A growing awareness of Feng Shui in the Western world has led to an increase in the number of interior designers and clients seeking to add balance and positive energy to their homes and work places.
In accordance with
Feng Shui principles, Ch'i (pronounced 'Chee'), which is the life force that pervades us and everything around us, is expressed through form, shape, color, direction, time, and the feeling it creates within us.
In addition to the basic concepts of Feng Shui, color theory and application are important considerations in attaining successful results for residential or commercial interior design projects.
Specific colors are associated with the five main elements of Feng Shui, but personal preference and practical and functional implications should play a large role in color selection as well. The five elements of Feng Shui (fire, earth, metal, wood and water) should be balanced in the home or workplace and associated colors should be balanced as well.
Bagua is one of the primary tools for analyzing the Feng Shui energy of a particular space. The classical application consists of eight feng shui areas, or directions, each with its own Feng Shui colors, elements, and life areas. Compass readings are used to determine a Feng Shui energy map (bagua) of the home.
The table below describes the eight life areas and corresponding directions. Complementary colors are used to enhance each area and encourage the flow of Ch'i. Optimal color selection typically involves combining one's personal favorites with the colors used in Feng Shui.
| Life Area |
Direction |
Element |
Colors |
| Career and Life Path |
North |
Water |
Black, very dark tones |
| Spiritual Growth |
Northeast |
Earth |
Beige, light yellow, and earth tones |
| Family and Health |
East |
Wood |
Brown, green, blue |
| Wealth and Prosperity |
Southeast |
Wood |
Brown, green, blue |
| Fame and Reputation |
South |
Fire |
Reds/pinks, purple, range, and yellow |
| Love and Marriage |
Southwest |
Earth |
Beige, light yellow, and earth tones |
| Creativity and Children |
West |
Metal |
White, gray, and pastels |
| Helping Others and Travel |
Northwest |
Metal |
Gray, black, and white |
The theory of
yin and yang also plays a role in color selection and significance. Yin colors are said to create a feeling of healing and relaxation, while Yang colors bring about enthusiasm or positive energy. These principles can be used as guidelines to achieve specific goals and results for your design projects.
In the end, in keeping with the basic tenets of feng shui, the ultimate goal should be a feeling of well being, balance, and harmony.