A storm rolled towards the beach today as a Spanish green glass sea with shimmers of petrol blue dashed across the rocks. It is majestic to watch as we move away from summer’s aqua and turquoise and head towards forests and snow. We should be like squirrels, stuff our cheeks with nuts, find a warm, safe space and stay underground until the earth warms again and our breath no longer freezes. But we are humans and we set off in November with kilos of clothes determined to manage the darker hours. On that sombre note, let’s talk about the colour green.
Feng Shui First
Green is all about growth either for energy or emotion and it is the base note that is most important. Blue-based greens are best in the Career sector as they resonate with water whilst yellow toned greens are best with other sectors and partner well with Wood and Earth sectors. We were bored with our bathroom as it is very functional. Staid earth tones have been used which is fine to ‘soak’ up the Water element of a bathroom but it can look drab. We are taking away laminated doors which don’t quite close anyway and replacing them with linen roller blinds to give a more Asian spa feel. The Chinese A-frame has been painted a soft green to give warmth without dominating the room. It is best not to use Green or Wood in the Metal sectors as Metal chops down the energy of Wood. Also, use it carefully in the Fame sector which is partnered with the Fire element. You want a strong burning fire but not an explosion! Royal green with a deep yellow base is ideal in the Wealth sector and we have used tropical green colours and motifs in our dining room which is also used for work – stimulating wealth and abundance in all areas of life.
Psychology of Green
This colour usually makes us think of nature, being refreshed and staying calm. Visions of trees, mountains and fields come to mind. It is also often used in hospitals for patients’ anxiety as it is said to enhance healing and wellbeing. A yellow green is often used for natural products and darker greens for a more formal branding and message. Use touches of darker greens in cushions or art work, but be aware it can evoke a sombre, lonely vibe. A tropical green can add a vibrancy to beige and cream rooms and our monkey candlesticks and elephant lamp add a sense of fun to our Wealth sector.
Colour Combinations
There are obvious complementary colours; red and green or orange or pink. Consider other pairings of black, white and green for a sharp but chic look. Green with coffee shades and wood look inviting and pastel greens with soft shades of blue can add warmth and light to small rooms. If you are brave, buy small test pots of paint and when you have the colour, paint a wall, a big piece of furniture or even picture frames. And finally, as we head in to winter, I am reminded of Mary Webb surrounded by English countryside, who said, “Green is the fresh emblem of well founded hopes. In blue, the spirit can wander, but in green it can rest”.
