During the course of the first decade of the 21st Century, it seems a new trend in interior design has emerged. Ironically, that new trend is roughly 3,000 years old. Indeed, it has little to do with Louis XV, Art Deco, or Victorian design themes. Rather, it is a comprehensive system not only for decorating, but also for life. Few interior design specialties would dare make such a boast.
Feng Shui is a Taoist belief system that is based on the optimal arrangement of all the facets that compose a life. Every aspect of life must be arranged and accounted for. From the placement of the front door of one's home, to the placement of shrubs and plants, even down to the color and angle of furniture pieces. When embraced as a system of living, Feng Shui even goes so far as to designate the appropriate grave site. If nothing else, Feng Shui is incredibly thorough.
The practice was not initially concerned with the specifics of interior design. That is, the interior should be secondary to the exterior of the structure. This doesn't necessarily imply the actual exterior components of a building; rather it refers to the positioning. Which direct does the front door face? Does it blend well with the natural vegetation? Is there a ready source of water nearby? All these facets must be taken into consideration when laying the foundations of home.
With the structure in place, its interior can be addressed appropriately. Sources of vegetation, especially bamboo must be placed strategically through the house. Should a door directly face the toilet, bagua (or octagonal) mirrors must be placed above the toilet, effectively "deflecting" evil spirits and ill fortune. Furthermore, a person sitting at a desk should not have their back to the room, and the furniture in a room should not be pushed right up against the walls.
It is crucial to recall how intimately Feng Shui is tied to Taoist theory and the overall Chinese worldview. Understanding these myriad ideas and concepts takes time and dedication. Interior design, as we know it, is changing. Though the traditional themes are still in vogue, the infusion of Chinese sensibilities is sure to add a valuable and popular twist to tradition. - 16035
Feng Shui is a Taoist belief system that is based on the optimal arrangement of all the facets that compose a life. Every aspect of life must be arranged and accounted for. From the placement of the front door of one's home, to the placement of shrubs and plants, even down to the color and angle of furniture pieces. When embraced as a system of living, Feng Shui even goes so far as to designate the appropriate grave site. If nothing else, Feng Shui is incredibly thorough.
The practice was not initially concerned with the specifics of interior design. That is, the interior should be secondary to the exterior of the structure. This doesn't necessarily imply the actual exterior components of a building; rather it refers to the positioning. Which direct does the front door face? Does it blend well with the natural vegetation? Is there a ready source of water nearby? All these facets must be taken into consideration when laying the foundations of home.
With the structure in place, its interior can be addressed appropriately. Sources of vegetation, especially bamboo must be placed strategically through the house. Should a door directly face the toilet, bagua (or octagonal) mirrors must be placed above the toilet, effectively "deflecting" evil spirits and ill fortune. Furthermore, a person sitting at a desk should not have their back to the room, and the furniture in a room should not be pushed right up against the walls.
It is crucial to recall how intimately Feng Shui is tied to Taoist theory and the overall Chinese worldview. Understanding these myriad ideas and concepts takes time and dedication. Interior design, as we know it, is changing. Though the traditional themes are still in vogue, the infusion of Chinese sensibilities is sure to add a valuable and popular twist to tradition. - 16035
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The future of interior design is perpetually in flux. As new cultures are folded into the American experience, there will be a constant need to upgrade and modify the status quo. Interior design is an exciting field filled with lucrative, daily challenges.
