Feng Shui is architectural art.
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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.
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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
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Some movie sets provide excellent examples of Feng Shui design.
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Scenes from Kill Bill: Vol 2
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Feng Shui Themes
| Facing... |
Theme |
What to Favor... |
What to Avoid... |
| 1 | North | Career |
dark hues of blue or black, water
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earth tone colors, squares
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| 2 | SouthWest | Relationships |
pinks, rose colors
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single items, mismatched pairs
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| 3 | East | Family |
greens, earth tones
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round items, shiny or reflective objects
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| 4 | SouthEast | Abundance |
purples, violet
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water symbols
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| 5 | Center | Health |
yellow hues
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sharp edges, squares, columns, spiral staircases
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| 6 | NorthWest | Travel |
grey, metallic hues
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reds
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| 7 | West | Creativity |
shades of grey, white
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red, sharp edges, triangles, fire
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| 8 | NorthEast | Knowledge |
shades of blue, water symbols
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sharp angles, reds, fire symbols
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| 9 | South | Fame |
reds, fire symbols, triangles |
dark hues of black or blue, water, mirrors or reflective surfaces
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Feng Shui Color Basics
| Color | Theme | Good for... |
| Red |
Energizing | the dining room to keep guests energized and excited.
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| Orange |
Joy | family rooms, playrooms, use softer shades for more relaxed fun.
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| Yellow |
Happy | dens, kitchens, offices, where ever creativity is needed.
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| Green |
Balance, Renewal | living rooms, bedrooms, halls.
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| Blue |
Healing, Calming | wherever you want to relax
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| Indigo |
Healing, Relaxing | childrens rooms, healing rooms
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| Purple |
Richness, Transformation | spiritual rooms, feelings of abundance.
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Feng Shui Elemental Decor
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Strive for balance between the five elements. Are any of the elements below missing from the room?
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| Water |
Wood |
Fire |
Earth |
Metal |
fountains
glass |
wood furniture |
fireplace
red accents |
browns
earthtones
stone |
chrome
mirrors
stainless |
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Are any of the elements above dominating the room? Balance it with the complementary element below.
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| 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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© 2009 Michael Thompson
