Feng Shui & the Psychology of Colour: Crafting a Relaxed Home Environment in Your Living Area and Bedroom

Posted on August 12, 2023 by Derelle Ball

Colours don't just decorate our spaces; they deeply influence our mood and emotions. Have you ever pondered why you might feel a wave of calm in one room and a burst of energy in another? Often, these feelings are a direct consequence of the colours surrounding you. 

The study of colour psychology offers insights into these reactions, shedding light on how hues interact with human emotions and behaviour. In relaxation-focused spaces like the living room and bedroom, understanding and selecting the right colours is of prime importance. This article explores the connection between Feng Shui and colour psychology for creating harmonious energy flow in your home.

Understanding the Psychology Behind Colour

Colours have the inherent power to evoke a spectrum of emotions, from tranquility and warmth to vibrancy and zest. These reactions stem from a mix of societal interpretations and nature's inherent signals.

Blue: Reflective of the sky and ocean, blue is synonymous with calm and peace. It has been observed to decrease heart rate and blood pressure, offering a serene environment.

Green: Mirroring nature, green induces feelings of rejuvenation and balance. It's like bringing a piece of the tranquil outdoors into your home.

Yellow: Often associated with sunshine, yellow radiates positivity, optimism, and happiness. It can stimulate mental processes and invigorate spaces. However, it's important to choose the right shade; while soft yellows can be cheerful and inviting, overly bright yellows might be too intense and can induce feelings of agitation.

Red: Often linked to passion and dynamism, red is energetic. In muted shades or when used as an accent, it can introduce warmth to a room. 

However, tread carefully with shades from the red spectrum and stick to small touches unless you are absolutely certain about the inherent Feng Shui energy flow affecting the space because dominant Fire element colour can have a very negative effect if the inherent energy flow is not supportive when connected to Fire element colour or form. 

For example, DO NOT assume that by painting a Southwest sector wall in your home (or far right corner walls in a room) a deep pink or red colour will automatically attract love energy to you.  Over the past 23 years of my Feng Shui consultancy, I have seen plenty of examples where clients have mistakenly fallen for this false ‘love energiser’ advice according to the New Age symbolic fixed Bagua methodology.   This in turn lead to very negative results for the individual, depending on the inherent Fei Xing Feng Shui energy flow and influence of the surrounding landform.  

In some cases, incorporating Fire element colour can be enhancing for health or wealth, however it all depends on the inherent Feng Shui energy flow and influence of the surrounding landform.  Out of all the elements, treat Fire element colour and form with the most care because Fire feeds Earth and sickness Qi tends to connect more quickly to the influence of the 2 and 5 Earth stars in particular.

Your Living Area: Heart of the Home

Blue: Ranging from gentle sky hues to deeper teals, blue in the living room fosters peaceful conversations and a calm ambiance.

Green: Sage or fern can infuse calm, while hues like forest green add depth, and shades like mint provide a breezy feel.

Soft Neutrals: Colours like beige, taupe, and light grey offer a calm backdrop, allowing other hues and décor elements to stand out.

Adding Accent Colour via Furnishings and Décor: From artworks to rugs and cushions, using colour-rich décor items is an effective way to introduce or accentuate your desired palette without a significant commitment that could otherwise unbalance the inherent Feng Shui energy flow.

Natural Elements: Incorporate plants or natural wooden furniture. They not only bring colour and a sense of warmth but can also enhance the room's overall mood.

Crafting Harmony and Comfort in the Bedroom

Your bedroom is not just a place to rest your head after a long day. It's a sanctuary, a refuge from the daily hustle. It's where we rejuvenate and recharge. Therefore, creating a sense of harmony and comfort becomes imperative. While furniture and layout play their roles, the subtle influences of colour and texture can dramatically transform the ambiance. Let's explore how you can craft a bedroom that cocoons you in tranquility and warmth.

Shades of Serenity: Selecting the right colours can make or break the energy of a bedroom. Opt for colours that induce a sense of calmness and relaxation. Pastel hues like soft lilacs, muted greens, or hazy blues can instantly relax the mind. Earthy tones, such as beige or taupe, convey warmth and grounding energy. If you're more inclined towards vibrancy, consider using brighter colours as accent tones. A burst of sunflower yellow or a dash of turquoise can lift the mood without overwhelming the senses.

The Magic of Texture: Texture, often an underrated design element, can profoundly influence comfort. The feel of your surroundings can be as impactful as its appearance.

• Soft Fabrics: Incorporate plush fabrics like velvet or chenille for cushions or bed throws. Not only do they look luxurious, but their tactile sensation also amplifies comfort.
• Layered Bedding: Consider using varying layers of softness on the bed. A silky bedsheet, topped with a soft quilt and a chunky knit blanket, can add depth and an inviting allure.
• Natural Materials: Elements like jute, linen, or wool can introduce an organic touch, making the space feel more grounded and connected to nature.

Pattern Play: While choosing patterns, opt for those that resonate with tranquility and harmony. Gentle florals, undulating waves, or even abstract patterns with softer edges can set the tone for relaxation.

Embellishments and Accents: Elements like fringes, tassels, or embroidery can further enhance the texture palette of the bedroom. A delicately embroidered cushion or a rug with fringe detailing can add a touch of opulence without being overly ornate.

Coalescing Colour and Texture: Remember, it's about balance. If you're opting for richer textures, keep the colour palette subdued and vice versa. A velvet emerald-green cushion can become the focal point in a neutral-toned room. Alternatively, a monochrome setting can be uplifted with varied textural elements such as sleek satin pillows and a soft faux fur throw - LOL now try saying "soft faux fur throw" fast 3 x times :-) 

Feng Shui Guide for Harmony with Colour

In Feng Shui, it is also believed that harmony can be maintained by paying attention to the gradient of colour from floor to ceiling.

Flooring – The Darkest Tone: The floor represents the grounding element in Feng Shui. Using darker colours like deep browns or charcoals can symbolize stability and grounding. Think of the earth and how it provides a strong foundation.

Walls – Neutral or Mid-Tones: As the intermediary between the floor and ceiling, walls should have a balanced tone. Opting for neutrals or middle shades provides a sense of balance and continuity, connecting the grounding energies from the floor with the lighter, uplifting energies of the ceiling.

Ceiling – The Lightest Shade: The ceiling represents the sky and heavens in Feng Shui. Lighter shades like soft whites or creams on the ceiling symbolize endless possibilities and upliftment. It's like gazing up at a clear, expansive sky.

Metal Element: A Feng Shui Shield Against Misfortune Energy

In the realm of Feng Shui, the world thrives on the harmony and balance of the Five Elements - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each of these elements, with their unique characteristics, influences the energy, or Qi, of our spaces. Two of the Earth energies, correlated to the Qi of 2 and 5, are often linked to potential illness and misfortune energy depending on their location and whether or not they are strengthened by the surrounding landform. To weaken the potential to attract sickness Qi, Metal element becomes a useful addition.

Metal element, with its cool, reflective attributes, serves as a powerful antidote to counterbalance the dense and heavy energy of negative Earth stars. When used judiciously, Metal not only transforms and uplifts the Qi of the space but also acts as a protective shield against inherent or visiting misfortune Qi.  Note: protective Metal element can also be produced via the sound of gentle, relaxing piano music.

Colours of Protection: The shades associated with Metal element play an important role in diffusing inauspicious earth energies. Incorporating colours like white, gold, silver, golden yellow, brass, bronze or pewter into your décor palette can usher in a protective aura. For instance, a golden-yellow throw pillow or a silver wall accent can subtly integrate this safeguarding element.

Curves and Rounds – Embracing Smooth Forms: The form is as potent as colour in Feng Shui. Earth energy is square, heavy and grounding. To counterbalance this, Metal element should be curved, circular and devoid of sharp edges. Integrating curved and round shaped metallic objects can serve as effective conduits to help break down dense earth energies and elevate the room's vibration. Consider placing rounded brass bowls, curvy pewter vases, or even metallic art pieces with sinuous designs.

Patterns that Radiate Harmony: Patterns, in Feng Shui, are not merely for visual delight. They can channel energies associated with the elements. To bolster the protective attributes of Metal, consider adding patterns that emulate its characteristics. Circles, spirals, and any motif that reflects continuity and cyclic flow can be integrated. This could be in the form of wallpapers, fabrics, or even floor designs.

Combining Metal with Water: While Metal is powerful, a synergy between harmonious elements can create a sense of calm and protection simultaneously, (especially in a location affected by a hot, dry earth energy combination such as 5+9 or 2+7 according to the Fei Xing/Flying Stars Feng Shui of the space).

For example, in a location with a favourable water star and negative Earth Qi, a water feature combined with Metal element like a bronze or brass basin can enhance the protective properties. Water, with its fluid nature, complements Metal's deflective characteristics. 

If the reverse applies and the inherent water star energy in a specific location contains a negative 2 or 5 earth Qi then a combination of Metal and Water element colour such as black and white artwork, gold and navy cushions or a dark blue and silver table runner can help calm and balance the energy flow.

In essence, the age-old wisdom of Feng Shui offers remedies that are not just metaphysical but are rooted in enhancing the tangible, aesthetic appeal of spaces. By introducing Metal element colour and form, one not only crafts a visually appealing environment but also ensures it radiates with protective and harmonious energies. As you embrace these principles, you create an abode that stands as a sanctuary against misfortune, ensuring well-being and prosperity reign supreme.

In wrapping up, colour is much more than a design choice. It's a powerful tool that can shape our emotions and behaviours, especially in the sanctuary of our homes. By understanding the psychology of colour, we can make informed choices that foster relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall wellbeing.

Enhance the health, wealth and nurturing Feng Shui potential of your home with a detailed user-friendly Feng Shui Report.  For further information visit: Off-Site Residential Feng Shui Consultation.  

Posted in bedroom colours, feng shui, feng shui bedroom colour, feng shui colour, feng shui colour rules, feng shui harmony, protective feng shui colours

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