How Use Color in Feng Shui

Color! It might be the #1 thing people ask me about in Feng Shui.

Last week the question of using color in Feng Shui came to the fore when a client asked me if she really had to use the color Pink to enhance her office, as some of the “rules” of Feng Shui seemed to dictate.

The answer is that you never have to use Pink – or any other color, for that matter – if you don’t want to. There are many ways to enhance a space with Feng Shui, and color is just one of them.

But color does affect your feelings in a space, and your ability cope easily and effectively with life on a day-to-day basis. So it’s useful to know about the energy of various colors, and the reasons Feng Shui recommends particular colors in particular situations.

The Impact of Color in Feng Shui

Color theory in Feng Shui covers a huge amount of ground. The colors around us affect everything from how we feel in our homes and offices, to the impression we create through our clothing, to how balanced and nourished we feel by the foods we eat.

Today I’ll give you a good start on this giant topic by touching on things you can do right away to improve the chi energy of your environment. Ask yourself, do I feel great in my space and if not, how would I rather feel? What’s the impression I’m trying to create? How do I want other people to feel?

Of course if you get to the end of this newsletter and want to know more, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Introduce Vitality with Reds and Greens

Let’s start with Red, symbolizing the energizing element of Fire. Red is the most Yang (masculine) color (read my article on Yin & Yang to learn more). But be careful — Red can easily become overwhelming, if not antagonistic. Use Red when you want to lift the energy in your space, keeping an eye on the overall effect you’re creating!

For example, Red can make a kitchen feel warmer, but the kitchen already has a lot of Yang Fire because of the stove burners. So use Red sparingly here, in accessories and artwork, rather than on walls and cabinets.

If you’re feeling trapped or stuck in your life, Green, the color of new Wood, is a great color to use. Green is all about growth, vitality and upward movement. Green is also a good color for creating warmth, because it nourishes Fire.

Calm Things Down with Blues, Whites and Earth Tones

Black and Dark Blue, representing Water, are great colors for enhancing your communication skills or connecting with spirituality and truth. These colors make sense in an office, for instance, where it’s important to communicate clearly with associates, vendors and clients.

Whites and Light Pastels symbolize Metal, the element of structure and mental focus. White can become too much of a good thing, though, making you feel rigid, limited, or tightly controlled. If your space is dominated by White, loosen it up with representatives of the other elements, especially Fire and Wood, for vitality and new beginnings.

Finally, Yellows and Earth Tones. Yellow and all its variants – Sandy colors, Tans, Oranges – are the colors of Earth, the element of stability. Use these colors to calm the atmosphere when you feel overwhelmed by activity or have important decisions to make. The Yellow family can also help improve your memory and strengthen your ability to be attentive and alert.

Color can make all the difference in the way you feel in your space. If you’re looking to create a new feeling, I invite you to make some changes in your color scheme and see what happens.

Comments

1. I’ve been reading Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra books for the uses of color and liked your straight forward approach. All the rules of Feng Shui and Vastu can sometimes be too much! Thanks for simplifying it a bit.

   Comment by Hena — July 30, 2009 @ 8:03 am

2. My pleasure! You’re right — color can definitely seem overly-complicated. I’m glad this approach made sense to you

   Comment by Ann — July 30, 2009 @ 8:21 am

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