Colour scheming

When determining which colours are suitable for your home, fung shui consultants take into account factors such as the orientation and age of your property, the location of each room relative to the centre and the astrological data of the occupants. From the time of a person's birth, a consultant can calculate which elements are favourable. The use of colours that clash with the occupant will have undesirable consequences.

Neutral earth colours such as beige and cream are not excessively yin or yang and are therefore able to bring balance to a room. White is considered too stark and represents metal, which may not be suitable for some, resulting in an increased incidence of accidents.

Green represents wood and is too strong to be used for more than one wall. It may also cause digestive or reproductive problems for the occupants.

Another way of utilising colours is through the use of soft furnishings or artwork. For instance, to stimulate romance, introduce water and wood elements through the use of light blue curtains and images of a green field or forest. Black also represents water but it is usually not recommended due to its association with death.