Introduction
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy, based on the belief that our environment affects our lives. It is thought to have begun over 3,000 years ago and has been used to help improve homes, businesses, and work areas by optimising their balance.
The main ideas behind Feng Shui are finding a good flow of energy (or qi as it is called in Chinese culture); arranging materials and objects such that they support productivity; and creating an harmonious atmosphere. According to the philosophy, if the proper care and attention are paid to the environment people inhabit ” in particular when designing an office setting ” then this will lead to better health for everyone who works there.
In terms of its application in office design, Feng Shui encourages selecting colors that stimulate creativity, using plants or art with inspiring images, having adjustable lighting for different areas of the office, adding auspicious symbols like dragons or crosses as part of the interior décor, providing comfortable furnishings that allow employees to take frequent breaks throughout the day, implementing soundproofing treatments where needed and also separating working areas with partitions so conversations remain private. Additionally, furniture should be arranged in a way that maximizes available space and other historical elements promoting positive energy can be chosen. Ultimately the goal is to create an atmosphere that encourages positive thinking and productivity by allowing natural elements into a space while also honoring tradition.
Utilizing Natural Resources
Incorporating natural resources into your office design to maximize the benefits of Feng Shui in 2019 can be done through a few different ways. Placing air purifiers throughout the office is one way to spread healthy, clean air. Utilizing artwork that reflects nature, such as those depicting mountains or forests, is another great way to bring the essence of nature into the office setting. Additionally, plants are encouraged to promote vitality, growth and health in an immediate work environment. You may also consider using water features such as fountains and aquariums ” not only do they provide a calming effect, they also bring a touch of tranquility as well! All these elements combined allow for these resources help create harmony and balance in any workspace.
Colors and Energy
Colors play an important role in feng shui office spaces, as they have the power to influence energy. To create a vibrant and energized workspace, choose colors with strong positive energy such as reds and oranges. However, to avoid negative energy, it’s best to avoid overly dark and depressing colors like black, purple and brown. To set a calming and productive atmosphere, opt for more muted tones such as whites, blues and greens. Additionally, warm neutrals like beiges are also good options that won’t distract from the productivity of your space. Accents of bright and cheery colors such as yellow or pink can also help generate energy while relieving stress at the same time. Ultimately, the best way to go about choosing the right colors is to keep in mind what type of environment you want to create ” one that’s vibrant but not overstimulating or one that allows concentration without distraction.
Geometry in the Office
The most beneficial shapes when creating a Feng Shui workspace include circles, squares and rectangles. These shapes are believed to bring in a balanced energy that releases stress, fear and anxiety which all tie into employee productivity as well as mental health. Circles are associated with protection, stability and integration while squares stand for support, balance and calmness. Rectangles encourage focus, order and structure.
Geometry should be used strategically to create the perfect Feng Shui office environment. Desk placements should employ either circular forms or incorporate rectangular angles, inspiring work efficiency while maximizing comfort at the same time. Placing artwork with square frames on walls will bring good luck while round mirrors can be placed opposite windows to attract positive energy into the space.
Connecting with the Outdoors
One way to allow natural light and fresh air in an office space is to introduce solar tubes. Solar tubes are tube-shaped skylights that capture natural sunlight and disperse it through reflective surfaces inside the room, enabling large amounts of natural light to pass through. Additionally, depending on the office location and size, operable windows can be added to let fresh air flow in from outdoors.
Views of nature can be incorporated into a space with strategically placed large windows or glass walls that provide glimpses of the outside environment. If possible, creating a shared outdoor living space near the area where people work would also provide ample opportunity to feel connected with the outdoors. The addition of potted plants and gardens could further enhance the feeling of being one with nature within the office space.
Decorations and Accessories
Items such as plants, artwork, and crystals can be used to help create a more energizing atmosphere in an office. Plants bring life and energy, while the artwork and crystals can reflect different energies depending on their shape. Good colors for Feng Shui include those with cooler tones like blues and greens. These colors signify new beginnings and fresh starts. Avoid items that represent depression, such as black or extremely bright colors which can create overstimulation in your workspace. Dark Furnishings should also be avoided since these could suck out the energy from the room.
Enhancing Productivity
Feng shui is a method of arranging one’s environment to promote positive energy flow. In an office setting, this would involve taking into account the elements, space, composition and natural light. The desk should be placed facing the door to encourage focus and productivity. Additionally, all clutter should be removed from sight so it does not become a distraction. Keep the workspace clear and organized for optimum productivity. Invest in some plants that bring calmness, such as bamboo or fresh flowers. Place crystals next to the computer monitor or on windowsills to help deflect harmful energetic vibrations from electronic equipment. Aromatherapy with essential oils can also reduce stress and improve mood in the workplace. Finally, bringing in warm colors and artwork that conveys comfort and relaxation can create an inviting atmosphere for creativity and productivity.
Conclusion
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy that encompasses the natural flow of energy in and around a physical space. It can be used to create harmony, balance and focus within any space – including the office. To best utilize Feng Shui in 2019 when creating your office space, you should start with understanding the potential of your current office. Evaluate the elements of water, earth, metal and wood that account for the “energetic currency” of your office environment. Analyze how these elements are being affected by placement of furniture, lighting, materials and other items within the room. Once this is established and you are familiar with this underlying energy structure, then research which Feng Shui techniques will best benefit your particular space given its design elements and occupants needs or goals. These techniques may include implementing paint colors to bring out positive energy; rearranging furniture to facilitate better communication; leveraging shapes to enhance productivity; setting specific intentions for the space; and adding plants or images that relate to motivation. By utilizing all of these tips in combination with paper clips ‘martial law’ ” ensuring desktops are organized and tidy ” feng shui allows you to create an office environment that is productive, prosperous, focused, vibrant and healthy.
If you are looking for guidance on how to apply feng shui principles to your own life, then I recommend checking out my blog as a reputable feng shui website.