GEOMANCY
FENG SHUI: Outdoor spaces If a tranquil yet energising balcony or terrace is what you’re after, check out Samantha Wong’s feng shui-approved design tips
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f you know the basics of feng shui (and you will if you’ve been reading this column for the past seven months), you’ll know you can radically up the sheng chi (positive energy) levels on your balcony or terrace in next to no time. Step one: Get out your scrubbing brushes and give it a good clean; accumulated dirt and dust translates into a build-up of bad luck. Step two: Clear any unnecessary clutter; chi travels best when there aren’t many obstacles in the way. Next up, particularly on a confined balcony, check the ventilation. It may be that you need to install a couple of fans to get the air and chi flowing freely. You’re at an advantage if your balcony or terrace faces east, since feng shui says that peace and prosperity blow in on an easterly breeze.
Now, check the lighting – si chi (negative energy) is drawn to spaces that are harshly or dimly lit. In addition to a couple of ceiling lights, deck your space out with standing lamps (that you can move around), candles (preferably scented) and hanging lanterns. Of course, an east-facing outdoor space that enjoys sunlight for most of the day is preferable to a west-facer that only gets the sun in the afternoon. Natural light is your friend so, if your outdoor space is overlooked, don’t screen it off with a solid barrier that blocks out the sunlight. You’re much better off hanging a sheer curtain or growing a decorative ‘bamboo wall’ to shield yourself from prying eyes.
Furniture and accessories With all this in place it’s time to
take a fresh look at your outdoor furniture – and what you actually use your space for. Are there any items that you seldom use and can do without? An overcrowded space is never welcoming or productive, which is why less is always more in feng shui. While arranging your furniture to create a balanced look, you’ll also want to balance the yin and the yang, the feminine and the masculine. You can embrace the yin with soothing colours and soft textures, and then even this out with solid furniture and a few pops of bright colour that represent the yang. When it comes to accessorising your outdoor space, there are a number of feng shui-approved items worth introducing. These items boost the energy levels, while also promoting harmony –
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