Feng Shui has become widely popular in home design. Many may be familiar with the desired placement of certain items, which are believed to imbue a home with particular traits. But how can this ancient Chinese system affect meetings and events?  The term feng shui, which literally means, “wind-water” in English, seeks to harmonize individuals with their environment. If that’s the case, than designing events based on the principles of feng shui may have a powerful affect on the success of your next program.

Intentional design through the 5 feng shui elements

Intentional design is based on the five energies of feng shui, which can help meeting planners create extraordinary personalized events. One of the basic principles of feng shui is the principle of the five elements, which are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. According to TheSpruce.com, each feng shui element is represented by a specific color, and color is the easiest way to use the five elements principle to bring more harmony and success to your events.

1.) Wood – According to feng shui theory the color green belongs to the element of Wood. Green is associated with Mother Nature.  It’s the color of new beginnings, renewal and energy. It’s also nourishing to the soul as it brings balance and healing vibrations from the earth.

Just as nature has several variations of one color, so should your decor in order to successfully tap its feng shui benefits. An easy way to incorporate green is with lush plants and nature inspired centerpieces. Take it a step further by choosing plants that actually help purify the air such as ferns, fichus, peace lilies, aloe vera and even garden mums.

2.) Fire – The color red taps the Fire energy of feng shui. Fire represents the energy of sun and life. A balanced feng shui fire element will bring joy and excitement, but be careful, too much of the same element can bring fiery arguments, restlessness or even a lack of energy.

In intentional feng shui design red signifies richness, luck and luxury. If used too much, though, it can be overly stimulating and lead to exhaustion and overwhelm. Think in terms red accent pieces or amber lighting, even the orange glow from centerpiece candles or an event space lined with tiki torches or luminaries can be just enough to bring the fiery benefits of red to your event space.

3.) Earth – The Earth element is where several colors seem to overlap with both the elements of Wood and Fire. As you may have guessed earth colors are represented by brown, yellow and neutral tones. They are associated with earth as they can make guests feel grounded, safe and secure. However, just as any color can be too much, even a simple neutral palette can lead to stubbornness, boredom and a feeling of simply being stuck, certainly not how you’d want any attendee feeling.

Once again, balance is important when working with neutrals. Turn to textures and shapes to help break monotony. The earth element is found in square and rectangular shapes and shades of brown. Consider changing the norm to keep things alive, try rectangular vases, square china or gradient linens in brown hues add splashes of blue (water element) to create a warm, balanced energy.

Tapping emotions with intentional design and personalized events

4.) Metal – Sharp, clear, and reflective are the feng shui energy properties of the Metal element. Both gray and white fully express these qualities as they carry an energy that is crisp, clear, clean and fresh. A warm, silvery gray can bring a centering energy into your meeting or event space. Whereas, white as a highly versatile color, can help brighten the vibe of any space.

Gray is a color that performs best as an accent color as it brings a crisp, sharp energy that can energize and bring clarity.

When Metal is in balance guests will often feel sophisticated and chic. As with the other elements, it’s important to get it right. Gray or silver tends to perform best as an accent color and can be found in metal accessories such as silver, steel or even bronze containers or chargers and gray or silver touched napkins.

White can stand alone as powerhouse color as it is believed in Yogi tradition to open the mind to new possibilities. To weave the element of metal into your event space and fully enjoy all its perks, try blending a white pallet with touches of gray or silver.

5.) Water – According to the feng shui theory, both blue and black are expressions of the Water element. Light blue is considered the feng shui color of harmonious expansion, while darker blue evokes deep calm and wisdom. Black is filled with mystery and sophistication; it holds the energy of power and protection. It is, as Feng Shui consultant, Rodika Tchi says, “The color of night, deep waters and universal void, the feng shui use of the color black adds depth, strength and definition to any space.”

When looking to boost productivity and creativity consider adding various shades of blue to your space, from lighting to centerpieces, candles to linens, or even decor pieces such as water fountains or aquariums. The color blue helps with productivity as it creates a sense of ease and a feeling of being in flow.

Likewise the color black adds to the comfort and ease of blue by bringing the feng shui energy of grounding and stability. When using black throughout your event space, its best to keep it at eye-level or below to enhance it’s grounding energy. Consider incorporating the color black with furniture, frames, centerpiece containers, votive holders or even a dance floor, perhaps using a black and white check for further balance.

You won’t have to worry about adding each feng shui element into your program when you hold your meeting in Newport Beach, CA. This coastal beauty naturally incorporates the five elements from its sage lined coastal bluffs, fiery sunsets and sandy beaches, to its brilliant sunshine and blue Pacific waters.

When you’re ready to begin organizing your next group meeting, contact the staff at Visit Newport Beach, the destination marketing organization for Newport Beach, CA. Visit Newport Beach opens the doors to this Pacific paradise with destination expertise, customized site visits, strong partnerships with valuable resources.