The Art of Feng Shui
Kitschy New Age trend, or ancient mystic art? Fleeting fad, or key to mankind’s happiness? The verdict is still out on feng shui in the modern world, but after over 3,000 years of practice in China, it is still extremely important throughout Asia, inspiring not only free-thinking Western hippies, but major developers like Disney Corp. and Donald Trump. The abundance of aspects, interpretations, and schools of feng shui make its applications very diverse, so you can use feng shui to redesign a room or house without looking like a copycat. And history has proven that it will not go out of style.
Feng shui, literally “wind-water,” is a method of geometrical arrangement dictated by the powers of Heaven and Earth. According to ancient Chinese astrology, the land is swirling with qi—life force or energy flow—and humans can organize their lives and homes to tap into this positive energy. Good qi will bring your home health, peace, and good fortune. Imagine your home’s qi like water: if a river was to rush through your front door, would it immediately flow out another door or window and flood one place, or would it spread evenly around your home, flowing serenely through the halls and open spaces? Of course, the most essential part of creating this harmony is the placement of walls, but as these are perhaps the hardest things to alter in your home, walls that block energy can be decorated to inspire energy instead. Feng shui has many suggestions for this: paint a mural on a wall that blocks energy, put a fountain in an enclosed room, never place a mirror facing the front door, and many more.
Another key aspect of feng shui is balancing its five elements: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. Each element evokes its own colors and emotions, and placing these elements in relevant and organized parts of the house ensures good qi. Fire, reflected by hearths, candles, and the color red, inspires passion and inner warmth; it is appropriate in work spaces, family rooms, and bedrooms. Earth, evoked with earthy and sandy colors, cultivates stability and nourishment, and is appropriate for dining and relaxation rooms. Chromatic objects and gray and white hues characterize Metal, the element of precision, efficiency, and clarity that should be placed in work and study spaces. Blues and blacks evoke Water—as well as the water in fountains and fish tanks—which evokes calm, purity, ease, and abundance, appropriate for bathrooms or kitchens. And finally Wood, reflected with browns, greens, plants, and wooden objects, inspires vitality and growth, great for bedrooms and the home’s open spaces.
How to use this Information
This is a very basic introduction to the deep, nuanced art of feng shui, but if you are looking for more qi in your home, Sloane’s Carpet Secret can help you out. Browse our wholesale carpet prices and discount rugs and you will surely find something of the right size and color to harmonize your home.
Share your feng shui tips and experiences, and how your Denver rug and carpet retailer helped you design the room or home of your dreams. Good fortunes to you!