Feng Shui Colors Part 2: Three Biggest Mistakes People Make When Choosing Wall Colors

Here are the three most common mistakes when it comes to choosing colors that I always tell my clients about.

1. The so-called “neutral scheme”.
   This is when two or three variations of beige are used throughout the entire house. Interior designers and builders love using it because it is easy and most people don’t find it disagreeable. But easy doesn’t always mean good. Over and over I see clients that start feeling uninspired and bored in such spaces. Often elements of decor, rugs, and sofas end up beige too to match wall colors! This often results in people feeling stagnant, uninspired and sometimes even depressed in their living spaces. Generally, beige has low energy and this is exactly why it is a neutral color.
2. Painting northern rooms blue.
   According to the Bagua, Water is a northern element and the corresponding color is blue. By connecting the dots it would seem logical to paint the northern room blue but in reality the north needs warmer colors to compensate for the lack of sunlight. Water and other elements can be introduced through art and accessories.
3. Using dark colors in hallways and stairways.
   This creates a claustrophobic feeling of being in a tunnel or being enclosed. Dark colors make narrow spaces feel even tighter. I choose light colors in these areas, especially colors that create a feeling of expansion.

Here are my guidelines for choosing the best feng shui colors for a room.

Consider the following when choosing a color:

• The type of room and what it will be used for
• How often the room is used
• The compass direction of a room
• The size of the room
• What other colors can be seen from the room
• Colors of rugs, curtains, accessories and art in the room
• Your goals, needs, aspirations and personality type
• Your helpful elements (do you need more Fire, Earth, Metal, Water or Wood energy?)
• And of course, your personal taste!