The skies are blue, the sea shimmers, the beaches beckon and we are in the days of suntan oil, salt and sand everywhere. Shops are full of gelato colours in hues of blue, pink, lemon and lime. There are sunshades in classic blue and white stripes or turquoise and all things marine seem to be on the shelves. The yachts and big boats are here and while I am horrified at the money attached, I would welcome an invitation as a guest! So before you go out and redecorate your living space in shells, anchors and fish, let’s talk about what it represents.

 

Water, Water Everywhere

In Feng Shui, marine and beach decor represents water and the associated colours from the Bagua Map are blues and black. This is fine for the Career sector where black and blue is often used to attract a positive flow in your work life. Elsewhere, it can add too much emotion and you definitely wouldn’t want to use it in the Fire or Earth sectors of Fame, Fortune or the Health centre. In the Feng Shui cycle, Water puts out Fire and muddies the Earth, so move away from these areas! If you do choose artwork with beaches and water, ensure it is not aggressive. Avoid massive waves and waterfalls as these represent too much force. Look for gently flowing water and lakes.

The Bathroom

For those of you following Feng Shui, this is a key problematic area. In old Chinese houses, toilets and bathrooms were outside and often dirty and ugly. In Western architecture, bathrooms have become havens and spas with amazing showers, jacuzzis and bathtubs. I still believe the person who created the modern shower, meaning proper plumbing, should have many awards. It is one of the most restorative moments of a day. Feng Shui sees this room as a drain on money and opportunity and I have other posts discussing covering drains and keeping the toilet seat down. So the last thing you need here is more water elements and decor. Ditch the greens and blues, shells and starfish and go for beiges, sand and stone. This could be grey and white stone as in our bathroom, as metal is polished by water in the Bagua cycle. Also, don’t forget glass represents water as well, so best to keep glass stones and decor out of this area and use it in your beach picnic set.

The Beach Bag

Here are some tips and tricks for the best bag and accessories!

  • If it isn’t waterproof inside, buy several cheap purses or plastic holdalls, the bathroom section of shops are often the best;
  • Have a plastic purse for your phone and keys and I always have 10 euros for water or a snack but leave the rest at home;
  • Buy good sunscreens for hair, face and body – a favourite is Ambre Solaire who even have a sun protection for hair;
  • Put your flipflops in there permanently so you know where they are;
  • Some basics including bandaids, aftersun for that burn and mosquito or jellyfish cream;
  • A hairclip, old sunglasses or swimming goggles to swim with and off to the beach!