Quote of the week:

"Our surroundings shape our consciousness, it impacts how we think and feel".

Annette Kurz

 

Oasis-Office - Feng Shui 

What is Feng Sui

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese way of life that helps to reach harmony by using energy forces.

The translation of Feng Sui is: “wind-water.”  

The task of Feng Sui is to organize the living space harmoniously  The Feng Sui uses to order of the five elements (wood, earth, fire, water and metal). Each element helps to invoke a particular mood and achieve a goal.

 

The commanding position

This is one of the fundamental basics in feng shui.

Your desk represents your career and path in life.

How to place your desk in command: find a location when you’re sitting at your desk, you can see the door without being directly in line with it.

The 5 key elements in Feng Sui

In terms of spaces, the Five Elements can be associated as follows:

1. Water: Connected to the flow of energy and associated with the color black or deep blue, the water element relates to:

 - reflective spaces, such as bathrooms, spas

 - meditation areas

2. Fire: Represented by the color red, fire symbolizes warmth, vitality, and passion. This element aligns with social areas, such as:

 - the board room

 - canteen area

3. Wood: Represented by green and symbolizing growth and creativity, wood is best represented in spaces dedicated to new beginnings and development, such as: 

 - office

 - study area

4. Metal: Associated with the color white and symbolizing efficiency and clarity, metal relates to organized spaces, such as:

 - kitchens

 - storage areas, workshops

5. Earth: Represented by earthy tones and symbolizing stability and grounding, the earth element is associated with spaces that encourage relaxation and rest, such as

 - calming in- or outdoor areas.

 

The five elements of feng shui are: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.

 

What each element means

‌Wood: growth, vitality, flexibility, upward movement 

‌Fire: visibility, passion, transformation, expansion 

‌Earth: stability, grounding, nourishment, support 

‌Metal: clarity, structure, precision, order 

‌Water: flow, calm, wisdom, communication 

 

Common feng shui cues

• ‌Wood: green, plants, wood furniture 
• ‌Fire: red, orange, strong lighting 
• ‌Earth: yellow, beige, brown, stone or clay 
• ‌Metal: white, gray, round shapes, metal decor 
• ‌Water: black, dark blue, flowing shapes, mirrors or reflective surfaces 

 

Simple office use

A balanced office usually mixes a little of each element rather than relying on just one en we

For example, you might use a plant for Wood, a warm lamp for Fire, a ceramic tray for Earth, a metal organizer for Metal, and a blue accent for Water 

To incorporate the five feng shui elements into office spaces, use each one with a clear job rather than trying to force all of them everywhere, 

 

Office entrance

• ‌Wood: a healthy plant, wooden bench, or green accent to create growth and a welcoming feel 
• ‌Fire: warm lighting or a red/orange feature to make the entry feel active and inviting 
• ‌Earth: stone, ceramic, terracotta, or beige tones for stability and groundedness 
• ‌Metal: a round mirror, metal handles, or a simple framed sign to add clarity and structure 
• ‌Water: blue accents, reflective surfaces, or a clean visual path to support flow and calm 

 

Workspaces

• ‌Wood: use a wooden desk, bookshelves, or one plant near the desk to support creativity and growth 
• ‌Fire: add a desk lamp, warm task lighting, or a small red accent where you need focus and drive 
• ‌Earth: use a stone tray, ceramic mug, earthy colors, or a solid desk surface to reduce stress and help concentration 
• ‌Metal: use metal organizers, white or gray accents, and clean lines to improve order and decision-making 
• ‌Water: keep one cool-toned or reflective detail, such as blue decor or glass, to soften the energy and support mental flow 

 

Simple balance rule

A good office usually feels best with one element leading and the others supporting it, rather than equal amounts of everything 

For example, a focused workspace might lead with Wood and Metal, then add a little Fire for energy and Earth for stability 

 

Leading elements: those supports the primary function of the space and use others to support that energy.

| Space | Lead Element | Supporting Elements | Design Accents |

Entrance - Metal

• Earth, Water
• Clear paths, metallic handles, bright lighting |

Reception - Earth 

• Metal, Fire  
• Sturdy furniture, welcoming tones, warm light 

Workspace - Metal

• Wood, Earth 
• Organized desk, greenery, stone/clay accessories 

Boardroom - Fire

•  Earth, Wood
•  Dynamic lighting, stable seating, wood table 

Kitchen - Earth

• Wood, Metal
• Neutral/warm tones, natural materials, clean surfaces |

Canteen - Wood

• Fire, Earth 
• Plants, vibrant food colors, communal layout 

Activity Space - Fire

• Wood, Water 
• Bright accents, open floor, dynamic art 

Library - Water

• Metal, Wood 
• Quiet corners, dark wood, organized shelves 

Calm Space - Water

• Earth, Metal 
• Soft blue tones, stillness, comfortable seating 

Calm Zones - Earth

• Water, Wood
• Comfortable, grounded furniture, soft texture 

 

Design Guidance by Element

• ‌Metal (Clarity & Precision): Best for workspaces and entrances where organization and professionalism are key. Use white, gray, and round/circular shapes.
• ‌Earth (Stability & Support): Essential for reception and kitchen areas to foster trust and nourishment. Use beige, yellow, brown‌
• Fire (Motivation & Energy): Ideal for boardrooms and activity spaces to spark creativity and drive. Use red, orange‌.
• Wood (Growth & Creativity): Great for canteens and workspaces to promote innovation and vitality. Use green, and plants.
• Water (Flow & Focus): Best for libraries and calm zones to encourage deep concentration and stillness. Use black, blue, and flowing, organic shapes.

The goal is to avoid over-dominance by a single element. If a room feels "stuck," add a Water element; if it feels "chaotic," add Earth or Metal to ground it.

 

Decluttering: what, why & how

Zen is simplicity to let the space flow and breathe it is essential to declutter.

What is: decluttering

Removing or letting go of the things you don't need so your space becomes more peaceful, functional, and enjoyable.

Donating, trashing, or selling anything you no longer want, use, or need.

Why decluttering:

In summary, decluttering plays a significant role in the process of creating balance and harmony in your living space. By removing unnecessary items and organizing your belongings, you invite positive energy flow and foster an environment conducive to well-being. While other aspects of Feng Shui are essential, do not underestimate the impact of decluttering as a crucial first step in transforming your home into a space that nurtures and supports your personal growth.

How declutter:

Starting the Decluttering Process: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Analyze Your: Home & Office: Begin by observing your living space with the insights you've gained from the Feng Shui video.

Pay attention to areas that feel cluttered or blocked.

2. Reflect on Your Belongings: Carefully consider each item in your home, reflecting on its purpose, usefulness, and emotional significance.

Ask yourself if it truly serves you and brings positive energy into your life.

3. Set Aside Unwanted Items: Remove any items that you no longer need or feel good about, including broken or outdated pieces.

Separate these items into categories such as donate, recycle, or discard.

4. Declutter Gradually: Approach the decluttering process slowly, tackling one room or area at a time.

Remember that it's important to remain mindful and focused throughout this process, so don't rush yourself.

5. Reorganize Your Space: Once you've removed unwanted items, arrange the remaining belongings in a way that promotes balance and harmony, following the principles of Feng Shui.

Improve your entrance

According the Feng Shui, the entrance area shouldn't be overloaded with furniture or any other items that could block the front door or the pathway towards the spece.

For the best and most positive flow of life energy - chi, the interior design should be kept simple, pleasant and welcoming.

• Make your front entrance unique and be creative – use a nice doormat, introduce plants, lights, paintings, mirrors, and functional storage such as a console table.
• Placing a potted plant or container of flowers on either side of the front door is considered good feng shui. Plants are great diffusers of poison arrow (this is the negative energy that occurs when two walls or sharp edges come together and point out like an arrow) and can deflect negative chi (vital energy) at the front of your home.
• In Feng Shui, the color red holds significant importance and is believed to possess powerful energy. When used in moderation and placed thoughtfully, red can help attract positive energy, or Chi, into your home. Specifically, incorporating a red element near the entrance of your home serves multiple purposes: Attracts Prosperity and Good Fortune: Red symbolizes good fortune, prosperity, and protection in Feng Shui. Placing a red element at your entrance invites these positive energies into your home.
  Stimulates Energy and Vitality: Red is associated with the fire element, representing energy, passion, and vitality.

Office entrance:

In Feng Shui, the office entrance (or "Mouth of Qi") is crucial for welcoming productive energy and prosperity. Key principles include keeping the entryway, clean, well-lit, and free of clutter, with doors that open smoothly. The entrance should feel welcoming and not be directly blocked by furniture, walls, or aligned with sharp corners.Key Feng Shui 

By having a red element at your entrance, you promote a lively and energizing atmosphere in your home.

Feng sui applied: the entrance

• Reflection and analyse. How is your entrance is it inviting, clean?
• Are there ityems that can be placed or stored in a better place?
• Can you place 2 nice pots with plants or flowers at the door sides?
• Check your door mat (if any), no text or symbols is better. No cleaning shoes on the word ¨welcome¨for example.
• Can you add a red element?