Design Inspiration from the Elements
In Feng Shui one of the foundational and effective ways to support your goals is by utilizing and activating the elements.
Referred to as the wǔ xíng in Chinese philosophy, there are 5 “phases” or “elements”: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. Each represents a it’s own personality or quality and you can incorporate these in your space to support different goals.
Below is an overview of each element, including some tips and ideas for how to use each to support you.
Fire
Use for added energy, passion, and catalyst for change in your life, as well as improving reputation in your business
Design elements include red or orange colors, triangle shapes, sun imagery, horse imagery, fire and warmth such as candles or a fireplace
Tips:
Add fire elements to south sector of your home or business to improve social life and reputation
Light a candle(s) in areas that feel cold to add nourishing chi and comfort especially if you’re spending lots of time there
Earth
Use for grounding, when you need stability, support self-cultivation, or to improve health
Earthy colors (brown, light yellow, tan) and textures (pottery, wood), crystals, stones, soil, square shapes. Images of mountains and farmland
Tips:
Use in the middle of your home to support health and all areas of your life
Also useful in northeast section of home to work on wisdom and self-cultivation
Helpful to add in kitchen to mitigate the strong fire element, especially in open kitchens
Metal
Use for support in getting organized, building discipline and structure in your life, or improving leadership skills
Metallic colors (gold, silver, bronze), white, gray, reflective surfaces (mirrors, shiny surfaces), electronics, metal
Tips:
Add to west and northwest area of home for support in creativity and gaining support from your community
Add to work or study area like an office to improve productivity
Water
Use for bringing in luck in new adventures, new jobs or business opportunities
Dark blue or black colors, water features, wavy or flowy shapes, sea life imagery
Tips:
Use in north sector of home to activate luck flowing into your home
Also helpful to add to entry area of your home
Minimize adding water elements in bathrooms as it has too much water element already
Wood
Use for support in bringing in growth, expansion, and abundance in any area of your life, including money
Living beings such as plants or pets, green, purple, bright pops of color, vertical stripes, lush nature imagery such as flowers and forests
Tips:
Bring in plants to enhance any sector of your home that feels stagnant
Add to southeast sector of home to support abundance and increased wealth
Add to east sector of home for support in expanding your life and help reaching goals
