HOME © 2009 Michael Thompson



Feng Shui
pronounced 'fung shway'

literally "Wind Water"



Feng Shui is architectural art.

Do not let yourself be convinced that you have to spend money or embrace any form of mysticism in order to implement the design principles of Feng Shui.

Feng Shui's popularity in the West has mostly to do with the striking decorating results obtained from attention to detail and balance of color.

The original purpose of the compass was only to establish a constant frame of reference for natural lighting from the sun. Where natural lighting is not a major factor consider the direction one faces from the entrance of the room as 'south.'

Some Feng Shui design principles originated from the idea that your environment reflects your life's circumstances and your life's problems can be affected by correcting design imbalances in your surroundings. Any positive results may come from staying focused on the solutions to your problems. So replace those superstition-laden words like "luck", "abundance", "auspicious" with phrases such as "more attractive", "neater", "cleaner lines" as you read about Feng Shui.



Feng Shui Design

Do one room or area at a time. Examine the room from its entrance. An important element of Feng Shui design is to create an unobstructed path into the area.

First eliminate any dirt and clutter from the area. Toss out any broken items or dying plants. Keep empty boxes and trash cans well out of sight. Avoid unfriendly images, and violent or disturbing art. We will naturally enjoy the environment more if we eliminate any negative reminders of our past, anything which calls to mind bad times or previous misfortunes.


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Rectangular patterns and symmetry are common thematic elements of Feng Shui. As you examine the area from the entrance try to identify any structures or objects that disrupt a rectangular pattern. This is the second step. Use the design template to help you plan the arrangement and visualize the desired results.


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If the area you are working happens to be L-shaped, U-shaped or otherwise irregular you can still suggest a rectangular design by strategic placement of objects such as furniture, plants or other decorations.


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Feng Shui Examples


Scene from Electra

Some movie sets provide excellent examples of Feng Shui design.



Scenes from Kill Bill: Vol 2






Feng Shui Themes

Facing... Theme What to Favor... What to Avoid...
1NorthCareer dark hues of blue or black, water earth tone colors, squares
2SouthWestRelationships pinks, rose colors single items, mismatched pairs
3EastFamily greens, earth tones round items, shiny or reflective objects
4SouthEastAbundance purples, violet water symbols
5CenterHealth yellow hues sharp edges, squares, columns, spiral staircases
6NorthWestTravel grey, metallic hues reds
7WestCreativity shades of grey, white red, sharp edges, triangles, fire
8NorthEastKnowledge shades of blue, water symbols sharp angles, reds, fire symbols
9SouthFame reds, fire symbols, triangles dark hues of black or blue, water, mirrors or reflective surfaces

Feng Shui Color Basics

ColorThemeGood for...
Red Energizingthe dining room to keep guests energized and excited.
Orange Joyfamily rooms, playrooms, use softer shades for more relaxed fun.
Yellow Happydens, kitchens, offices, where ever creativity is needed.
Green Balance, Renewalliving rooms, bedrooms, halls.
Blue Healing, Calmingwherever you want to relax
Indigo Healing, Relaxingchildrens rooms, healing rooms
Purple Richness, Transformationspiritual rooms, feelings of abundance.

Feng Shui Elemental Decor

Strive for balance between the five elements. Are any of the elements below missing from the room?
Water Wood Fire Earth Metal
fountains
glass
wood furniture fireplace
red accents
browns
earthtones
stone
chrome
mirrors
stainless
Are any of the elements above dominating the room? Balance it with the complementary element below.
Earth Metal Water Wood Fire
browns
earthtones
stone
chrome
mirrors
stainless
fountains
glass
wood furniture fireplace
red accents

Elements of Feng Shui can be incorporated into just about any design but some floor plans lend themselves to it more so than others.

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© Michael Thompson