What is Feng Shui?

Feng Shui is an ancient practice and philosophy known as 'Wind & Water'. 

It incorporates 'Yin (quiet, peaceful energy) & Yang (vibrant, active energy), Chi or qi - the flow of energy all around us and within us. 

*Remembering everything is made up of energy and we are also energetic beings, Feng Shui endeavours to create the best energy flow permeating homes and lives as the energy in our homes effects our own personal energy. 

Feng Shui also uses the 'five elements' (known as Earth, Water, Wood, Metal & Fire) to  harmonize and enhance energies.  Each element has its own colours and shapes, which are easily utilized in interior decoration.  The shapes and colours are as follows:

Earth:

Earth colours - Beige,  soft yellow, brown, terracotta, soft orange.

Element shape - square.

Examples - cushions, sheets, rugs, curtains, square shaped, earth coloured ornaments, paint. 

Metal:

Metal colours - White, Gold, Silver, Metallic.

Metal shape - round, oval.

Examples - coins, bowls, round vases in above mentioned colours, round placemats in above mentioned colours, pillows, doona's, sheets, rugs, ornaments with a metal coloured finish, picture frames, paint.

Water:

Water colours - Blue, Black.

Water element shapes/patterns - wavy, flowing.

Examples - pillows, sheets, doona's, cushions, rugs, ornaments in above mentioned colours, picture frames, artwork, paint, artwork,  small inside fountains, fish tanks.  Fish tanks and fountains are not to be placed in a bedroom as they have too much 'yang' energy - active energy which is not condusive to a good nights sleep.   

Wood:

Wood colours - greens mostly and any colour that a healthy leaf from a healthy plant or tree exhibits such a autumn coloured leaves.  

Wood element shapes - columns, rectangular. 

Examples - rugs, doon's, sheets, pillows, house plants,  artwork, picture frames, ornaments.

Fire:

Fire - Red, Bright Orange, Deep purple, Scarlet, Crimson.

Fire shape - triangular, flamelike.

Examples - cushions, frames, flowers, candles, ornaments, paint, artwork.  Too many 'fire' type colours will be overwhelming, add pops and splashes of these colours.

Energy should be able to flow freely in our homes, to meander like a little stream, anything blocking this energy blocks our own personal energy too, we feel 'stuck, blocked', our mental, emotional health is effected, we lose sleep, feel overwhelmed and are effected in negative ways.

For energy - Chi/Qi to flow freely, decluttering, cleaning & revamping our area's are the major positive contributing factors we can do for ourselves, our families, our homes, careers, success, comfort, emotional & mental well-being & health, along with good nutrition, exercise, fresh air, sunlight, hydration and good personal hygiene. 

Furniture placement, decorating with colour & ornaments, lighting, based on the different areas of your home and what the area is used for, helps to balance and enhance the energy in our homes.

This can be done inexpensively using what you already may own or only buying what you wish to, can afford to - paint, cushions etc.  Or, we can choose to save up and do a big splurge. 

Depending on our financial circumstances, we can also purchase second hand items & furniture *providing what is purchased is in good condition, good quality and you can salvage it and fix it up to be so, therefore 'recycling & reusing' .

Many Interior Designers, Decorators and Architects now incorporate some aspects of Feng Shui.

There are many different schools of Feng Shui, I studied 'Classical Feng Shui' which I feel is more personal and more accurate.  This involves taking compass directions of your homes facing direction and dividing your floor plan into the different areas (directions) of your home to enhance.

I can also include your birth year to identify your Chinese astrological sign to find your best directions and the annual and monthly energies affecting your home (Flying Stars). 

*Updates coming soon.