“My mother warned me to avoid things coloured red”, said Claes Oldenburg, Swedish-born American pop sculptor. I am with his mother. It is a powerful primary colour that can’t be missed. Traditional Feng Shui practice loves this colour as it is represents money, transformation and good luck. An ancient colour worn for celebrations, it is on many country flags and emblems, and is all about fire and passion. It is not a cool or restful colour and is guaranteed to active and add energy. Personally, I can’t wear bright red for long but I love a cherry pink coat in the winter which makes me feel warm and comforted. Look for the shade that you like but make sure it doesn’t veer towards the brown tones of terracotta or have too much pink in it. It is meant to be bright and bold.
Where Does Red Belong?
The Fame and Reputation area is where this colour belongs. The partnership with the Fire element is perfect and it is all about a general view of fame and image and what you stand for as it blends in to your reputation and what you present to the world and others. If this is important to you right now, really define what you want and what this means to you. Create a positive affirmation for this area such as, “My reputation is enhancing my career in my organisation and position”. Really be clear about this. For others, reputation may be about ethics or community standing. Just change the words and use it with intent.
Red adds to the flame of fire. Now this doesn’t mean you have to paint walls red, just use touches with paintings, cushions and throws. Too much red can be too active and chaotic so just balance as much as you can stand. I have struggled with this colour as I find it jarring and prefer to use touches of red in a Chinese vase and a red candle. Candles represent fire and flame and are great to put in this area as are red flowers. Just remember you are highlighting this sector rather than setting the world on fire.
Other Points
Another element in this sector is the use of Animal products. For those who are not comfortable with this, look away. For others, leather is considered to be another aspect to the Fire element. Up to you if you can put a red leather sofa in this sector, personally, I am sticking with a few touches to activate the area and leave it at that. It is way to active a colour and I prefer the bright calmness of bright blue and aqua. Perhaps Derek Jarman sums it up best, Red protects itself. “No color is as territorial. It stakes a claim and is on the alert against the spectrum”.
