The ancient Chinese art and practice of Feng Shui aims to create a space that allows chi – the energy of the universe – to flow naturally. One way to achieve this is by filling your home with a healthy balance of the five Feng Shui elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
The wood element relates to natural growth, creativity and vibrant health.
One way to bring this element inside is to decorate with houseplants – especially ones that help purify the air, like Aloe Vera, ferns, peace lily, rubber plants, and the ones known to bring abundance such as the money tree and the bamboo. Incorporating rectangular shapes and greens, blues, and some purple into your home will increase the presence of this element. The wood element is most necessary in the feng shui bagua areas of the East, Southeast, and South.
The fire element brings about high energy levels, fuels passion, and fosters fame and recognition. A great way to introduce this element to your home is with candles and fireplaces. You could also try decorating with angular shapes like triangles and stars, as these are symbolic of the fire element. As for colours, go for fiery hues like red, burnt orange, cranberry, and bright pink. The bagua areas that benefit most from the fire element are the South and the Southwest.
The earth element helps to generate nourishment, knowledge, and stability in your life. Decorate with gorgeous stones and crystals. Terracotta planters and natural salt rock lamps are two more ways to get your earth element fix. You can also decorate with square shapes and sandy colours, including tones of yellow and brown. The earth element works best in bagua areas of the Northeast, Northwest, Southwest, West, and Centre.
The metal element helps cultivate strength, focus, and independence. Some other ways to incorporate the metal element are through picture frames, sculptures, and wind chimes. Round, oval shapes can be used as an expression of the metal element, as well as the colours white, grey, all the pastels and of course metallic tones such as silver and gold! Feng Shui bagua areas of the North, West, and Northwest are favourable for this element.
The water element is all about wealth and fluidity. Water creates a relaxing and soothing environment that promotes clarity, sensitivity, and renewal. It can be invoked through fountains, aquariums and misting. Fluid, wavy shapes, as well as the colours blue and black, are another way to incorporate the water element into your décor. This element is most welcomed in the North, East, and Southeast bagua areas.