Thoreau stated, “I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees”. Spring is in the air and the feel of the beach between my toes and soft waves against the shore is comforting and a reminder of how being grounded offers a sense of security and connection. Others call it being ‘earthed’. Some prefer the country side and soil, others are urban hikers, some need to pound concrete and others bathe in forests. The Earth element is central to Feng Shui as a blend of yin and yang, stabilising your space and living areas. It belongs in the centre of your whole home and the sectors of Relationships and Self-Knowledge, grounding our lives and energy.
Feng Shui First
The Earth element is symbolised by ceramics, concrete and natural stone. Natural colours and shades of brown and terracotta offer a sense of harmony. However, don’t go overboard with the current design trend of rattan, beige and linen. Too much Earth muddies the water as they say. It can make you feel stuck and trapped. It is all about balance. Use Metal to stabilise as it is polished by Earth. Use the Fire element through wood which creates Earth and keeps it energised. Too much Water muddies the Earth element and Wood takes out the nutrients. It can sound complicated but just stand back, take a photo and ask, is there too much beige or ask a friend what the room says or feels like?
Choosing Ceramics
Tiles come to mind immediately especially in the kitchen and bathroom. They are versatile, easy to maintain and usually resistant to damage. But they can also be over used. Memories of cheap, shiny white floor tiles everywhere in a Malaysian rental apartments come to mind as if someone had bought a cheap lot on sale. Horrible to clean and dangerous to walk on. The look can look austere and cold so choose colours wisely. Our kitchen has lovely soft French limestone tiles reminiscent of tradition and warmth. The bathroom is floor to ceiling white and grey tiles with dark floors. Ideal in the Communication and Travel and Helpful People sectors where metal, white and grey are idea colours. Just to balance the coldness, a tall palm has been added to create a retro 1930s look. As an award-winning designer, Charlotte Moss says, “Decorating is like music. Harmony is what we constantly strive for. At home, we want a peaceful atmosphere where the objects are the notes and nothing is off-key.”
