Everyone has experienced the effects of color on their mood. Whether it was how wearing a red dress or shirt made you feel more confident or the invigorating effect of a room painted bright yellow, colors have measurable effects on how we feel.
Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of optimizing the flow of energy, or “chi,” within a space. The use of color is pivotal to the effectiveness of Feng Shui and can be used to optimize each and every room of the home. The following is an overview of the feng shui of color and how it can be used to influence an interior space for the better:
Invigorating Reds
The color red is connected with the element of fire. Its intensity and vibrance make it a lucky color in feng shui. Red is hot, spicy, bold and daring. If a space needs more energy and vibrance, bringing in a red element can help immediately. Red should be used sparingly and intelligently, however, as it can have an agitating effect in the wrong space. For example, it should be avoided in the bedroom or bathroom.
Placing something red in areas of the home associated with certain aspects of life can help to energize them; for example, the northern part of the home is associated with career, and the northwest with wealth; placing something red in these areas can help to activate these parts of your life.
Zesty Orange
Not quite as vibrant as red, orange is nonetheless an energizing color. It’s great for promoting socialization, making it an optimal choice for a dining room or workshop room. Orange is a happy, invigorating color, but more tempered than red. Orange could be muted even more with white or neutral tones to lessen the extraverted effect if desired.
Sunny Yellow
As with the other warm colors, yellow has an uplifting, energizing effect. It’s uplifting, cheerful and stimulating to the intellect, making it a great choice for an office or conference room at work. Its sunny vibe also makes it a great choice for kitchens, dining rooms or a craft or activity room.
Go Green
The color green is connected with nature, health, balance and growth. Darker shades are connected with wealth and abundance. Green is an extremely positive, harmonizing color, and it can improve the Feng Shui of just about any room in the home.
Cool Blue
Blue is a cool color that’s associated with serenity, relaxation and trustworthiness. It exudes calm like the ocean or a clear blue sky. Blue is a sedating color, which makes it great for bedroom Feng Shui. Blue elements should be avoided in places where more social activity is desired. Blue used in a bathroom should be balanced out with earth tones; a hardwood floor and seashell accents can create a harmonious, spa-like effect.
Royal Purple
Purple exudes a rich, regal feel and is also associated with spirituality and the seventh (crown) chakra. Wisdom and nobility are connected with purple. Purple can also be effectively grounded and balanced with earth tones.
Cleansing White
White signifies purity, innocence and new beginnings. A vase of white flowers such as lilies or roses can bring a hopeful spirit to any room.
Grounding Brown/Earth Tones
The color brown and its offshoot hues are nurturing, settling and grounding. As positive as it is, it should be avoided when a more expansive energy is needed or desired.
The use of color in Feng Shui is extremely powerful. Intention and personal taste play into its effectiveness as well, so make sure to factor in your own associations with all of these colors. While personal preferences can alter the exact meanings and effects, this guide can help you to achieve optimal Feng Shui in your home or business.
