Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice and system of aesthetics that utilizes chi or Qi, energy, from both heaven and earth to improve life by receiving and directing this energy into your lifestyle.

Feng Shui is said to influence the lives of people because of redirected these energy levels. This belief system is made up of five elements: earth, fire, metal, wood and water. These elements dominate your environment and since we live in a colorful world different colors are an expression of each component.

Color and item placement gives us a sense of harmony and balance. We can open our lives to positive energy by displaying Feng Shui colors related to the elements in our living and work space.

Combined with photographic images, Feng Shui broadens this spectrum of harmony and balance with a greater sensory appeal. Inspirational nature photography specifically brings outdoor grandeur indoors with splashes of positive energy.

According to Fen Shui practice there are two types of energy, yin and yang. Yin energy is passive and promotes a calm relaxing environment. Yang is a more agitated source of non-passive energy.

Yin colors are black, blue, white, pink, purple and green.

Yang colors are orange, maroon, red brown, yellow, tan, beige, mauve and gold.

What do color elements mean?

Fire color elements: Colors associated with the element of fire are of course red, then orange, yellow, purple, pink and violet.

Pink is the color of healing. It is associated with deep feelings of self-respect and a personal sense of self-awareness.

Red promotes wealth and prosperity. A most active color it is associated with fame, happiness, love and relationships. Red generates strength within an individual. Too much of this stimulating color encourages aggression, fear and anger. Think of this balance when using red in wall décor presentation.

Another yang color is orange and can be used to strengthen creativity and concentration. It is a positive color that promotes enthusiasm and ambition. Too much leads to restlessness and nervousness.

Purple supports mental and physical healing. It is a calming color and is associated with spiritual awareness, dignity and wisdom.

A more soothing color of a spiritual nature is violet. It has a soothing nature and can help calm symptoms of mental illness and hunger. Too much of this color advances prejudice and a sense of snobbery.

A color associated with insight, creativity, joy and wisdom is yellow. This bright color can help lift you mood and enhance a feeling of well being.

Earth Element Colors

Pale earth tones are unifying and can be used anywhere.

Metal Element Colors

Colors that are associated with metal are white, silver, gold and grey. Gold is associated with wealth, wisdom and prosperity. It encourages good health and success. Grey stabilizes and has a calming effect because it is neutral.

White promotes creativity, love and relationships. It is associated with travel, purity and confidence. Used with gold and silver it generates calmness. Since white blends with all colors it promotes harmony and purity. Too much white gives an unfriendly feeling.

Water Element Colors

Black and blue are associated with the element of water. Black is associated with knowledge, life paths and skills. Used with metals it promotes money. It is the color of power and emotional protection.

The yin color of energy is blue. Blue is calm and soothing. It reflects love and aids in bringing about healing and relaxation. Blue promotes feelings of trust and peace. Blue is linked with adventure and travel exploration.

Wood Element Colors

Allied with the element of wood are the colors of green and brown. Brown is linked with security and safety.

Green is a restful color that supports balance, relief of pain and healing. Too much green can lead to depression, selfishness and jealousy.

So in theory the stronger the color the less you need to achieve what your intent is. Colors are used to attain specific energy levels, to enhance and to maintain. Large areas should be pale with smaller surfaces reserved for accent colors. If you do not like a certain color do not use it with your décor. Personal preferences are just as important in realizing your desired decorating purposes.

I have used photographic images of nature to illustrate color meanings involved with Feng Shui. Incorporating nature indoors helps create a comfortable ambience in your home, the work place, health care facilities, conference rooms and public spaces in general.

All photographs used in this entry are copyrighted by Scherr Images, Inc. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the written permission of Scherr Images, Inc. Contact: greg@scherrimages.com