Feng Shui House Paint Colors

The ancient Chinese theory of feng shui entails the placement of items in a space to harmonize with your personal energy or chi. Its energy theory combines the five elements of nature--wood, fire, earth and metal and water--each of which represents a specific color. The purpose of feng shui is to achieve balance between your inner self and the environment, making your home an extension of your energy.

Five Elements
Feng shui's five elements represent natural components that are related and dependent. Wood symbolizes growth and renewal while the earth represents stability. Metal results in heightened purity and mental prowess. A fire element means power and intensity, and water inspires and relaxes.

Creative Cycle
Feng shui strives to establish a balance of the five elements in a creative cycle. Wood feeds a fire and its ashes make the earth. Metal or minerals come from the earth then the metal makes an object to hold water. Finally, water nurtures the wood or trees as the cycle continues.

Wood: Green
New growth is the meaning of green, a healing color that rejuvenates the human spirit. Jade crystals placed in a bowl in a room is a favorite feng shui technique. Bedrooms--especially for seniors--kitchens and living rooms commonly utilize green hues.

Fire: Red
Red is the color of fire and represents vitality, strength and warmth. It can invigorate an area in the form of red pillows, a red chair and a lampshade and candles. A study and a dining room are both appropriate areas for red. Since red is a powerful color, feng shui uses it sparingly.

Earth: Yellow
Yellow is an earthtone color that signifies balance, stability and health. It is associated with the sun, which disperses evil forces. Yellow's uplifting effect works well in the living room and kitchen. Soft yellow is the best choice for an adult bedroom, while a brighter yellow makes a good choice for a child's room.

Metal: White
The color white represents purity, spirituality, intellect and cleanliness. White walls and accessories result in a calming effect that makes it an excellent selection in a bathroom. White is the best color in feng shui to accent all other colors in accessories such as frames, towels, pillows and more.

Water: Blue
The color of water, blue creates a relaxing and clarifying effect. The word associated with blue is stillness, as in the calm necessary to gain insight. Blue is the most common accessory color in feng shui and combines well with yellow or white. Blue is a good choice for the bathroom or any room with less activity.