A New Take On Interior Design: Feng Shui
The first decade of the 21st Century has witnessed the emergence of a new trend in interior design. Ironically, that new trend is approximately 3,000 years old and has little to do with Louis XV, Victorian, or Art Deco design themes. Rather, it is a comprehensive system not only for decorating, but also for life. Few interior design specialties can make such a boast.
Feng Shui is a Taoist belief system that is based on the optimal arrangement of all the facets that compose a life. Every aspect of life must be arranged and accounted for. From the placement of the front door of one’s home, to the placement of shrubs and plants, even down to the color and angle of furniture pieces. When embraced as a system of living, Feng Shui even goes so far as to designate the appropriate grave site. If nothing else, Feng Shui is incredibly thorough.
The practice was not initially concerned with the specifics of interior design. That is, the interior should be secondary to the exterior of the structure. This doesn’t necessarily imply the actual exterior components of a building; rather it refers to the positioning. Which direct does the front door face? Does it blend well with the natural vegetation? Is there a ready source of water nearby? All these facets must be taken into consideration when laying the foundations of home.
With the structure in place, its interior can be addressed appropriately. Sources of vegetation, especially bamboo must be placed strategically through the house. Should a door directly face the toilet, bagua (or octagonal) mirrors must be placed above the toilet, effectively “deflecting” evil spirits and ill fortune. Furthermore, a person sitting at a desk should not have their back to the room, and the furniture in a room should not be pushed right up against the walls.
At all times, it is crucial to remember how intimately Feng Shui is tied to Taoist theory and the overall Chinese worldview. Understanding these myriad ideas and concepts takes time and dedication — in fact, learning Chinese would be very helpful as well. Interior design, as we know it, is changing. Though the traditional themes are still in vogue, the infusion of Chinese sensibilities is sure to add a valuable, and popular, twist to tradition.
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