Part of creating a beautiful, warm, and inviting home is to
include the 5 Chinese elements: Water, Fire, Earth, Wood, Metal. The ancient theory
is based on the counter balance of each element with one another in the ongoing
cycle of creation and obliteration.
“Wood fuels Fire; Fire makes Earth; Earth begets Metal;
Metal collects Fire and Water; Water nourishes Wood; Wood parts Earth; Earth
absorbs Water; Water douses Fire; Fire melts Metal and burns Wood; Metal chops
Wood” …and so on… (from Your Home, Your Sanctuary by Clodagh)
A harmonious home has all of these elements represented without
one overpowering another. It isn’t readily apparent, but when a space is
designed with all the elements represented in balance, there’s a feeling of peace
and serenity throughout the home.
If there’s too much of one element, use its opposite to
balance the energy. For example, if there’s too much stone, adding wood will
soften the earth element.
Water: A beautiful water view from each window fulfills the
element in this apartment. If there’s no water view, an aquarium or fountain
will suffice.
Fire: A fireplace is a perfect representation. I added one
to the media wall of this home. It’s a place where the family comes together to
enjoy the light and warmth (or watch TV). Candles and lighting fixtures also serve
to symbolize fire. 
Metal: Furnishings, drawer and cabinet pulls, light
fixtures, plumbing fittings, and stainless appliances represent metal. In this
kitchen, the abundance of metal is balanced by mahogany cabinetry.
Wood: To bring balance throughout the entire home, I added
custom wood interior doors, wood flooring in the bedrooms, a rustic wood dining
table, rosewood sideboard to divide living and dining areas, and teak coffee table.
Earth: Stone flooring, counter tops, and backsplashes bring
in this element.
Interior design is not just styling a space with furnishings
and color; it’s creating a home that fulfills and supports mind, body, and
spirit. Whether conscious or not, having the 5 elements balanced throughout
your home is an essential component to a design scheme
.
.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to transform an
entire design scheme is changing the color of walls and ceilings. Because
it covers such a large surface area, no interior design element affects the
mood and atmosphere of a room more than paint. There’s a science to color
selection and their relationships which is another important principle I’ll
discuss in my next blog
It's pretty cool to see how you Tie the Big Picture of Earth's Elements and Forces surrounding our Planet like the Atmosphere, Energy and Oceans into our Humble Living Spaces. There is a relevant connection and the way you explain it through Design helps enlighten our lives..Many home dwellers probably never see the connections with the Elements...and how changing these connections can alter Space and effect our moods and life styles. Thank you, Robin, for bringing the Bigger Picture down to a more pallet-able size.
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