Feng Shui in Design

Modern Interior Design

The ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui is built upon the belief that everything has energy, even inanimate objects. Feng Shui aims to create harmony, align your environment, and create positive energy flow throughout your home through the purposeful placement of furniture and certain objects.

While Feng Shui has been respected and used in the East for centuries, the art form received massive support and popularity by Western pop culture in the 80s. Because of the huge Feng Shui trend of the 80s, Feng Shui may seem somewhat outdated today. But many interior designers and architects still consistently use concepts of Feng Shui in their work to ensure a cohesive flow of energy.

It should be understood that Feng Shui is a complex art, filled with in-depth elements that can take years of study to truly comprehend, but some of Feng Shui’s most popular principles used in modern interior design include:

Matching Pairs

Feng Shui approves of matching pairs in symmetrical formations. Whether that come in the form of two matching light fixtures on either side of the room, or matching chairs sitting opposite each other in a reading nook. If you want to actively incorporate Feng Shui in your home, you should try avoid singular objects, especially single seats in corners.

Use of Curves

While many art pieces and furniture may be angular, adding curved décor items such as round mirrors and curvy vases are seen as good Feng Shui practices. This is because curved items are better for the flow of energy, and adding a few curved pieces to a room can truly transform it for the better.

Colour Conscious

Colour is extremely important in Feng Shui and it would take a long time to go through all the colours and their meanings. Red is seen as very dramatic, and is said to inspire courage, and attract success and money. Purple and green are both very popular in Feng Shui, and are said to bring well-being into a home.

Good Feng Shui design appreciates soft, light colours with pops of bold, vibrant colours here and there.

The Importance Of Water

Water is a highly respected element in Feng Shui, with the word Feng Shui literally translating to mean ‘wind water’. This means that all taps and fixtures should be in good condition, and extra care should be given to bathroom design. Outdoor water fixtures are also always encouraged in any home.

For more information about our innovative architectural services and on how we can assist you, get in touch with our team of professional architects and designers in Durban and Cape Town.

Who works with an architect
By David Marriott 17 Apr, 2023
Overwhelmed by all the people you need to hire to work on your design project? Read our simple guide to help you understand who works with an architect.
By David Marriott 13 Apr, 2023
Get expert advice on designing an airport terminal from the architects who designed Africa’s best airport, Cape Town International Airport.
By Fred Acurero 13 Apr, 2023
Want to know how the commercial design process works in Cape Town? Read our 6 simple steps from experienced architects, so you’ll know what to expect.
By Design Scape Architects 13 Mar, 2022
Anyone living in South Africa can confirm that the country’s climatic conditions usually range from temperate in the interior plateau, to Mediterranean in the southwestern corner. Naturally, we cannot forget the small area in the  northwest which boasts a desert climate.
By Design Scape Architects 14 Feb, 2022
In our two previous blog installments, we have explored the rich yet often inequitable history of the architecture of Cape Town. However, our journey is not yet at an end.
By Design Scape Architects 27 Jan, 2022
In the previous installment of this blog, we left off discussing the impact of Sir Herbert Baker’s building designs on the overall architectural identity of Cape Town in the early 20th century.
By Design Scape Architects 08 Dec, 2021
Cape Town is truly one of the most eclectic cities in the world when it comes to architectural design. Along a single street, its inhabitants experience everything from traditional Dutch gables to striking art deco facades.
By Design Scape Architects 13 Jul, 2021
Design Scape has extensive aviation experience with Airports in Africa. These include Cape Town International, King Shaka International, Kasane International, an airfield in Cameroon, and now an airport in central Africa. The idea for this new airport is to augment an existing international airport ...
By Design Scape Architects 28 Jun, 2021
This week at Design Scape Architects, we’ll take you through the design process of a small house on a farm, in the Greyton area, under the Riviersonderend Mountains. The new house is to replace an existing log house that burnt down in a recent fire.
More Posts
Share by: