How is this positive chi flow accomplished? By means of proper furniture placement and the use of color. Sound hokey? Many Americans have adopted this ancient Chinese tradition not only in their homes but also in executive offices of large corporations, as it seems to work. Curious? Let's keep exploring the idea.
Feng shui design insists that everything, animated or inanimate, has energy and that is the key to understanding how to control the use of that energy. Still unclear? How about this example: Chi must flow through the home like a river. If the space is too open or linear, chi will flow in the front door and directly out the back. The opposite also comes into play. If the space has too many oddly placed walls or furnishings, the chi may become trapped and stagnate. Remember, chi needs to linger yet flow freely.
Feng shui works by moving, adjusting, arranging and adding certain objects and colors to balance the flow of energy in the home or even one particular room. To balance the home with good chi, there are several techniques used.
Let's take windows and doors, their placement in a room and what the chi is likely to do. If a window faces a door and there is no barrier between them, be it a chair, a tree or some other furnishing, the chi will flow in and right out again, depriving the inhabitants of its energizing affect. But what if furniture or trees are not appropriate for the space? Window treatments will then be the answer. A honeycomb shade or a sheer drapery will allow the air to be trapped a bit and thereby help deflect chi to other areas of the room.
In addition to furniture placement and window treatments, there is also the element of color. Placing the right color in the right place is said to result in wondrous things. For example, if a family is constantly arguing, something green placed near the center of the left wall of the room might bring a truce. Are you looking for more wealth? Place something red, blue or purple in the upper left corner of your office or workspace. Is romance lacking in your life? Put red, pink or white in the upper right hand corner of your family room or your bedroom.
Colors can be used via plants, flowers, pictures, upholstery, and painted or wallpapered walls.
For intellectual enhancement, surround yourself with blue, black or green. Soothing colors promote better rest and relaxation.
Let's explore feng shui and colors a bit more:
- Red: Lacquer your front door red and invite prosperity into your home.
- Yellow: Paint your living room yellow and its positive energy will benefit everyone who comes there.
- Orange: A few accents of burnt orange in a room can ignite your creativity.
- Green: Introduce lots of plants and foliage into your environment and feel the sense of harmony it produces.
- Blue: Decorate your home office with blue and watch your career flourish.
- Purple: A couple of lavender or mauve touches in a room is great for creating a space in which to meditate.
- Magenta: A splash of magenta in your bedroom may get you to clean out your closets.
(Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, is president of Rosemary Sadez Friedmann Inc. in Naples, Fla.)
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