Yin and Yang
In Feng Shui, each color is associated with one of the five elements:
- Earth :
- Wood ;
- Fire ;
- The water :
- Metal.
They also fall into two main categories: Yin and Yang.
Yin is the feminine principle, attached to creativity, imagination, kindness, gentleness and sensitivity. Yang is the masculine principle, and it is attached to focus, precision, and alertness.
In a Feng Shui interior, the associations of colors aim to achieve a perfect balance between Yin and Yang. However, depending on your specific needs or the use of the room, it is possible to play with the colors to create a predominantly Yin or Yang atmosphere.
The Yin colors of Feng Shui
Matte black, brown, beige and ocher are shades that are considered “masculine” in the West. In Asia, however, these colors are associated with the earth (the mother), and they do count among the yin colors.
The color of the earth par excellence, brown promotes rooting and stability. This color is associated with a pragmatic reflection: it is required to have “your feet on the ground”. It is therefore frequently used in the office. It is also appreciated by small touches in the living room.
Matte black evokes more contemplation, introspection and mystery. It is preferably used as a secondary color, usually in rooms such as the office or library.
Beige is particularly suited to the living room, where we find ourselves as well as lovers, family or friends, because it promotes relationships.
The Yang colors of Feng Shui
Shades of silvery gray and, of course, the color silver itself, are associated with yang (the father).
The color silver symbolizes wisdom gained through experience, as well as self-assurance. This color, which is preferably used in small touches, finds its place more particularly in the office, where it is readily associated with brown or white. However, it can be used in different rooms, especially in the living room.
The Yin and Yang colors of Feng Shui
Many colors have a yin facet and a yang facet: a subtlety that must be taken into account to achieve a Feng Shui interior!
Bright white is a color associated with the earth, and it symbolizes the mountains and the end of winter. Promoting dynamism and openness, it is also known to encourage confidence and a competitive spirit. This color is therefore recommended in spaces dedicated to studies and in professional premises, in particular shops.
In Feng Shui, we also recommend white in the bathroom, because it allows to purify the mind. It is therefore the ideal shade for a space intended to cleanse the body and the mind!
The lacquered colors – from cream to very shiny black – are associated with water and night. They lend themselves to healing the body as well as the mind. They are therefore readily adopted in the kitchen, where food is prepared, essential for good health according to the precepts of Chinese medicine.
Shades that range from orange-red to brown, as well as the color pink, are associated with metal and symbolize the girl. In Feng Shui, we recommend these colors in the bedroom, because they are suitable for banter. These colors are associated with the end of the day, and with the harvest: they are therefore recommended in the office, especially for people lacking a little perseverance.
Ardent and passionate, bright red is attached to fire. In Feng Shui, it is recommended to use it in small touches, to bring dynamism. This color should be avoided in spaces dedicated to rest, such as the bedroom or the bathroom. It will be used more in the living room or in the kitchen, especially if these rooms lack a little light.
In Feng Shui, bright green is associated with spring, morning and thunder. Color of confidence and assurance, it promotes new projects, as well as attention and concentration. This color is recommended in the children’s room, because it promotes awakening. But, be careful to dose well: in excess, it can promote anger!
Shades ranging from deep green to blue are associated with wood and wind. In Feng Shui, these nuances are used to create a positive atmosphere, conducive to the imagination and creativity. They are therefore among the popular colors for children’s rooms, as well as for spaces dedicated to creative leisure or music.
The particular case of yellow and orange
Neither yin nor yang, yellow and orange are considered to be the most formidable colors in Feng Shui, as they are known to create the most powerful Chi.
We use yellow or orange with the greatest parsimony. To adopt these demanding nuances, we opt for a colorful piece of furniture or a few touches on the wallpaper.