When summer arrives, beach chairs appear and it feels as if the air is brighter and lighter. As Walter Winchell said, “It’s a sure sign of summer if the chair gets up when you do.” Now we are in full sun and have had some weeks were everyone felt they were frying! This section focuses on the outdoor spaces attached to your apartment or house. These include gardens and balconies. First, they are part of your space even if they feel like an extension. Feng Shui practice ‘pulls’ these spaces into the overall Bagua map of your area to ensure they connect with the overall floor plan.
Balconies or conservatories are considered as part of the house or apartment Bagua map, when attached to a building’s wall. A key Feng Shui practice is to mentally ‘push the attached wall out’ to include the balcony or patio as part of that area through decorating. Here is what this means. Our Berlin apartment balcony was in part of the Relationship corner and a small mirror was placed in the inside window of the bedroom wall that is next to the balcony and we stated that, “This mirror expands the wall to include the balcony”.
Look at the space of the balcony. If it is between two walls, ensure it doesn’t feel crammed between them and offers at least room for a chair. Consider the view you are looking out to and what it reflects. Is there a solid balcony floor that feels secure? Use your natural Chi sense of balance and space. We needed to do some major renovation in Berlin as the floorboards were falling apart and needed replacing urgently. We replaced all of the boards and added large planters with artificial plants to provide more privacy. The result was a smart balcony with a big sun lounge, tables and a calm feeling of being in a treehouse. We were surrounded by trees and birds and were often visted by hungry squirrels.
Where to start, use the Bagua map to determine where the balcony is and in which sector it belongs. Our Berlin apartment had three balconies with the major one in the Relationship corner, a small one in the Fame and Fortune area and a smaller one in the Travel and Helpful People sector. We placed chairs in the smaller balconies and balanced the space with the partnering colours.
Another tip is to notice where the entrance to the balcony is and how the Chi energy moves through to the balcony but ensure that it doesn’t feel as if it will rush straight over the rails or wall. Remember the ‘corridor effect’ in other sections. Use furniture to slow down the energy between the entrance and the balcony edge or railing. It will make people move on to the balcony and stay.
Feng Shui First
Determine where the balcony or garden is on the Bagua map and match the colour and element of that sector. You know the basics, keep it clean, fix any issues, get rid of any old dying or dead plants and replace any broken furniture. It is still representing part of your overall living space. Place small mirrors in the inner wall that the balcony is connected to with the shiny side facing into the room and state,’ this wall includes the balcony so there is no missing space’. Yes, it sounds crazy but it is all about intention and you wouldn’t be reading this book if you didn’t think there is something in it!
Gardens are different as they are generally larger and need to be ‘attached’ to the overall house or apartment. Depending on the sector the garden is in, add a light or a fountain stating that connects the garden to the overall floor plan. Note; a fountain should be clean, with water gently running water and no light on the fountain as this would be mixing the Fire and Water elements which by now you should know is a big no in Feng Shui. Use plants that mirror the colours of the sector and place furniture that represents the sector’s element.
Career & Life Path
Your balcony is probably at the top level of your house and is above your front door. As always, keep it really tidy and uncluttered using the colours of deep blue and black for the Water element. Make sure you feel a sense of privacy as I often see front porches or patios not used due to people feeling exposed to people passing by.
Inner Knowledge
Use the colours of deep blues with wooden furniture representing the Wood element. Water and Wood can be used as partner elements with deep greens and black as complimentary colours. It is an opportunity to create a lovely area to relax and read.
Family & Health
This sector would be great to have a balcony here as it is about the family area and being a meeting space. Use green and blue for the key colours and of course, the element is Wood which can offer a warm and friendly area to be in. Plant standing or hanging pots with flowers or herbs but make sure they are looked after and are healthy and thriving.
Wealth & Prosperity
For this area, blend the element of Wood with tones of purple, deep blue and green to keep this area active. Buy the most expensive outdoor furniture you can afford that sends a message of richness and abundance. Use texture and fabrics to add a sense of luxury. A fig tree would be great here.
Fame & Reputation
The element here is Fire and shades of red are recommended. Fire can also partner with the Wood element and green to balance Wood as this element feeds Fire in the Feng Shui life cycle. We had a small balcony in this sector and painted the table and chairs to blend with the wrought iron railings. A planter with some bright bulbs was placed on the table and we looked forward to watching them bloom each year.
Relationships & Marriage
For an outdoor space, the key colour of pink can be a challenge. A recommendation would be to use white, with touches of yellow and add elements of stone and earth and add plants with pink flowers if necessary. Make sure there are two of everything including any pots to represent relationships. Our Berlin balcony was in this area. We already had a white and navy loveseat which aren’t perfect colours for the sector but being practical, we needed to find a solution. We added lemon cushions and touches of lemon accessories for the Earth element. It proved to be a lovely and relaxing space in summer.
Creativity & Children
Use white and grey colours and pair with the elements of Metal and Water. Also, have fun in this area as it is about being playful and creative.
Helpful People and Travel
Use the colours of white, grey and black with the element of Metal to create a chic balcony space. Consider adding accessories from travels and other countries and you could end up with a very chic area in which to sit and relax .
Plants
Feng Shui practices prefer palms or rounded leaf plants. Spiky plants and cacti are generally not recommended. Obviously keep all plants alive and healthy. Be aware of placement as well, use the Bagua map over the balcony space using the entrance as the ‘front’ door. Plants are considered to be a Wood element and are best in those areas that partner or have that element such as sectors with the Water and Earth elements.
Fountains
Placement of water and fountains has to be carefully considered. As with plants, use the Bagua map to make sure the water element works and not with fire or earth. Keep it gently flowing and keep it clean. Then just enjoy your space!
