Kandinsky said, “orange is red brought nearer to humanity by yellow”. As an expressionist and colourful artist, he would have known! Orange, mandarin, tangerine, all shades that throw right back to memories of the 1970s with lava lamps, daisies and ugly Tupperware. It isn’t a colour you see often these days and takes some courage to use with hues leaning to red or yellow tones. In some cultures, orange represents creativity and fertility and then, in the USA, it is the colour of prisoners. On a different note, bright orange with hints of gold is a quick marketing technique to get your attention and is often teamed with lime green to signify energy and youthfulness.
Feng Shui First
Let’s mention that orange is Fire. Think of the Elements cycle – Wood feeds Fire which becomes ashes which is part of the Earth element. Keeping that in mind, avoid using this colour in the Wood sector as basically you are burning up the energy. Fire also drains away Water and melts Metal. Feng Shui practice would say to use orange in the Fame sector or in those sectors with Earth as the element including the Self Knowledge area, Relationship sector or in the centre of your home. It isn’t an easy colour to manage so partner with shades of coffee to blend Earth and Fire elements or, if an area needs energy, boost it with green but like a fire, keep an eye on it!
Oranges & Lemons
Rather than painting a wall or reverting back to vintage tangerine, consider using touches. Fruit represent growth and wealth in Feng Shui and apricots, mandarins and peaches look bright and summery. Cushions, vases and flowers can add enough energy. An area can easily be uplifted with a sense of fun and laughter but it is also a passionate and fiery colour. Not a colour I personally would use. Closing, I love this quote from Rob Sheffield,”it was like trying to break up with the colour orange or Wednesday, or silent e. It was the most passionate and tumultuous relationship I’d ever known”.
