Whether renovating a current home, moving into a new one, or downsizing to an apartment or condo, decorating the Feng Shui way is a system for arranging personal spaces in harmony and balance with the natural world.
For thousands of years, the Chinese recognized the relationship between an environment and its inhabitants. The principal goal of Feng Shui is to introduce positive energies into the living environment.
To nourish and fill the home, Chi or universal energy, needs to flow smoothly throughout the space. Feng Shui incorporates various methods – some complicated and some simple – to create harmony and encourage energy in the home.
Where to Start?
Begin decorating with some of the easy basic features like decluttering. This is essential for creating harmony as clutter forms a barrier, which accumulates bad energy and prevents the invitation of good energy into the home.
Secondly, allow natural light into the home. Positive energy flows with aid from the air and natural light. Open the windows often and use air-purifying plants like spider plants, ferns and English Ivy.
Five Elements
After completing these basic steps, decorate using the Five Elements before moving on to complicated levels of Feng Shui, such as the annual movement of Feng Shui stars or Bagua energy maps.
A sense of equilibrium or harmony among the Five Elements in the home’s design is significant. Wood, metal, fire, water and earth create balance and vibrant energy in all home areas. Each element is distinguished by a characteristic shape, vibrant colours and a set of attributes.
Incorporating these five elements is an excellent way to create a harmonious home. It is best to express Feng Shui elements with visually pleasing and aesthetically appropriate items that complement existing home decor.
Wood
Wood is the earthiest of all the elements as it brings the energy of unlimited growth and abundance. The colours associated with wood are shades of brown and green. The shape used in the wood element is both horizontal and vertical rectangles, as its energy flows upward as does a tree. Decorate with objects such as a wood tray, a statue or wood picture frame surrounding a painting of a forest or garden.
Wood is also associated with the beginning of new life. Living plants such as the jade plant or an assortment of aromatic herbs in the kitchen are perfect examples of wood Chi.
Fire
Decorating with the bright, bold Fire element brings passion and success into one’s life. Red and orange colours dominate the fire element, but other colours such as purple, vivid yellow, magenta, and pink can be used. Décor items with stars and triangular shapes belong to this element. Choosing a star shaped light fixture or actual fire décor items such as a fireplace or red candles are excellent pieces for this element.
Earth
The essential Earth element strengthens the home. The colour scheme is dark brown or sand. Square shapes signify the Earth element as the shape expresses the Earth energy of nourishment, stability and grounding. In Feng Shui, the square shape brings a balanced, stable energy. A square woven basket, pottery and images of landscapes convey this element.
Metal
The Metal element brings clarity, freshness and ease into the space. The strong cooling energy of the metal element is expressed in the colours white and gray. White symbolizes new beginnings, purity, innocence and cleansing. A variety of metallic finishes such as gold, silver and bronze in circle shapes distinguishes this element.
Décor items made from metal, such as the frames of mirrors, metal vases and sculptures, can bring this element into the home. In a room with large circular windows or a huge round rug, energy feels refreshed and active. The round shape, the best shape for a table, activates and maintains energy. It is the shape that allows for a free, fresh and equal flow of energy among the family.
Water
Decorating with the Water element brings flow, freshness and freedom to the home interior. Water is fluid and flows gracefully. Any décor item with wavy, flowing or curved patterns or shapes is an expression of the water element. Like a meandering stream, create pathways in the arrangement of furniture to incorporate this element. Use the serene colour of blue, which brings calmness and contentment. Add a small water fountain or aquarium to enhance the water element.
Feng Shui not only creates a home that feels happy, balanced and harmonious but is a valuable foundation for life. Experiencing an immediate positive or happy response to an item enhances its quality of energy. In decorating, remember that creating a home with good energy will bring happiness and contentment. Once the balance of the Feng Shui’s five elements is achieved, a harmonious home is truly yours to enjoy.
Environmental psychologist and author of Designology, Dr. Sally Augustin states, “Your home is not only an echo of who you are now, but a tool you can use to reach your goals and become who you want to be in the future.”
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