A subject of conversational interest, a continuing trend in the design industry, a phrase that many struggle to pronounce correctly, feng shui is a popular topic.

Practioners of feng shui, the ancient art of Chinese placement, believe their art can bring harmony, balance, tranquility, prosperity and energy to a space, influencing family relationships, career, wealth and spirituality.

Valued through the ages, feng shui continues to attract converts, and volumes of information on the subject are in circulation. The curious student can peel away the layers of the design formula, which blends aesthetics with tradition and a bit of superstition.

Whether it is used to choose a new home, set up a new home or to assess one's current living space, feng shui is centered on the concept of chi, more commonly known to be energy or life force.

Local Feng shui consultant Kim Klein said her work "differs from interior design in that everything is placed with a purpose beyond just looking nice."

"Chi is regarded as a living entity," said Klein, who studied a somewhat "westernized" style known as the Black Tantric Buddhist School. She teaches feng shui classes through Napa Valley Adult Education.

Consultants like Klein use baguas (maps) to determine the best way to bring good fortune to a client's home through color, sound, texture and scent as well as placement. Elements of dark and light, soft and hard, warm and cool are brought into balance with the practice of feng shui, Klein said.

"The main point in feng shui is to address a house full of clutter; an excess of 'stuff' can really affect your life," Klein said. Clearing out closets, drawers, storage areas and rooms of surplus is the best start. She recommends including items that have "negative emotional connotations" in this purge.

"Start with an area that is affecting you in everyday life and remove nine things a day (minimum) for 27 days," Klein said. This can be as simple as clearing newspapers to recycle or as complex as pursuing order in a home office or a garage space.

Consultants in feng shui often explore why it is so difficult to let go of things, Klein said, noting "the way you were raised and the fear of not having more" are two oft-cited reasons.

She said a healthy flow of energy in a home begins with removing excessive accumulation. Once it's cleared away, a good new resolution is get rid of one item for each new one you bring home.

With clutter under control, the next step is to tackle repairs. According to feng shui, systems in a home parallel one's physical, emotional and spiritual life, so it's important that plumbing, electrical and all other features are functioning properly.

The three primary areas of the home to check are the front door, the stove and the beds, Klein said. Look to see that each are in good condition.

Make sure the front door isn't squeaking, chipped or impaired by hardware. Since the front door is the focal point for inviting chi, invite positive energy with these tips: a well-it front porch, displayed address easily seen from the street, a path or walkway to the front door lined with either flowering plants or lighting. Trim back shrubs, bushes and keep the porch or entry area clutter free. Hang a flag, wind chime, or windsock near or at the front door. A cheerful welcome mat is a simple remedy, and painting your front door a color that you love can also bring good fortune, according to Klein.

The stove is a symbol of wealth and abundance. It should be clean, with the burners, controls and lights working well. With the stove in good working order, the question remains about whether its position is optimal. Cook islands that face a living area are great, according to feng shui, but most homeowners have the stove against a wall. Consultants offer a couple of practical solutions to enhance this area of abundance: Install a mirror or a mirror-like surface to face while at the stove, or place a shiny tea kettle on the back burner to reflect the other burners. Not only does a reflective surface allow you to notice someone approaching from behind, but multiplying the number of burners with reflection invites wealth and abundance. Mirrors, Klein said, are a solution to establishing good chi in many challenging locations in a home.

In the bedroom, the bed should be in good repair, with proper support and linens in good shape. For a master bedroom, Klein said feng shui recommends introducing pairs of objects -- candles, lamps and nightstands of equal size -- to enhance relationships. "Remove artwork that represents loneliness or isolation," Klein added. Distractions such as exercise equipment, work-related items and dirty laundry should be eliminated from this room.

Spring is an ideal time to consider the suggestions of feng shui philosophy, Klein said. Purging files for tax season, clearing closets for summer wear, grooming the yard and opening windows to invite in a fragrant warm breeze all encourage new beginnings and fresh energy. As you develop your spring "to do" list, Klein has one last piece of advice: "(In feng shui) the rule of thumb is to leave up to 25 percent free space to leave room for opportunity."

This year as you tackle clearing the clutter challenges and create room, you might find yourself feeling invigorated with a sense of simplicity, tranquility or harmony. Undoubtedly with that there will be plenty of room for happiness and prosperity to be welcomed through your door.