Feng Shui is an interior design method that aims to harmonise humans with the environment. Harmony is achieved by positioning furniture in accordance with universal energy flow.
But does it really work?
Although there is no scientific evidence that Feng Shui actually works. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that people are affected by their environments.
Before you dismiss Feng Shui as a product of myth and legend, those who advocate on the behalf of the Feng Shui Masters report that implementing Feng Shui techniques have to lead them to better health, wealth and luck.
Here we will take a deep dive into the theory of Feng Shui, what it is, and how you can use it to improve your space and sense of wellbeing.
Feng Shui: A Brief Overview
Feng Shui is primarily based on the Taoist theory of Chi. Chi is the Chinese name for universal energy, and without Chi, there can be no Feng Shui.
Feng Shui was developed and practised in China during the ninth century BC and despite the lack of material evidence of its effectiveness, it remains a popular interior design method until this day.
Feng shui works across the five elements of wood, fire, earth, water and air. The key to Feng Shui is to invite the universal elements into your living space with the optimized placement of furniture.
How To Feng Shui Your Workspace
When many people think of Feng Shui, airy living rooms and beautiful boudoirs come to mind, but you can Feng Shui in your office and the masters of Chi highly recommend that you do so.
Feng Shui master Adelina Pang suggests that you should practice Feng Shui not only to attract positive energy into your workspace but to preserve it too.
Below are some of the core principles for Feng Shui in the office.
Colours
The primary feature of a Feng Shui office is colour. Whether or not you believe in Chi or energy flow, there is no doubt that the colour of the room has a direct effect on your mood.
Red
Red is a stimulating colour that can be useful for times when you need to take action and act quickly. However too much red can send you into overdrive, encourage you to overwork and result in mistakes and burnout.
Orange
Orange is a passionate colour that promotes happiness and contentment. Orange offices are great for those who partake in design and creative work, it can help keep you alert and engaged.
Green
Green is the colour of growth and new beginnings. A green office is a great choice for anyone starting a new business, acquiring a new skill or expanding their current workload. Green also promotes healing and rejuvenation.
Black
Black is the colour of mystery, intrigue and the unknown. Primarily the colour of chaos, black encourages inward reflection and contemplation.
While it may not be advisable to paint your office walls entirely black, introducing black accents can help balance the mood of your room, especially if your work requires deep thinking.
White
White is the most common office wall colour for a reason, it promotes communication, teamwork and mental clarity. Since white is where all colours meet, it is an essential colour for cooperation and harmony.
Other Colours and their Feng Shui meaning:
- Brown: Security and stability
- Pink: Love and romance
- Grey: Balance and practicality
- Purple: Prosperity and adventure
- Deep Blue: Wisdom and culture
Furniture Placements
While possible Feng Shui furniture placements are innumerable, there are some core principles that should be followed to activate your office Chi and design your workspace Feng Shui way.
The Power Position
According to Feng Shui experts, you should always place your desk in the ‘Power Position’. The Power position is the furthest point away from the entrance to the room, facing the door.
Choose Your Chair Wisely
In Feng Shui, the style of your chair is as much to do with how your chair makes you feel as it does in supporting your body.
High-backed chairs like the Flexi-Chair Oka Office Chair are highly recommended for energy balance and to promote protection while you conduct your workday.
Backs To The Wall
If possible, place your desk and chair so that your back is facing a solid wall - preferably a wall with wooden cladding as wood promotes stability and security.
If this is not possible, then place lush plants behind you. Plants support mental activity and give you an extra karmic boost.
Materials
In Feng Shui, what you choose to decorate your office with is just as important as how you place them, if not more.
The nature of the objects in your room is a direct reflection of the elements. It is advised to have at least one representative of each element in the room to achieve ultimate balance and harmony in your space.
Wood
Wood is the first element in Feng Shui. It represents the root and promotes vitality, kindness, and growth. Having wooden objects or wooden furniture in your room will stabilise your environment.
Water
Water is the symbol of prosperity, and flowing water represents income. Install a small water feature in your office to maximise the symbolic benefits of water.
Fire
Fire is hard to incorporate into any living space safely. Other than installing a fireplace within your office, having actual fire can be dangerous. But fear not, representations of fire can be just as effective. Fire represents passion, warmth and devotion to your work.
Earth
Earth helps you to manifest knowledge and wisdom. It’s a great support for decision-making processes. The easiest way to bring earth elements into your office is with potted plants. If you do not have space for plants then smaller objects like sand timers will do the trick.
Air
The air element helps you to manage emotions and stimulate mental power. Encourage the air element by avoiding clutter and choosing a room with large open windows that let in a lot of natural light.
Feng Shui is about creating a space that makes you feel comfortable and confident. The ideal Feng Shui space differs depending on the individual and their desires.
If you have a highly creative job then you will have different Feng Shui needs to someone who works with numbers and spreadsheets. If your job requires teamwork, then you will benefit from a different environment to those who primarily work by themselves.
If all else fails and you do not feel the Feng Shui vibe, at the very least you will have a beautiful office that is designed with your needs in mind.
