The first Feng Shui class I attended left me reeling. Aside from the principles, why would you paint anything cherry red, purple and black? It was overwhelming if taken literally. First things first, original Feng Shui focuses less on colour than the modern Form school. The old Feng Shui methodology is attached to Chinese architecture and way of living. Modern Form school Feng Shui focuses on the 21st century and different styles of space and design. Colour is also recognised as an important part as there is a colour synergy attached to how we now psychologically perceive colour. This can vary of course, consider the colour white which is used for weddings in some countries whilst symbolising death and funerals in others. However; we will stick with the Bagua map rules.
Tones and Shades
A key point is to get the right tone or shade for each Bagua section. Red is a good example of a colour to deal with to define tones and shades. If the base is yellow and more terracotta, it is seen as an Earth colour and used for grounding energy. A true red has blue as the base and should lean towards the pinker tones. Beige is another example, if it has a redder base and is leaning towards orange tones it isn’t representing Earth, it is representing Fire. The same if the beige has a muddy blue base leaning towards khaki green, it should have a yellow or black base to be a true coffee colour. If this sounds confusing, search on the net for a colour wheel and that will help. Before you paint anything, get a sample pot and check out the colour in different lights and rooms. Or paint a piece of cardboard you can use against different decor and walls. Let’s explore the different sector’s colours via the Bagua Map.
Black is Black
Think of deep water and not deep depression! Mind you, a black wall would be sad. Black represents the winter and Water element which is all about emotion and our life path and career. It partners well with Metal colours of grey and white which represent honesty, integrity and communication. Shades of black such as a cobalt grey or charcoal are also acceptable. Avoid Earth colours in particular as Water will muddy Earth and definitely not ideal for the Career sector!
Blue Skies
Such a lovely colour and represents early Spring and the Water element. It aligns with personal growth and spirituality. Metal elements including picture frames, partner well with this colour. This is ideal in the Knowledge and Wisdom sector and no, you don’t need to paint walls, we have a lovely bed cover of blue and green birds and leaves to symbolise growth but also the relationship aspect.
Emerald Green
Usually used in the Family and Community sector and can cross shades from soft blue green, petrol blue to a tropical green. This colour represents Spring and the Wood element. It is all about growth and development. A friend has a wooden kitchen and soft lime tea towels and art work make it fun and a happy place to cook. Avoid strong Metal elements here as Metal cuts down Wood, it depletes the Chi energy of the space. Put those knives away in a drawer!
Purple!
This is recommended for the Wealth sector and yes, most of us will go, okayyyy! Bright purple is generally not used by most people.You can use a navy blue and tropical green instead. We have done this in our Wealth sector as we couldn’t imagine using purple for decor. Another friend did have her bedroom in this area and had some lovely purple cushions, not too dark and it looked stylish. Go for deep lavender colours or shades of aubergine. The Wood element partners with this sector and yet again, avoid too much Metal in this area.
Red as a Rose
Not many of us can live with a full red room! It is representing the Fire element and touches of colour in decor and fabrics will be enough. Summer is the season symbolising the heat of the day and it is used in the Career and Recognition sector. Partnering with Wood elements and the colour green is fine but avoid Water elements or blue, as it puts the Fire energy out.
In the Pink
The romance of pink! The Western world generally aligns this colour with younger people and often with a feminine aspect. Historically, it was associated with wealth and often worn by men. Over time it became associated with romance. It is said to represent trust, love and commitment. Late summer is the season as the last of the roses bloom in the bright sun. Earth is the element and stay true to a red-based pink. Apricot symbolises orange tones and being single! If pink is too much, Feng Shui specialists say lemon and clean yellow tones can be used as they represent the Earth element as well.
White on White
There are more shades of white paint than any other colour. Make sure you use a sample pot. Some whites can look depressingly grey or as my French friend says, l’hopital blanc! We use ivory based whites which can warm up a room and change in the different times of the sun. White is heading to Autumn and is the Metal element. This is for honesty, creativity and children. Avoid the Fire element with it as it will melt the energy.
Shades of Grey
Finally, grey and don’t just think of metal grey, dove grey is one of the loveliest decorating colours to use. It is soft but can suit any room. This is the early Winter season and is about helpful people, travel, guidance and support. It is the Metal element and works well with Water and Earth but not Fire. Fire will melt the metal obviously. It looks wonderful with black, white or blue. So go and colour your world!
