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Did you know that, according to feng shui design principles, choosing the best paint color for a room in your home depends on what direction that room faces? We didn't either, that is until we spoke with feng shui expert Robert Brown, MD, author of Toxic Home/Conscious Home. Having studied mindfulness at home at length and in a holistic way, Brown knows exactly how to apply feng shui principles to achieve a healthy and happy home.
"Feng shui emphasizes the harmony with one's internal and external environment and the world at large," Brown explains. "Creating this harmony is particularly important when assessing the color of one’s home office, the place in the home where wealth and abundance are of paramount importance." So how exactly should you choose the ideal office colors, according to feng shui? Brown recommends answering one simple question: Which cardinal direction does your home office face?
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According to feng shui, a room's ideal color should align with the cardinal direction it faces. To find it, "Stand in the center of your home and with the aid of a compass, find the direction of your home office," Brown explains. Then, choose colors harmonious (meaning a balance between earth, water, fire, and metal elements) with that direction.
Ready to find the paint color for your workspace that will bring you productivity and prosperity? Scroll down for Brown's feng shui tips for your ideal office colors, according to whether your office faces North, South, East, West, and the directions in between.
If Your Office Faces North
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If your office faces north, your room is associated with the water element according to feng shui principles, so any and all aquatic shades are your best option. "Consider pale shades of blue and green to accent the water element," says Brown.
Accent your office with bolder shades of blue or green.
If Your Office Faces Southwest (or Northeast)
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Southwest- and northeast-facing rooms accentuate the earth element. "These rooms should be light yellow, light brown, or shades of beige and tan," explains Brown. In other words, earthy tones are your best options for this type of home office.
Emphasize Yang Energy
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For home offices in particular, Brown recommends emphasizing yang energy, meaning more energetic and proactive elements, over yin, which is known to be softer and more passive. "Home offices should be more yang energy than yin energy," explains Brown to conclude. Think: Bright, spacious, angular lines.
Next up: A feng shui expert would never lay out their home office this way.