Tips for Designing a Feng Shui Patio
Creating a harmonious, peaceful, and attractive outdoor space can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and one way you can achieve this is through the application of Feng Shui principles, which is an ancient Chinese art of placement. Feng Shui, which translates to “wind and water” can aid you in creating an outdoor space that is not only visually appealing but also flows with positive energy. It is an ancient Chinese philosophy that aims to promote harmony between individuals and the environment around them. It is based on the belief that everything, every object, possesses a certain energy called “chi”, and that by arranging these objects in certain ways, one can actually influence how this energy flows, the goal of which is to create a balance of this chi and promote happiness, health, and prosperity.
Patio Furniture Arrangement
Whether you believe any or none of this is completely up to you, but it can not be denied that spaces arranged in this feng shui way do look fantastic and create a calm, pensive atmosphere. And the best place to start is on your patio decks, before moving on to the garden or whatever other outdoor space you have. The two most important factors here are the arrangement of your furniture and your choice of colors, both of which are supposed to have a significant impact on the energy flow. The goal of arranging your patio furniture is to promote an unobstructed, smooth flow of positive energy, and you can start by placing your furniture in a way that does not block any pathways or entrances, which supposedly lets the energy flow freely. If you have the option, consider using an oval or round table, as even shapes impact the energy, and you get the added benefit of not stumbling against sharp corners and edges as much. Avoid placing furniture in tight spaces or sharp corners, as that can create stagnant energy. Instead, you want to go for a balanced layout where you have ample space for movement because, remember, the aim here is to create an inviting and comfortable space that breathes relaxation, calm, and social interaction.
Patio Decor Colors
Colors also play a vital role in Feng Shui, as each color stands for a different element and energy. So for a Feng Shui patio, you are going to want to go with the colors that align with the Feng Shui elements of earth and wood. Wood elements can be represented by brown and green colors, which is self-explanatory. These colors signify vitality, growth, and abundance, and you can incorporate these colors through furniture, plants, or other decor items. Now earth elements are represented by beige and yellow colors, which create a feel of nourishment and stability. You can incorporate these earth tones into your patio furniture, flooring, or decorative pieces. Keep in mind that balance is key in Feng Shui, so while you are choosing colors for your patio, aim for a balance of colors that creates a relaxing, harmonious atmosphere.
Water and Plants in the Garden
Your garden is another vital element, and Feng Shui here is about creating the same harmonious, peaceful feel, through careful selection and positioning of things like plants, stones, and water features. Let’s start with choosing the right plants, a vital factor representing prosperity, growth, and good energy. Rounded leaves are said to be a good option, as they are supposed to bring good fortune. Also consider the plants’ color, like green, which signifies balance and health, while red, like roses, represents recognition and fame. Water is another powerful element in Feng Shui, representing wealth and abundance. Positioning your water features, like ponds or fountains, in the north, east, or southeast areas of the garden is supposed to attract positive Chi energy. The water should obviously be clean and flowing, which happens to also symbolize a steady flow of wealth.
Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in not only Feng Shui but also the atmosphere and look of your property in general. Not only does it illuminate the space and give it a whole other layer of texture and feel, but in Feng Shui, good lighting also attracts positive energy, making your outdoor spaces feel inviting, warm, sheltered, and safe. For an absolutely magical effect, consider hanging lanterns from the trees or using solar lights along your pathways. If you want to highlight special features like a majestic tree, a fountain, or something else, spotlights are a great option. Remember, the aim here is to create balance. Too much light may be overwhelming, while too little may result in areas that look much too dark, almost stagnant. This isn’t even strictly a Feng Shui thing; lighting is one of the most important aspects when it comes to anywhere in your home, often being the key factor in creating the look and feel you are actually going for.
Fences
Your fences surrounding your home also shouldn’t be ignored, as they also matter, not only to Feng Shui principles but also to the look you are going for. Your fences should have a suitable height, neither too short nor too tall, as that is said to disrupt the harmony in your garden. Go for a fence that is between 1.5 and 1.9 meters, and you should be good. Also, in the spirit of keeping everything in balance, keep your fences perfectly level and consistent in style and height. Some Chinese even believe that an uneven fence may bring bad luck or even death, so maybe, just to be safe, keep the fence level. Why risk it?
Whether you believe in Feng Shui concepts, or not at all, or just like to dabble, the look and pure vibes of a space arranged with Feng Shui principles in mind really do just feel special and different. Whether it is indoors or out, transforming your spaces into little pockets of peace, serenity, and harmony is the main aim here, of which you now have a grasp of; an idea of what to do.