Achieving balance in your living space through the use of color can have a dramatic effect on your life, work and the overall feeling of your home. And even if you're not a devoted Feng Shui student it's a useful way to keep a color balance in your home that neither overwhelms nor sucks the color from you because the lack of it on the walls.

There are five elements in Feng Shui each with their own set of colors. Based on the areas these elements should be present in your home, this guide will help you figure out what colors to use in each area. It is necessary to balance all five but how you choose to find a balance in each area, whether it's used as a main wall color or a small highlight with the inclusion of art and decoration, is up to you.

Fire

Passion and High Energy

A balanced Feng Shui Fire element in your space will bring a supporting energy in all your career efforts and will help you achieve recognition.

Colors: red, orange, purple, pink, strong yellow.

Fire elements should be placed in the S, SW & NE areas of your home

Earth

Nourishment & Stability

Earth colors create stability and harmony in your relationships.

Colors: light yellow and all beige & sandy colors.

Earth elements should be placed in the NE & SW areas of your home.

Metal

Clarity, Preciseness & Focus

Metal colors bring sharpness and efficiency into your life.

Colors: White, Grey, and all metallics.

Metal elements should be placed in the W, NW & N areas of your home.

Water

Purity, Trust & Renewal

Water colors will bring a refreshing energy of calm.

Colors: black and blue

Water elements should be placed in the N,E & SE areas of your home.

Wood

Vibrant Health & Lush Abundance

Wood colors will bring the energy of health, vitality and growth. it is also the ancient Feng Shui cure for wealth and prosperity.

Colors: brown & green

Wood elements should be placed in the E, SE & S areas of your home.

Don't be afraid to use vibrant colors because color is light and light is energy, and energy is what Feng Shui is all about.

Links: Feng Shui Color Chart, a short film.

Images by: KhayaL, Ottoman42, tanakawho, (nz)dave, Myxi, and Liutao