Rules for using Feng Shui in interior decoration

Like many forms of art, interior decoration is drawn from traditions and century-old knowledge. Feng Shui’s arrival in European interior design is an additional illustration of this, proving the level of fascination that the Middle Empire had on our continent.

Feng Shui, literally meaning "water and wind" in Chinese, is an age-old art aimed at achieving perfect interior design. It also must improve its inhabitants well-being, through ch'i, a stream of energy that impacts our quality of life. Feng Shui has complex rules, all of which must be followed carefully if you are looking to apply its teachings.

Your property's interior and the right balance of Yin and Yang

The two-sided nature of Yin and Yang is probably the most well-known concept in Chinese tradition. The first ,Yin, represents the dark side of all things, counterbalanced by the second,Yang, whose component is light. Acting as an unchanging balance of power, any object or phenomenon includes a part of Yin and Yang, constantly oscillating between the two. In Feng Shui, this concept is translated through the harmony of colors that should be respected in an interior.

Therefore, Yin, with its creative and stimulating components, is conveyed through cold shades of color, such as green or blue. On the contrary, Yang is synonymous with energy and dynamism, and is found in bright and warm colours, such as red, yellow, pink or orange. The art of Feng Shui lays down a set of rules to use each color properly. For instance, it is said that yellow has the ability to improve communication. It is therefore encouraged to be used in the room(s) where people interact the most.

Interior decorating that reflects harmony between the elements

The notion of maintaining balance is at the heart of Feng Shui, as it is in Chinese thinking. In fact, the original aim of this ancient interior decoration was to build your house in the best location and harmonize nature’s natural elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. The perfect combination of these elements together enables your property to promote well-being and zen for all of its inhabitants.

This is reflected in the rules of Feng Shui when choosing a room's layout. For instance, when using feng shui in a kitchen, there are two elements that are incompatible by nature: fire and water. It is necessary to avoid confrontation between these two elements, by clearly separating the oven from the sink. In addition, the bathroom is a place of well-being above all over places. This space should give a high level of priority to plants and nature to help the flow of positive energies. Lastly, the entrance, which is essential in helping circulate such positive energies, must be kept particularly neat, bright, and spacious as much as possible.

Orienting your property’s rooms to promote the flow of ch'i

Feng Shui lists eight directions, which actually correspond to the eight cardinal points. The generation and flow of ch'i is largely influenced by how your property’s rooms are oriented. For instance, if we take a room like the living room, it will need to be oriented according to the different possible outcomes. A living room facing south-east is the ideal solution, giving clarity and brightness to the room. For a more cosy atmosphere, it is recommended to orient the living room towards the South-West, whereas the West is more suitable for a festive and entertaining atmosphere.

As far as the bedrooms are concerned, Feng Shui states that they should be pointing to the North, North-West and the West, which promote rest and tranquillity. In addition to the Feng Shui of a bedroom, bright colors such as red or orange are not recommended, as they generate too much energy. This also applies to plants, which are too stimulating. Finally, the bathroom should preferably be oriented towards the East or South-East, in order to guarantee its freshness and brightness, and to prevent humidity. Feng Shui leaves nothing to chance when it comes to finding a room’s orientation.

Interior design and well-being

Feng Shui is made up of a complex set of rules from Chinese thinking that may seem complex seen from a Western point of view. Nevertheless, the trend that has developed around Feng Shui is a clear example of a growing desire for well-being and fulfillment among European countries, which is reflected in interior design. As a result, Feng Shui probably still has a very bright future ahead of it.

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