Feng Shui: this ancient Chinese tradition provides a common-sense method for choosing art and designing framing that creates harmony in the home

Art Business News, Sept, 2002 by Jennifer Wong

Appropriate subject matter for art could include pastoral scenes, landscapes, florals or anything else that is calming and appealing. The bedroom is private, and the art that is hung there should express the individuals' personal side and be reserved only for their enjoyment. A nude or a scene of a special location to a couple would also be appropriate here.

Additionally, in the bedroom one should avoid portraits or pictures of other family members--except for the couple--including relatives, children and even the family pets. "Subconsciously, the mind reacts to the images of children and pets by thinking about all the obligations and care to be given them the next day and doesn't allow for deep rest," said Diane Easley, consultant with Feng Shui Perspectives of Seattle.

With bedrooms, whether a person is single or in a relationship one wants to think in terms of partnership, so images of couples or pairs work well. Avoid too many images or pictures of one individual or object. (Remember the lone, prickly cactus?)

Placement of art in the bedroom is important, and you can advise your clients of three key places to display art--in the location that one sees first when walking into the bedroom; in the location that one sees when in the most common place; and lastly, what one sees upon leaving. This is important because in these locations, chosen images and colors will act like cue cards to the individual, said Lewandowski.

As far as framing materials in the bedroom, one should be careful about using metal because silvers could feel too cold. Rubbed wood works nicely, as does the use of moulding with soft, rounded corners.

The Entrance to the Home

Another important part of the home is the entrance. The entrance and the first piece of art that one sees when coming home should provide a welcoming transition from the outer world to the inner world and draw one further into the house.

Art that is personally expressive works wonderfully here--it should reflect the individual back to him or herself when they walk in the door so that a true sense of homecoming is evoked. Feeling grounded and centered is also important. For instance, it wouldn't be advisable to see an image of a person on a trip when you first walk in the door, said Lewandowski. The placement of bold, strong artwork can be effective. But remember that in feng shui, balance is key. If something bold is chosen then a dark frame could be used to anchor the piece. Black is a stabilizing and grounding color. A gilded frame with a reflective quality would be effective as well.

Colors that are welcoming and hopeful in feng shui are blues, greens, pinks and muted, darker colors.

The Living Room

The living room is the most active room in the home and should reflect the interests and passions of the individuals who live there. The living room is also the room used to entertain guests, so plenty of visual stimuli should be used to create lively conversation. It is the hub of the house and should be full of many colors and textures. Bright colors are most welcome, including the use of red.