In the same way that stairs give us access to different levels of the home, they provide a channel for Chi to move freely within your space. In traditional Feng Shui, the auspicious number of stairs were always considered to be odd numbers. Stairs are best if they are solid as openings at the back of each step allows the Chi to escape and does not easily rise upwards. Ultimately it confuses the Chi. In the same way, spiral staircases are regarded as a Feng Shui "no no" as they dissipate and confuse the Chi as it tries to rise or fall in the stair well.

Curving stairways are regarded as the most auspicious but a landing half way up can also serve the purpose of sedating the Chi as it rises or falls. The worst scenario of all is where the staircase leads directly to the front door. This is common in many modern and Victorian homes and leads to the loss of opportunity and the occupants of the home always being in a rush, coming and going and seldom settled. In many ways modern lifestyle reflects this anyway. We are always on the move, our work is generally away from home and our lifestyles are far from sedentary. One solution to help slow down this rush of Chi towards the door from the staircase would be to hang a wind chime on the ceiling above the lowest upright support for the banister at the base of the stairs. A heavy statue or figurine at floor level at the base of the stairs could also act to bring stability to the situation.

As Chi, rather like dust, likes to stagnate in nooks and crannies, keep the stairway freshly brushed and well lit.

Architecturally and aesthetically split level homes can seem initially pleasing. Rather like a Japanese garden, there are new vistas to be had around every corner. The different levels - like a drop down into the kitchen or a slight rise to the dining room, give the home a sense of proportion. However, from a Feng Shui point of view, they are not regarded as ideal. Chi, rather like water, likes to find its own level. Living on so many levels is likely to cause separation and isolation amongst the inhabitants. This could translate to be that the family "does their own thing" rather than gathering at meal times for example, there may be a tendency for individual members of the family to eat separately, or be watch television or be sitting in their room.