Metal is an interesting Feng Shui element and in its positive form it represents purity, clarity, honesty and freshness. In its negative form, it can be blunt, cool and too precise. The key colours that partner with metal are shades of grey and tones of white. The other elements include Earth which strengthens and creates the Metal element and Metal is aligned with Water as it is created from Metal. The elements to avoid are Fire as that melts Water and Wood as Metal cuts down Wood.
Where Can I use Metal?
Checking out the Bagua Map, a key Metal sector is the Helpful People and Travel sector. We all need helpful people in our lives, careers, relationships and health. Consider using grey, black and white colours which can look really chic and fresh with metal frames and accessories that represent travel and images of mentors. To find this sector, remember to place the map over a square of your house or apartment and have the main door you enter on the Entrance Quadrant. For example, our main door has often opened in to the Inner Knowledge sector. We have also had a second bedroom in the Helpful People sector.
Another sector is Creativity and Children and even if you don’t have children, it is about that inner childlike wonder and creative spark that we can tap in to. The key colour here is white and you can balance this with metal light fittings and frames, and look for something that adds a bit of fun in this area; not always easy as this sector is in the dividing walls of our bedrooms. In France, we had added a whimsical ornament that we both loved and it made us happy when we saw it. If a child’s bedroom is in this sector, use colours and metallic accessories but add Earth elements in stone and warm neutral tones and add a touch of lemon to brighten the look. There are so many children’s bedrooms that are over-stimulating with bright blue, red and green!
The other sectors that benefit from the Metal element are the Career and Life Journey and the Inner Knowledge sectors. Silver metallic frames for degrees or images around growth are ideal. The Earth element and shades of blue combined with white, dark metallic tones and even a hint of dark grey, can look really clean and warm at the same time.
Where to Avoid Using Metal
If you recall, Wood is cut down by metal, depleting the energy of Wood. It is best to avoid these elements in this corner or use stone and earth elements to create a balance. Both our kitchens in Berlin and France are in this area and we have added ceramic pots to create a cycle of Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. Try this if you are renting and are unable to move or change the look.
Picture Frames
I love silver frames and I know there are some lovely gold frames and mirrors as well. I love choosing different prints and then using the same picture frame to bring them together. Look for old magazines and cut out the ads that you like; they are easy to frame. Pull in the images that reflect your own creativity or travel images and it can be a lovely reminder of our dreams and journey.
