Practising feng shui, an ancient practice dating back thousands of years, isn’t just important indoors – it can also greatly benefit your outdoor spaces.
Whether you are looking to give your home a new look with normal or heat-resistant paint, you might also want to make the most use of it, by combining a bit of good luck into it. So today, let’s talk about how to choose paint for your house according to your Feng Shui element…
What is Feng Shui?
Feng shui, which translates to “wind” and “water” in Chinese, involves arranging objects in your environment to enhance your life. While it may seem complicated, its core principle is about achieving balance and harmony. The ultimate aim is to bring good luck and prosperity to those who occupy the space.
At the heart of feng shui is the concept of yin and yang – the balance between feminine (yin) and masculine (yang) energies. Maintaining this balance ensures a smooth flow of chi, the vital life force, leading to a fulfilling life. Despite being opposites, yin and yang are interdependent, and disharmony arises when one dominates the other.
Feng shui identifies five elements, each associated with specific colours:
- Wood
- Fire
- Earth
- Metal
- Water
What is Bagua?
Bagua (pronounced “bag-wha”) is like a map for feng shui energy. It’s an octagonal grid that includes symbols from the ancient oracle, the I Ching, which feng shui draws upon. Your home’s Bagua reveals connections between different areas and how they relate to your life. By using Bagua, you can pinpoint each area and arrange items within them to improve their feng shui.
How to choose paint according to your element?
Beautiful paint colours does not only bring good luck and positive vibes but also help create a peaceful and happy environment for everyone. We’re drawing on the wisdom of Feng Shui, a practice popular among Thai people of Chinese descent, which emphasizes the balance of nature and the importance of colours in our surroundings. Feng Shui divides this balance into five elements: water, wood, fire, earth, and gold, each associated with specific colours.
Wondering which colour is best for your element? Start by visiting a website where you can check your zodiac sign and its corresponding element for accurate guidance based on Chinese Feng Shui principles.
Paint colours for those in the water element
If you’re in the water element, you’re likely a creative individual who enjoys experimenting and adapting to new surroundings. Colours that suit your vibe are cool tones like black, blue, turquoise, and emerald green. Using these colours in your home, whether on the walls inside or outside, can evoke feelings of calmness and luxury.
Paint colours for those in the wood element
The wood element symbolizes growth, much like branches reaching towards sunlight. People in this element tend to have strong social skills and enjoy attending social gatherings. Green is the colour that resonates with the wood element, whether it’s light green, dark green, or a soft brownish-green. These hues promote relaxation, reduce stress, and create a comfortable atmosphere, making them ideal for bedrooms and living rooms.
Paint colours for those in the fire element
In Feng Shui, the fire element symbolizes dynamic energy that spreads quickly. People in this element tend to be action-oriented and receive praise for their fast-paced approach. Bright colours like red, pink, purple, and other vibrant hues suit this element well, as they exude brilliance and assertiveness. Using bright colours can make a room appear more spacious and elevate the social atmosphere.
Paint colours for those in the earth element
Individuals in the Earth element are known for their calmness, reliability, and leadership qualities. Earthy tones such as various shades of brown, along with colours like orange, yellow, and cream, complement this element. These colours not only promote a sense of enthusiasm and energy but also facilitate productivity in various tasks.
Paint colours for those in the gold element
The gold element in Feng Shui represents strength and mystery. People in this element are typically rational and value justice highly. Colours that reflect strength and durability, such as gold, silver, white, bronze, and smoke grey, are ideal. These colours evoke a sense of luxury, power, and wealth for the occupants of the space.
Applying Feng Shui to your outdoor living area
Whether you enjoy spending time outdoors or simply pass through to reach your indoor sanctuary, integrating feng shui principles outside your home is key to ensuring your success and well-being. Neglecting the exterior can counteract the positive effects of indoor feng shui.
You can follow these four simple steps to apply feng shui principles outdoors:
- Exterior paint
- Front porches and doors
- Gardens
- Landscaping elements
Choose your exterior paint
When selecting paint for your home’s exterior, aim for a harmonious blend with the outdoor environment. While perfect matching isn’t always possible due to constraints like homeowner association rules or budget limitations, small adjustments can restore balance and harmony.
Observe the colours in the natural landscape and neighbouring houses. The goal isn’t to camouflage your home but to achieve subtle harmony. Adding vibrant colours as accents, like on window trim or architectural features, can attract positive energy. Consider your birth element and those of your household members when choosing colours.
Design your front porch and door
The front door plays a crucial role in feng shui, as it channels energy into your home. Ensure it’s sturdy and balanced to encourage a smooth energy flow. The door’s colour should complement its opening direction for optimal harmony. Refer to the chart below for guidance on suitable and unsuitable colours based on directional alignment.
Directional colours for good energy
| Facing Direction | Compatible Colors | Incompatible Colors |
| East | GreenBrownWood tones | BlackBluePurple |
| South | YellowPurpleOrange | GreenBrownWood tones |
| West | WhiteGreyMetallic colors | YellowBeigeEarthy colors |
| North | BlackBlue | WhiteGreyMetallic colors |
Maintain the door’s condition to prevent negative energy accumulation by repairing any chips or cracks and keeping it clean and well-oiled.
Create balance in your garden
Implementing feng shui principles in your garden can enhance its beauty and invite positive energy into your life. The size of your garden isn’t as crucial as its layout, health, and design. By utilizing your Bagua and understanding the five elements, you can create a harmonious feng shui garden. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:
- The northeast area of your garden, associated with personal growth, benefits from earth elements. Consider incorporating a Zen garden with rock formations in this area.
- Water features are best placed on the southeast, east, or north side of the garden.
- Design curving pathways to facilitate the proper flow of Chi energy.
- Use wind chimes to infuse the air with healing vibrations.
- Incorporate colours based on the five elements, similar to selecting colours for your front door.
Add landscaping elements
Your landscaping, much like your garden, doesn’t rely on the size of your space but rather on the quality of what you have. Your entire outdoor area can benefit from proper feng shui. Here’s what you need to know:
North: Linked to your career path, so consider incorporating water features, such as bird baths, in this area. Deep blues and blacks work well for this zone.
Northeast: Centered on spiritual growth and knowledge, this area is ideal for beautiful views and seating arrangements.
East: Represents health and longevity, so keep this space lush and green. Ornamental trees can enhance the east-side landscaping.
Southeast: Symbolizes money and abundance. Purple and gold accents work best here, along with wooden ornaments and water features.
South: Associated with fire, perfect for your grill or fire pit. Position it near your patio or pergola for outdoor entertaining.
Southwest: Focuses on love and relationships. A cosy bench or swing can create a welcoming atmosphere. Opt for colours like pink, red, and yellow.
West: Encourages creativity, making it suitable for a designated children’s area.
Northwest: Linked to new people and travel. Keep this space open and welcoming, with metal elements and colours like grey and white.
Final thought
Feng Shui offers valuable guidance for choosing interior colours in your home. By understanding the energy and function of each room and striking the right colour balance, you can craft a harmonious living environment.
With some know-how and experimentation on painting and decorating, colour choices can elevate your home’s atmosphere to new heights!
