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What is Feng Shui?

The discipline of feng shui has intrigued me since I met a gentleman who was very passionate about this matter. He explained that to achieve greater harmony in the bedroom, he had placed the bed in a specific position about the door, installed a copper plate under the floor, and used coded colors for a “perfect harmony environment”.

What does it mean to have a harmonious environment? What are the elements, furnishings and colors that make it so? And above all, what is Feng Shui?

@Getty Image

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice, auxiliary to architecture, which recalls Western geomancy - a divination method inspired by natural or artificial signs in the ground.

Practiced for more than 3000 years, Feng Shui was introduced during the Han dynasty through the K'yan-yu text, considered “the father” of Feng Shui. Over the centuries, this practice was handed down during the advent of Taoism with the T'ang dynasty until it became an actual science.

Composed of two Chinese words, “Feng” and “Shui”, meaning “Wind” and “Water”, this discipline, art, philosophy, and science, aims to study the interactions between man and the environment to develop greater individual well-being.

Thierry Chow, a Feng Shui expert, explains: Before decorating your home with the color, you must be aware of your space and choose to "raise it to a higher vibration consciously and creatively. A home reflects who you are, and your home or office constantly speaks to you.”

Feng Shui is based on several essential principles, such as:

1. Qi (Chi): The energy that flows through everything. The goal of Feng Shui is to ensure a smooth and balanced flow of Qi in any environment.
2. Yin and Yang: The dual forces representing opposites in the natural world (e.g., light and dark, active and passive). A balanced space should harmonize these conflicting energies.
3. The five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water): Each component has its attributes and influences and should be balanced to create a harmonious environment.
4. The Bagua map: a tool used to analyze the energy of a space. It divides space into nine areas, each corresponding to different aspects of life, such as wealth, health, and relationships.

Five elements https://studycli.org/chinese-culture/what-is-feng-shui/

Bagua Map https://www.magicbricks.com/blog/feng-shui-bagua-map/130106.html

Applying the principles of Feng Shui includes a wide range of design techniques to improve the flow of positive energy, namely:

• Clutter-free spaces: Clutter is believed to block the flow of Qi. Keeping spaces clean and organized is essential.
• Correct placement of furniture: The placement should allow free movement and good energy flow. For example, beds and desks should be positioned facing the door without being directly in line, creating a commanding position.
• Natural elements: Incorporating elements such as plants, water features, and natural light can improve the flow of Qi and bring balance to a space.
• Color and Material Choices: Different colors and materials correspond to the five elements and can be used to create the desired energy in a room.

To have a perfect Feng Shui style environment, you need to take certain precautions when choosing colors, for example:

• colors representing wood (green), fire (red, orange), earth (yellow, beige), metal (white, grey), and water (blue, black) throughout the home to maintain overall balance.
• use the Bagua map to determine which areas of your home correspond to different aspects of life (wealth, health, relationships) and choose colors that enhance these areas.
• adjust color choices based on the natural light each room receives. Darker rooms benefit from lighter colors to avoid feeling too stuffy, while well-lit rooms can handle deeper, richer colors.

https://inmyownstyle.com/how-do-you-use-your-favorite-color-in-your-home.html

Let's now analyze how to furnish individual rooms and which shades to use.

ENTRANCE, the transition space that welcomes and conveys energy inside the house.

LAYOUT

• Clear path: the entrance must be free of obstacles to allow Qi to flow freely into the house.
• Welcome decorations: Use inviting elements such as plants, artwork, or a welcoming mat to create a positive first impression.
• Lighting: good lighting serves to attract positive energy.
• Mirror placement: Make sure it does not face the front door directly, which may repel energy.

COLORS

• Warm and inviting colors: Earth tones such as beige, light brown, and soft yellow create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Bright colors: A pop of red or orange can energize the space and make a solid first impression.
• Avoid dark colors: they can make the space seem closed and unfriendly.

https://www.schlage.com/blog/categories/2021/03/feng-shui-your-entryway-and-curb-appeal.html

LIVING ROOM, a place for social meetings, relaxation, and family bonds.

LAYOUT

• Command position: we position the sofa facing the entrance without being directly in line with it. This way, you can see who enters and feel safe.
• Balanced arrangement: avoid placing all the furniture against the walls, but arrange them in a circular or semi-circular manner to create a balanced and intimate environment
• Natural light: maximize natural light and use mirrors to reflect light and energy. Make sure the space is well-lit.
• Five Elements: Subtly integrate all five elements. For example, a fireplace (Fire), plants (Wood), a water element or image (Water), decorative metal elements (Metal), and pieces of terracotta or ceramic (Earth).

COLORS

• Earth tones: Beige, soft yellow, and light brown create a warm, inviting atmosphere and promote stability and grounding.
• Green: represents Wood, which brings growth, renewal, and harmony.
• Red and Orange Accents: Incorporate these Fire element colors to stimulate conversation and energy but use them sparingly to avoid overloading the space.

https://www.autonomous.ai/ourblog/2022-feng-shui-direction-for-living-room

KITCHEN, a place of nourishment and family gatherings.

LAYOUT

• Stove placement: The stove should not be directly in front of the sink or refrigerator, as this creates a conflict between the Fire and Water elements.
• Clean and clutter-free: Keep your space free of unnecessary items to allow the free flow of energy. Regular cleansing is essential for maintaining positive energy.
• Lighting: ensure good natural and artificial lighting to keep the space lively and welcoming.

COLORS

• Warm neutrals: Soft yellows, creams, and light browns are welcoming and promote healthy digestion.
• Green: Symbolizes freshness and growth, perfect for a space focused on food and health.
• Avoid excessive black and blue: these colors of the Water element can clash with the Fire energy of the kitchen, potentially creating a sense of imbalance.

https://kitchencabinetkings.com/blog/perfect-kitchen-feng-shui/

DINING ROOM, a place for refreshment and socialization.

LAYOUT

• Table shape: A round or oval table promotes equality and good conversation. Avoid sharp corners, as they can create negative energy.
• Seating arrangement: seating must be easily accessible and comfortable. No one should have their back to the entrance.
• Reflect abundance: Mirrors can reflect the dining table, symbolizing the doubling of food and wealth.

COLORS

• Warm neutrals: soft yellows, beiges, and terracotta create a welcoming and comfortable environment.
• Red and orange accents: These colors stimulate appetite and conversation but should be used in moderation.
• Green: represents growth and abundance, creating a fresh and vibrant dining experience.

https://www.thespruce.com/mirror-in-dining-room-feng-shui-5213751

BEDROOM is a place of rest, rejuvenation, and intimacy.

LAYOUT

• Bed position: position the bed diagonally opposite the door but not directly in line with it. The headboard should be placed against a solid wall for support.
• Symmetry: use matching bedside tables and lamps to create balance and harmony in the relationship.
• Avoid electronic devices: Minimize electronic devices in the bedroom as they can interrupt the flow of Qi and hinder rest.

COLORS

• Soft blues and greens: These colors are calming and promote relaxation, representing the elements of Water and Wood.
• Neutral tones: beige, dove gray, and soft grays create a calm and serene environment that promotes sleep.
• Pink and peach: These colors encourage love and intimacy, making them ideal for couples.

https://www.dbsbathrooms.co.uk/news/feng-shui-bathroom-design/

Designing an environment, like a home, an office, a hotel, and so on, is never easy. There are many parameters to consider, a crucial one is the customer's taste. Designing a house following the discipline of Feng Shui seems a little complicated at first, but following these small suggestions, it becomes much more straightforward.