Sharon L. Hibbard, CID
Feng Shui incorporates five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each element invokes a different mood or attribute. When you incorporate all five elements into every room design - enhancing specific elements according to your unique objectives, you can create a customized space that is beneficial for your family's personal needs and goals.
Wood - represents the rising sun. It has an active energy, and it evokes the power of creativity and expansion. You can use wooden objects to promote motivation, inspiration, and passion. To add more wood energy to a room, use vertical shapes.
Fire - is seen as the most powerful of all the elements. Fire represents energy and passion. To increase the fire element in your space, add candles, animal prints, and shades of red, pink and purple.
READ MORE: Bring nature into your home
Earth/Soil - resembles the secure energy of the setting sun. It generates an overall feeling of balance and stability. If you feel disorganized or unfocused, your space could use some earth elements. Look for anything in earth tones, and use images of calm landscapes.
Metal - affects mental clarity and logic. The right amount of metal in a room can help you feel organized and focused. To enhance a space with the metal element, choose round or oval shapes; use white, gray, or silver colors; and use metal materials like steel, iron, or aluminum.
Water - influences spirituality and emotions. A balance of water brings about inspiration, wisdom, and insightfulness. For water energy, add deep colors, reflective surfaces, and wavy shapes. Water features, such as aquariums and fountains, also work well.
Play around a little, adjusting your rooms until you create the perfect atmosphere for you.
Sharon L. Hibbard, formerly from the Hudson Valley, has over 20 years of professional design experience and an international network of preferred manufacturers and suppliers.