The appropriate use of colour in our homes can be very therapeutic. We all respond to colours in different ways, just like in colour therapy. Feng Shui takes the use of colour to the next level, where each colour brings a different energy to our homes with the aim to create harmony and balance. Depending on the energy you seek for a certain space, there is a specific colour/colours you can select that will provide that energy.

Which colour is best for our living rooms? Is red an ideal colour for our bedrooms? And what about white walls in the kid’s rooms? …

To answer these questions, we first need to understand the effects of colours and energies in Feng Shui. Our go to expert in this field is Simone Osswald of SO Feng Shui Design, who tells us that Feng Shui identifies 5 particular energies which are known as, ‘The 5 Elements of Feng Shui‘.  

Over to you Simone! …

Simone Osswald, Founder of So Feng Shui Design

Fire

Not surprisingly, fire is a vibrant and powerful energy that stands for passion, joy and excitement and is represented by the colours red, orange, pink and purple.

Earth

A grounding and nourishing energy which brings the quality of strength and stability and is represented by earthy colours such as yellow, beige, brown and terra cotta.

 Metal

A sharp and cold energy that stands for loyalty and clarity and is represented by all pastel hued colours such as white, light grey and metal colours including gold, silver, metallic and other shiny colours.

Water

A cleansing and invigorating energy that enhances abundance, relaxation and freshness and is represented by black, dark grey and very dark blue colours.

Wood

An uplifting and creative energy that supports health, growth and vitality and is represented by the colours green and blue.

So, now we understand what these energies and colours represent, which colours do we feel are best suited to the spaces we have in our own homes?

Although there is no fixed general rule on which colours should be used in specific rooms, understanding the energies of colours makes it easier for us to choose a colour, or even a combination of colours, to promote the mood we would like to create in certain spaces.

For example, white in a bedroom would not be the ideal choice for a relaxing and calming atmosphere as it may feel too cold and sterile. While, earthy and beige colours would be more suitable to promote a safe and grounding environment. Kids rooms would benefit most from green and blue colours to enhance their creativity, while a touch of red, orange or pink brings more romance to adult bedrooms. In an office space, sharpness and thinking will be encouraged when decorated with white tones.

The secret of creating a harmonious spaces lies though in the right balance of energies and use of colours. We don’t have to paint all bedroom walls in red to benefit from more romance in our lives, it can be the mere limited, but still noticeable, presence of red, introduced by cushions, bedspreads or even rugs.

Thanks Simone! If you’ve just moved into a new home and you’re looking to decorate, or perhaps you’re wanting to makeover your current home, why not engage with a Feng Shui expert, such as Simone, to ensure the colours you choose not only reflect your personality, but also bring you peace, balance and create the perfect ‘home sweet home’. 

For more of our industry expert tips and advice, click here. Have any questions for Simone? Feel free to leave them in the comments below.

Photo credit: David A. Land  / roomfortuesday.com / livingroomideas.com / houseandhome.com / noglitternoglory.com