The Rural Voice, 1998-06, Page 52Home Decorating
Ancient Chinese art makes life less stressful
By Patti Robertson
Although my life has always been
"inspired by design", it was not until
approximately seven years ago that I
channeled my inspiration into a com-
mitment to assist people in creating
empowering spaces and surroundings
in which to work, learn, live and love
— areas which nurture one so as to
direct one's strength towards
achieving "what is necessary".
In many ways my work is
assisting people with ways to beat,
and be less stressed with, the rat race
which we have all become caught up
in! With my natural design interest
and my education in the field, I
suppose it should be no surprise that I
was introduced to "Feng Shui".
Dating back to 206 BC, Feng Shui,
(pronounced fung shway) is the
ancient Chinese system of creating
harmonious surroundings and
enabling the occupants of a living or
working space to be in good health,
prosperous and truly happy with their
lives ... isn't this what we all crave?
Fcng Shui students are taught the
Chinese art of placement. The basic
element of this art is "chi". Chi is
considered the life giving, positive
energy force that the Chinese believe
flows through one's body and all
surroundings. Negative energy is
known as "Sha Chi" and this negative
force and energy drain come into
play by the misplacement of objects
both natural and man made. Sha Chi,
for example is present in the midst of
clutter, and unorganized spaces or
when an apartment is placed directly
across from an elevator shaft, or a
garbage chute, or when a home has
been sited too near high tension
power lines or transmitters, or when
it is enclosed by overpowering
shrubbery or fences.
When there is a ceiling beam
located directly over a couple's bed it
is sten as being a divider in the
relationship. Usually, if you slow
down and truly look around you,
there will be confusing and disruptive
feelings to an area when "Chi" is not
present. So, now that I've got you
scratching your noggin, wondering
"what is she talking about?" I'll
attempt to give you a mini crash -
48 THE RURAL VOICE
course in Feng Shui, which you can
experiment with easily and in a
relatively cost effective way within
your own home.
Your bedroom would be a great
starting point. To create Chi in one's
bedroom, which will influence health
and well bcing through quality of
sleep, one's
bed should be
positioned,
opposite to the
entrance door,
so as to control
(by seeing)
who or what
enters your
bedroom. If the
door opcns
directly onto
the bed, energy
is drained.
Furniture and
accessories
around the bed
should not be too large for the scale
of the bed or the room, which would
create a heavy, enclosing effect, and
crowd your senses and spirit and keep
the natural flow of energy from
occurring. If you store stuff under
your bed, this too can have a negative
effect and possibly lead to back aches
as once again Chi cannot flow freely.
Banish all clutter, work for easy
and effective ways to keep clothing
and brik-a-brak off the floor and
surfaces, allowing positive energy
flow! Paint or paper your walls in
muted pastel tones of your choice to
create a backdrop of warmth and
tranquility. Pastel floral prints are
considered very beneficial.
Strong overhead lighting needs to
be used only if absolutely necessary.
Instead use genteel accent -type
lighting. (My personal favourite is
"pink light bulbs" which add
soothing charm in any area.) Add
accessories, with a light touch, so as
to blend with the decor, that have
special or sentimental meaning to
you.
Interior water fountains, pendulum
clocks, wind chimes, green plants and
fresh flowers are all symbolic
protectors when used in a home's
decor. Once everything is in order,
Arranging a
soothing
environment
you will have created a room of true
serenity ... a little piece of heaven to
retreat to after a hectic work day!
Now, Feng Shui is certainly not
just limited to our homes. Put into
practice it works wonders at the
office as well, whether it's a CEO's
private domain or a tiny, divided
cubicle. For example, I've had the
privilege of assisting Gary Fischer of
Regal Capital Planners in Walkerton
effectively create "Chi" in his new
offices. Upon arrival and inspection
of the space to be decorated I
discovered that the area was far too
intensely lit, there was an impersonal,
and enclosing effect, ineffective use
of colour and light play, which
drained any inviting feeling this
space should have. In effect, there
was no vital life energy force, so how
could clients possibly sit and discuss
"money matters" comfortably?
We started the renovations in the
outer reception office, by painting
and papering in rich traditional hues
of wine, navy and hunter green. The
ceiling was painted navy, in order to
camouflage its height and coldness.
We added a wonderful cherry -wood
reception counter, upholstered love
seats in wine, fresh greenery, and
interesting wall prints which are
personal to Gary. Wine table lamps
light the room both day and night,
creating an interesting and
comforting effect. A large scale floral
dominates one corner adding interest
and colour flow.
A long hallway leads back to
Gary's private office. Once again this
space has had the high ceiling
visually lowered with the effective
use of the proper shade of paint. The
wallcovering, a traditional stripe
featuring navy and wine on a cream
ground, circa the 1700s, lends a
secure feeling, while the rear of the
hall has once again been given a
positive energy flow through the
effective use of colour change and
light. Once again some of Gary's
artwork which has personal
sentimental value to him, adorns the
hallway adding interest.
As one steps through to Gary's
office, confidence and assurance are
presented through the background