I was immediately attracted to the clean, chic look of this teapot. It stands out immediately as fresh with just enough negative space not to be dark or boring whilst adding a wonderful graphic effect. So how to use black and white and where to use it according to Feng Shui practice? The key point is to recognise that the combination of white and black can instantly add style to a space but you do need to know how to balance them to create an equal partnership otherwise one colour takes over the other.
Black is Black
Black is aligned with the Water element and is said to be the colour of money and also represents emotion. There are obvious places where to use it according to the Bagua Map. The ideal places are in the Career, Inner Knowledge and Travel and Helpful People sectors. Don’t forget that there are various shades of black from a charcoal or clay colour to a deep blue based tone. For all other sectors, it is best avoided as the Water element will douse out any Fire sector and muddy any Earth sector. The Wood areas are fine as Water helps Wood to grow but just make sure you don’t add too much as it can be symbolic of having too much emotional energy! Think of a dark, depressing room or opening your wardrobe to only black clothing!
The Right White
There are said to be more shades of white than any other colour. It is a great colour to use as a blank canvas to allow other colours to shine. White is known in art as a non-colour along with black and yet, it is the top-selling colour for a t-shirt, a dual colour of both death in Asian countries and new life and beginnings in Western weddings. Don’t forget to consider the base tone as some whites can look dingy if the tone is too yellow or can be too bright if the base is too blue and ends up looking clinical.
In Feng Shui, white represents the Metal element which is crisp, clean and cuts through other energy. On the down side, the Metal element can be cold and harsh. The Earth sectors are good area for white as Metal is polished by Earth. White is ideally used in the Relationship, Creativity and Communication, Travel and Helpful People and Career sectors. It is best avoided in the Fire sectors as Metal melts under Fire, and Metal chops down Wood.
How to Use Negative Space
Negative space is the space between and around objects and is often the lighter colour such as white. It supports the focal image and colour enhancing the overall look. You often see it in Japanese porcelain and Art Deco design as a balance between the light and dark and both give the other a clearer focus to the images used. It resonates with Feng Shui which is about seeking a balance. If you are unsure how to manage, step back, look and then take away that extra cushion, piece of art work or kitchen gadget to give a sense of space and Interior Harmony.
