she adds. "Therefore, I recommend including water features in this area. Additionally, when it comes to Feng Shui and crystals, citrine works best when placed in these directions."
Size: 18.5 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm
Since shades of yellow are the colors to decorate with, this planter from Oliver Bonas will complement your plants beautifully.
4. Practice Minimalism in the South Zones
"On the other hand, the south sector of the home also hosts the precarious Wu Huang (Five Yellow) star in 2026, traditionally associated with sudden misfortune when overstimulated," Zoë explains.
"For this reason, it’s best to keep the south area of your space calm and quiet. Limit bright lighting, avoid lit candles, and relocate speakers or active devices elsewhere. If your bedroom or workspace falls in the south, consider temporarily shifting to another area of the home if possible."
And if minimalist interior design is a tough change to make, she recommends balancing this energy with the metal element. "Think chrome decor finishes, circular or spherical shapes, and items made of silver, gray, or brass," she says. "More specifically, a large sculptural metal bowl or a round metal coffee table works beautifully here in the south."
Color: Brass
If you don't have the space for a large and low coffee table, this stylish accent table from Pottery Barn will do the trick.
5. Create a Micro-Sanctuary in the Center
"It's worth noting that the tai chi geometric center and heart of the home carry helpful energy for connection and communication in 2026. Creating a comfortable, welcoming spot here can support discussion, meaningful conversations, and a sense of ease and flow," says Zoë.
"Even a simple chair or floor cushion placed in this zone can make a difference. And this direction is especially important if you're looking to stimulate future opportunities for wealth."
My advice is to build around it so it doesn't appear to be a random and thoughtless design decision. Pop a side table by the chair, introduce Feng Shui living room plants, and keep it tech-free to create a digital detox zone.
Color: Orange Umber
Make your micro-sanctuary functional with this Jackson Velvet Foldable Single Sofa Bed from Dunelm.
6. Balance Rapid Fire With Earth Elements
During the year of the horse, Helen tells me that the fire energy is rapid. "To ground its energy, having the earth element in your home is ideal," she notes.
"Earth elements include warm yellows, orange, and golds like ochre, gold, amber, saffron, and dijo, crystals, or earthenware in the South corner of your home. This is the only fire element area of your home, representing reputation and fame."
Introducing these lucky colors for 2026 into your decor will promote positive, successful energy. And it'll brighten up your space, too. If you're worried about going in with this color, our guide to decorating with yellow will help you inject it with confidence and in style.
Color: Straw
This Chunky Embroidery Floral Cushion Cover brings color and subtle texture into the space without overwhelm.
Color: Cerise
I'm obsessed with the orange-pink palette on this Wool-Blend Blanket from H&M.
Color: Yellow
This Rico Table Lamp from Anthropologie will lend your home a soft glow even when it's turned off.
FAQs
What Is the Lucky Color for the Year of the Horse?
Zoë tells me that the horse is traditionally associated with red, the color of fire, influence, and vitality. "In a fire horse year, this energy is particularly strong. So, if fire is a supportive element for you — perhaps you naturally feel most energized in summer, around midday, or know from your Ba Zi chart that fire benefits you — then red can be a powerful ally," she notes.
"Wearing it confidently, whether as clothing, lipstick, or a statement manicure, allows you to move in harmony with the year’s energy. If, however, you’re sensitive to intense heat and can be easily overstimulated, grounding earth tones may serve you better. Cream, beige, soft yellow, and sandy hues help to absorb and stabilise excess fire, bringing calm, steadiness, and a quieter strength to your life."
For more lucky colors for 2026, a Feng Shui expert explains the hues that will help usher in good fortune when used in your home.
What Is the Lucky Stone for the Year of the Horse?
"The horse’s lucky stone is carnelian and citrine, both igniting confidence, motivation, abundance, and creative flow. It energizes the sacral chakra, empowering joyful self-expression and bold decision-making," says Helen.
"Other powerful stones for this year include garnet for grounding your passion into tangible results, yellow jade for abundance, personal power, and solar plexus activation, and sunstone for leadership, radiance, and manifesting joyfully."
If you're keen to bring the motif home in an elevated way, check out our Design Lab stylist Iokasti's Year of the Horse decor edit for an intentional, curated take on how to style it in your home.
