Feng Shui Today

Red is Hot: Color trends can find a place in feng shui

Dear Sylvia and Connie,
As an interior designer who has studied feng shui, I often find myself confused about whether to follow certain color trends or ignore them. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Leslie B.,
Winfield, IL

Dear Leslie,
According to Margaret Walch, director of the New York-based color-forecasting group, The Color Association of the United States, the hot color for the next few years is red. The reason for the popularity of red, according to Ms. Walch, is that "In uncertain times, red can act like a shield, both bold and comforting… I think we're nervous about the future right now, unsure of what's coming." She goes on to say that the reds that are being used are warm, comforting shades and reflect a "more traditional view of the world."

Feng shui doesn't give much credence to trends or fads. Instead, color is used to provide an emotional, spiritual, or physical benefit and draws upon either color research or the meanings or messages of certain colors as they relate to the five elements of wood (green), fire (any shade of red), earth (yellow, browns and other earth colors), metal (white, silver, grays) and water (deep blue or black).

In this instance, however, Ms. Walch's reasoning has relevance from a feng shui perspective because we must take heed of meeting our client's most basic need for security. The recent election revealed that the number-one citizen concern is the threat of terrorism. This, coupled with job insecurity brought about by downsizing and outsourcing, makes it apparent that people do share a concern about the future, unsure of what is to come.

Here is a tip: Look beyond the most recent color trends or fads. Find out if the popular color is an indicator that reflects society's fears and concerns or maybe its hopes and confidence. Also pay attention to the needs being mentioned. If a "comforting" red is needed, look to the warmer shades of orange-reds as opposed to the blue-reds.

Do color trends have a place in the realm of feng shui? They do indeed if the information can be used to help people feel secure, stable and comforted in their environments. After all, providing a sense of safety is one of the primary goals of feng shui.

Sylvia and Connie

Sylvia Watson, FSII and Connie Spruill, MA, FSII are co-authors of Feng Shui with What You Have and owners of Healing Environments with Feng Shui, Inc. They are also managing directors of the Feng Shui Institute of America, LLC (www.windwater.com). They offer workshops to the public at the Upper Arlington Lifelong Learning Center and corporate in-house seminars.

Sylvia and Connie look forward to your questions regarding feng shui. Please send them to healenvir@sbcglobal.net.