In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we all need a moment of peace and serenity. What better place to get it than your own backyard? With a few easy tips and tricks, you can use the ancient Chinese practice of feng shui to create more order and energy in your outdoor space.
Feng shui uses energy forces to create a balanced and harmonious environment between people and their surrounding environment. It’s quite a complicated process, but understanding some of the practices can definitely help you create an idyllic patio.
Maybe you’ve heard about feng shui and don’t know where to begin. Or maybe you’re an experienced practitioner who wants new ideas on how to decorate your outdoor patio or garden using feng shui principles. Either way, this article is here to help! We’ll break down some basics around patio feng shui, plus provide some creative tips for adding a little order and energy to your favourite outdoor spot. Let’s get started!
Introducing Patio Feng Shui
If you’re looking to transform your backyard into a peaceful and relaxing sanctuary, patio feng shui might be the perfect style for you. Incorporating traditional feng shui design principles into a patio setting allows you to create a tranquil and harmonious outdoor space that provides order, balance and beauty.
Patio feng shui is all about taking the elements of nature—such as plants, wind, water, earth, etc.—and using them to create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. The goal is to combine structure with an organic feel that not only looks great but also invites a sense of peace.
Whether it’s arranging furniture in an auspicious way or including design elements such as water features or wind chimes that evoke positive energy, there are many ways to use patio feng shui. From small adjustments like strategically placing plants and soft lighting to larger projects like installing a meditation wall or rock garden, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating an inviting outdoor oasis through patio feng shui.
Select the Right Furniture for Balance
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When it comes to adding furniture to your patio, it’s not just about design and style—you also want to make sure you choose items that provide the right balance of elements. Look for chairs, tables, and other furniture that are made from natural materials like wood, stone and clay. This will help promote a sense of harmony with nature and create a peaceful atmosphere.
Some furniture arrangement tips are:
- Make sure doorways are kept clear.
- Leave a gap of a few inches between walls and furniture.
- Chi gathers in corners. You can help it flow by using pot plants, or corner shelves to push stagnant Chi along.
- Furniture should not have its back facing the door; opt to put furniture on the side profile to promote a welcoming social environment.
- Arrange outdoor lounges and chairs in a U shape to best promote a conversation-friendly layout.
- In terms of colours, feng shui believes that different colours resemble different elements. Too much or too little of a certain element can unbalance a zone. For a better idea of what each colour determines, keep reading as we get into that later.
Overall, a good rule of thumb with your patio furniture is to opt for wood or natural furniture. Wood is associated with life and vitality, so it’ll help add an energising touch to your backyard. For chairs and cushions, use earthy colours like browns or tans to further enhance the calming effects. And if you want to bring in a bolder look, try adding some vibrant colours like reds or yellows for pops of contrast. Of course, once you familiarise yourself with the feng shui colours, you can make more educated decisions on when you want to include other colours.
You can also use plants to spice up your patio décor. Greenery adds texture, colour, and appeal to any outdoor space while promoting a sense of well-being—just be sure they’re placed strategically around the furniture pieces so they don’t become an obstacle. With these Fengshui tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a comfortable oasis that not only looks beautiful but also helps promote harmony in your backyard bliss!
The Five Elements of Feng Shui
The 5 elements are: fire, water, wood, metal and earth. Each object and plant is linked to a different element, so if you want your area to establish a certain mood, this guide can help:
Fire Element
The fire element symbolises energy and passion. Incorporate elements of red, which is the colour of the fire element, such as a bright red umbrella or accent cushions. You can also use a fire pit or chimney as a focal point in your patio design. Purple also represents the fire element.
Water Element
Water has a calming effect. Try incorporating a soothing water feature like a fountain, pool or bird bath in your patio design to bring out this element. You can also hang string lights over the pool or pond to add more of this tranquil energy to your backyard paradise. Water is represented by blue, of course, and also black.
Wood Element
The wood element represents growth and connectedness with nature. Incorporate wood materials such as decking, outdoor furniture or planters made of wood for this element in your patio design. Also, try using plants that represent rebirth and renewal like bonsai trees and herbs for this element. Colours cyan and green represent wood.
Metal Element
The metal element brings clarity, focus and ambition into your space. Use metallic accents such as outdoor lighting fixtures or metal art pieces for this element in your patio design. You can also use stone or brick materials for a more industrial feel that still brings out this metal element’s energy. Colours white and yellow represent metal.
Earth Element
The earth element is all about consistency, stability and balance in the space you are designing. Use earthy colours such as browns, tans and whites throughout your outdoor oasis with accents like outdoor rugs and pillows to bring out. Yellow and brown represent earth.
Adding Greenery and Plants
Greenery and plants have close ties to the practice of feng shui. It’s recommended to choose succulent plants as they bring happiness and success. In feng shui, plants with thick stems and wide leaves are desirable, while thin spindly plants are not. It’s also advised that you remove any dead leaves or plants as their presence can attract negative energy.
Just be cautious where you place your plant. It’s not advised to put large pot plants or gardens in the middle of your patio or yard as it will create too much shade and thus imbalance in your yard. Large trees should be planted on the outer corners of your yard so as not to interfere with the amount of sunlight you get. A central garden also blocks your view and can reduce the flow of Chi. For the same reason it’s not advised to place plants near windows if they block the view.
Incorporate Water Elements for Tranquilly
Bring tranquilly and calming energy to your patio with a water feature. The sound of trickling water is said to reduce stress, while the sight of a luxurious fountain can be visually satisfying too.
To bring in all the goodness of this element, incorporate small water features like bubbling urns, babbling brooks, or even a koi pond. You can also have large installations such as a pool area with jets for spa-like vibes. Just make sure you plan for the maintenance and cleaning depending on the type and size of your water feature.
And for simplicity’s sake, why not place some potted plants around your patio? The gentle lapping of cascading petals from plants like petunias will create an inviting atmosphere – perfect for gathering with loved ones or just relaxing on your own.
A Splash of Colour for Harmony
Adding colour to your patio is a great way to bring balance and harmony to the space. The right splash of colour can create a sense of calm while drawing attention to certain areas. For example, adding some colourful throw pillows or blankets to an outdoor seating area will create a cosy spot for you and your guests to relax. If you have an outdoor dining area, consider adding some brightly coloured plates and cutlery.
The colours you choose can also be used to represent the elements in feng shui:
- Blue and black for water
- Red for fire
- Green for wood
- White for metal
- Yellow for earth
You can also use plants and flowers as accents in the design to further enhance the feng shui of the space. Plants that are known for their calming properties, such as lavender or jasmine, are particularly well suited. Place these plants around seating areas or pathways where they will be in visual range but not blocking any pathways or views. Aromatic plants such as these also add a pleasant scent that helps create a relaxing atmosphere.
Strike the Right Balance With Accessories
When it comes to patio feng shui, one of the most important things you can do is to strike the right balance when it comes to your accessories. You want to have enough decorative elements and furniture to make the space inviting and interesting, but you don’t want it to look too cluttered.
Feng shui experts suggest that you should keep the number of accessories in your patio space to an even number. Even numbers are more structured and comfortable than odd numbers. So if you’re having an odd amount of guests over, it’s always advisable to set the table for an even amount. It’s a standard feng shui rule to set all decorative elements with a partner.
When selecting furniture and décor pieces for your patio, look for items that are functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. For example, a teak bench with a cushion would be a great way to combine style with comfort.
Another tip for creating balance in your patio is to try incorporating different textures into your design. This can be done through accessories like outdoor rugs or pillows, both of which will bring visual interest and depth into the space. You could also use a few well-placed planters as accent pieces; they will add texture while still providing a natural feel.
By striking the right balance with accessories and different textures, you can create an inviting outdoor oasis that looks stylish and feels harmonious at the same time.
Tips for Creating Respite & Renewal
A outdoor patio space with a feng shui design can be oasis of respite and renewal amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. Here are a few tips you should consider:
Design Principles of Feng Shui
When it comes to creating an inviting and calming atmosphere in your patio, the principles of Feng Shui come into play.
Balance
When it comes to outdoor design, you should strive for balance. Try to ensure that there is an even amount of furniture, plants and decorative features across your patio. You can also experiment with symmetrical designs, or integrate mirror images or repeating elements across the space.
Colour Palette
A well-chosen colour palette can help create a peaceful ambiance in your patio. Incorporating shades of blue, green and grey is particularly helpful for creating a serene atmosphere. If you don’t want the space to look too bland, try adding one or two vibrant accent colours for a pop of visual interest.
Natural Materials
It’s also important to take note of the materials that dominate your patio design. Aim for natural materials such as bamboo, rattan, clay and stone when decorating – these will bring an earthen feel to the space while still maintaining order and balance.
With these tips in mind – plus a little bit of creativity – you’ll be able to create an outdoor oasis that looks neat yet inviting at the same time!
Conclusion
A core aspect of feng shui is balance. Your backyard should have areas of shade and shine, which is why a patio fits so well in with this design. Building a patio gives your a dedicated area to socialise and balances your yard with respite for sunshine. If you don’t have a patio yet, contact SEQ Patio Group for a free consultation.
