Use Feng Shui to Choose Colors in Home Decor
Ancient Oriental Prinicples in Decorating and Design
Feng Shui uses Chinese principles to balance the flow of energy in our homes. The principles of Feng Shui address balancing Yin and Yang and the flow of Chi. Color is an important aspect of our living environment. Color emits vibrations, creating energy. Use color properly to achieve a beautiful decor and peaceful, relaxing home environment. Feng Shui is based on the principle of balancing the five elements of earth. The five elements are: wood, metal, fire and earth. Each of the five elements should be present and in balance for a harmonious environment.
The outdoor environment should be considered when choosing color for the home. Outdoor lighting affects the way that colors look and reflect inside the home.
In the hot sunny climate of Africa, browns and oranges are popular . Dark earth tones do well with the constant beating of the sun. Earth tones that look great in Africa may look dark and dingy in a northern climate, such as England. The more subdued lighting in northern climate needs to be balanced with brighter and lighter colors to counteract the dreary lighting outdoors.
Brightly colored golds, blues and reds look wonderful in the vivid lighting of the Mediterranean. Intense shades look great in the Mediterranean but can be overwhelming in climates where the natural light quality is less intense.
Walls and floors that have a dark pigment absorb the light. Light colored surfaces do not absorb light and can even reflect light, creating a lighter effect.
Homes should be decorated to people's personal taste, or they will never feel comfortable in their homes. Use color wisely to get the emotional boost that the right color can provide. Colors evoke emotions differently in each individual. Emotions depend upon individual life experiences.
Following are color principles, with examples of which rooms they should be used in. Each color has its own positive and negative qualities. The colors are a guideline, using general Feng Shui principles of color.
Red
Red is a stimulating dominant color. Red increases the appearance of the size of objects, but decreases the appearance of the size of rooms. Red is an excellent accent color. Red should not be used in dining rooms, children's bedrooms, kitchens or workshops.
- Pros: warmth, prosperity.
- Cons: anger, shame, hatred.
- Element: Fire
Pink
Pink is associated with innocence, purity of thought and romance. Pink is suitable for bedrooms. Pink should not be used in bathrooms or kitchens.
- Pros: Happiness, romance.
- Cons: None.
Purple
Purple is an impressive, spiritual color. Purple can be used in bedrooms or meditation rooms. Purple should not be used in bathrooms or kitchens.
- Pros: Excitement, passion, motivation
- Cons: Mournfulness, force.
Blue
Blue is linked with spirituality, peace, mystery, patience and contemplation. Blue is a good color for bedroom, therapy rooms and meditation rooms. Blue should not be used in dining rooms or studies.
- Pros: Trust, faithfulness, stability.
- Cons: Melancholy, suspicion.
- Element: Water
Green
Green is symbolic of growth, fertility and harmony. Green is a refreshing and restful color. Green is a good color for bathrooms, therapy rooms and conservatories. Green should not be used in family rooms, playrooms or studies.
- Pros: Optimism, freedom, balance.
- Cons: Envy, deceit.
- Element: Wood
Yellow:
Yellow is associated with enlightenment. Yellow aids digestion and stimulates the brain. Yellow is suitable for hallways or kitchens. Yellow should not be used in bathrooms or meditation rooms.
- Pros: Optimism, reason, decisiveness.
- Cons: Craftiness, exaggeration, rigidness.
- Element: Earth
Orange
Orange is a cheerful, powerful color that encourages communication. Orange can be used in living rooms, dining rooms and hallways. Orange should not be used in bedrooms or small rooms.
- Pros: Concentration, intellect
- Cons: Rebelliousness
- Element: Earth
Brown
Brown is a color that suggests stability and elegance. Brown can be used in studies. Brown should not be used in bedrooms.
- Pros: Safety, elegance.
- Cons: Dinginess, depression, aging.
- Element: Earth
White
White symbolizes new beginnings, innocence and purity. White can be used in bathrooms and kitchens. White should not be used in dining areas or children's rooms.
- Pros: Clean, fresh.
- Cons: Cold, lifeless, stark.
- Element: Metal
Black
Black is independent and mysterious. Black is often used in teenager's rooms. Black should not be used in children's rooms.
- Pros: Intrigue, strength, allure.
- Cons: Death, darkness, evil.
- Element: Water
Feng Shui uses principles of balance for a harmonious environment. The guidelines in this article are general guidelines.
Resources:
- The Practical Encyclopedia of Feng Shui, by Gill Hale
