August is arriving and the heat is on. The beach beckons morning or early evening as the sun shimmers, the sand sizzles and the sea soothes. The song lyric springs to mind, ‘mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun’. It is hot. Shades of orange and lemon can be seen in beach umbrellas, t-shirts and decor and sunflowers are appearing in the markets. Sunflowers are the classic symbol of the season and shout, summer is here. The history of sunflowers is fascinating as initially it was all about the oil, dye and healing properties. They are clever and will move their flowers from East to West following the sun and have even been taken up in to space to see how they grow. Their sunny dials are pure joy.
Feng Shui First
Yellow and orange are colours all about representing the Earth element which is about foundations and grounding. They partner well with stone and ceramics which also represents the Earth. As noted in previous posts, don’t add too much water as you are turning the Earth element in to mud! Too much of the Fire element including shades of red, dries up the Earth element. However; just to counter some of that practice, tiles and stone are recommended in bathrooms to dry up the Water element. Water is important as it is about growth and emotions but the bathroom with taps and drains has too much water flowing and it is important to balance with Earth, Metal and sometimes a little Fire. Always best to check the Bagua map as well. There are two sectors, the Centre of the home and the Relationship corner. These areas resonate with yellows and oranges but keep the shades clean and bright, mustard tones are too muddy.
I Need Shades!
Yes, they are strong colours to use but touches in cushions, towels and tableware can bring in enough of summer to enhance a room. There is a lovely store in France called Fragonard, known firstly for fragrance and also for home decor. Their homewares are wonderfully inspired by Provence and the French Riviera and can add a summer zing. We have a lovely bed duvet cover decorated with birds, plants and flowers and it makes the room feel bright and cheerful and the double birds represent the relationship aspect. So go and buy some fruit decor and let the sunshine in!
