Art Prints and Feng Shui: An Interview with DeAnna Radaj
How do art prints play a role in Feng Shui?
If you want romance, hang romantic art prints, such as Secret Moments I by Alfred Gockel. Finished frame size: 16.25 x 28 inches, Frame: Flat Front Cherry Wood, Mat: Tablet White (1 inch)
Art helps to set the intention (from the nine Life Areas) of the space (i.e. romantic art prints in the bedroom correspond to relationships). Art prints also help create a supportive space and visualization of goals. This is especially important for clients and people who are more visual and need sight cues.
What are some Feng Shui guidelines for choosing colors and imagery for a bedroom?
In the school of Feng Shui I practice, the Black Hat Sect, you use different colors to represent different stages of relationships. Red is used in a legally-binding relationship, such as marriage or a legal business partnership. Pink is used when you are single and looking. Coral or peach are used if when you are single, but not ready for a relationship and are more into hook-ups and serial dating. I always suggest having a cool color scheme (blue under-tone, blues, purples, grays) to help lower blood pressure and the heart rate, while increasing the chances of a good night’s sleep.
As far as imagery, think what represents romance and passion to you, which could be a walk on beach at sunset or pictures of you and your sweetie at your wedding or honeymoon. This will be different for everyone, so it is important that you determine what romance means and represents to you. Find images and pictures that represent that. If romance isn’t in the cards, or is something you have no interest in, then focus on peace, calm and restful scenes.
Avoid pictures of the in-laws, exes, kids, friends, violent imagery or anything work related. Also try to avoid abstracts and patterns, which can be too chaotic and on a sub-conscious level can cause stress to the system. This may manifest into restless sleep, unsettling relationships and insomnia.
What are some Feng Shui guidelines for choosing colors and imagery for a children’s bedroom?
In Feng Shui terms, kids’ bedrooms would correspond to the Creativity/Kids area which is activated by the color white, the element of metal and the shape of a circle. White, as a primary color, is the perfect back-drop for a kid’s room as it is easy to upgrade as they age. It serves as a great canvass for their artwork, bulletin boards w/pictures and awards.
Imagery for a child’s room, while it changes somewhat with age, should always be nurturing and supportive. For example, look for art prints with a mother and child, friends and inspirational quotes. Avoid violent movie posters, violent musician posters and anything with guns, knives, blood or gore. You should lie down on the bed and look at the view from bed. What is the first thing you see? Is it a Chucky poster with an evil puppet staring at you or a shelf of trophies? Again, this subconsciously sets up your child’s day and is the last thing he or she sees before going to bed. Choose art prints that are good, positive and uplifting!
What are some Feng Shui guidelines for choosing colors and imagery for a living room?
The living room corresponds with the Family Life Area, which is activated with the color green, shape of a rectangle and the wood element. Use green as the primary color.
Dance by Henri Matisse is a beautiful art print of people interacting, which is perfect for living rooms.
The color scheme for entertaining depends on the mood of the party. If you regularly throw a loud, fun, celebratory party then you want bright lights; warm colors; contrasting color schemes (blue/orange, red/green, purple/yellow); and lots of patterns, abstracts and reflective surfaces. Imagery should be of groups and anything else that promotes sociability, friendly groupings and smiling family photos. Avoid violent imagery or war scenes. Also avoid images with individual or single people because you want images of groups. For a more subdued event, such as a dinner party or a quiet evening with your significant other, you will want a more muted palette. Imagery and artwork should still promote group activity and sociability, but doing more relaxed activities, such as picnics or dining.
You can also add the water element. Do this with organic free-flowing shapes, the colors blue or black or with water features, such as a fountain or aquarium. For imagery, you can add water art prints. For a living room with a purpose of entertaining, you will want more active water imagery (i.e. waterfalls, high tide or moving river). For a more relaxed living room, choose art prints with a slow-moving stream or a beach with low tide.
The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh. Finished frame size: 22 x 18 inches, Frame: Flat Front Petite Black
Who are your favorite artists?
I love the shapes and colors in Wassily Kandinsky paintings. I also like Monet, Jack Vettriano, Leonardo da Vinci and Georgia O’Keefe. I love different uses of color and movement.
What are some of your favorite art prints?
I like The Singing Butler by Jack Vettriano, Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh and The Scream by Edvard Munch.
DeAnna Radaj Bio
DeAnna Radaj, owner of Bante Design LLC, can enter a space and help tweak, remodel or redesign the space to work better to suit its function and the lifestyle of the occupants of the space. Using Integrative Lifestyle Design, life quality can be increased and supportive to any transitions occurring, lifestyle changes or health challenges. She is an “Eco-Shui” designer, writer and consultant who helps those who are looking to lead a more healthy, balanced and proactive lifestyle. Unlike other interior designers or Feng Shui practitioners (besides a specialized focus on BEDROOMS & OFFICES), DeAnna integrates the Western (eco-friendly, universal, sustainable) and Eastern (Feng Shui) design principles and techniques.
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