The countdown to Lunar New Year is on, and in 2026 the global celebration welcomes the vibrant Year of the Horse, a zodiac sign associated with momentum, confidence and bold forward movement.

On February 17, The Year of the Horse officially begins, and not only does it mark a time of celebrations, family cultural traditions and hopes of good fortune, it also signals the ideal time to utilise the optimistic Feng Shui energy that the new year brings

Lunar New Year marks the start of a new zodiac cycle based on the Chinese lunar calendar, and for 2026 the Horse symbolises momentum, strength, and forward motion.

It has been described as a year to move with purpose, goals, confident decisions, and bold energy.

And according to the Feng Shui experts when it comes to your home, it is all about balance.

Like many people the start of a New Year marks a time when people carry out a spring clean, and when it comes to the Year of The Horse, experts recommend getting rid of unwanted possessions, limiting bright colours for good Feng Shui and balancing earth and water elements.

Here are some clever ways to make the most of the Year of The Horse in your home:

Keep the south of your home quiet and calm

The Year of the Horse associates the south of the house with fame and reputation and signifies new beginnings.

In order to avoid negative self-talk and gossip, experts suggest keeping this section of the home quiet and add metal items.

This could be creating a fire pit to ensure energy burns bright, or simply decorating with mixed metals, while incorporating grey, white, and light earthy colours.

Bring in Earth elements

Using soft furnishings such as cushions, blankets and rugs will balance the strong fire energy and create a sanctuary vibe.

Reflective surfaces and high gloss finishes will enhance the water energy to a home too.

Declutter and shed unwanted possessions

 A horse cannot gallop through mess and clutter. Use the Year of the Horse to simplify and rid your property of unnecessary items and declutter.

Clean the overcrowded garage, get rid of old clothes and toys to make the most of the New Year.

Create an area that enhances momentum

Take stock of your residence’s traffic flow. Analyse the entry way, busy areas and walkways.

Pushing past furniture and clutter can mirror everyday life, according to the experts, so get rid of the clutter that no longer serves you for a fresh start.

The west of a home signifies new beginnings, and if it is brimming with old memories, you may find yourself stuck in the past, experts believe.

Take stock of candles, batteries and torches

According to a Feng Shui consultant this year could see power supply challenges, representing the imbalance between light and dark.

So, it might be an idea to check your battery supplies, candles and phone chargers and torches are in good working condition.

Avoid red, orange, and pinks

The Year of the Horse is a fire year, so don’t activate the fire energy in your home by decorating with red, orange, or pink.

These colours can be overpowering and lead to anger, irritation, and burnout, experts believe.

Clear and reset your home office

The Year of the Horse rewards clarity, strategy, and decisive action and a cluttered desk or work area creates a metal static, experts explain.

Clean up cluttered paperwork and broken equipment for a clean slate.

The power of gold

A favoured tradition to mark the start of Lunar New Year is rolling nine oranges into your home as you walk in the front door.

It is said to symbolise you are ready for your abundance.

From all the team at Raine & Horne, we wish you a Lunar New Year filled with prosperity, good fortune, and success.