What are the basics of feng shui?

The Basics of Feng Shui is really  "Xing Shi", meaning "Form" and "Force". The idea is, that there is a "force" within each physical form be it climate, stars, a land form or a house. This force or "Qi" has an effect on people resonating with it. Resonating means coming close enough to the object to interact with it, or to produce "qing" or feeling towards that form. The idea of "Closeness" is quite relative, since you have to come pretty close to a colored wall to interact with it (you probably should at least be in the same room) but you do not need proximity to interact with a star within heaven (think of astrology, here). Feng Shui is as much an art as a science and wants to give you a reference frame to describe this interaction with your sorrounding. The aim of its application of course is to optimize your environment to your needs in the most effective way.