How to Choose Blue for Home Decorating

Franca Giuliani - This September started with the reminiscence of a blue moon (which occurred on August 31). For those of you who may not know, a blue moon is the second full moon occurrence in a given month. Some also say it is the fourth moon to appear in a season. Now the moon is not actually blue, so why do they call it that? There are a few different stories. The oldest one I found was because of a way to describe something so absurd that it would not happen, as in “That will happen when the moon turns blue.” And of course we eventually got the phrase, “once in a blue moon.”

No matter its origins, a blue moon is considered having powerful and magical energies. In honoring this moon, I thought it might be appropriate to talk about what the color BLUE actually means, and how we can use it in our space and lives for better harmony.

Based on a feng shui perspective, BLUE is associated with the North East/Knowledge & Self-Cultivation and the East/Family & Health sectors of the bagua. Really DARK BLUES (almost black) relate to the North /Journey & Career. SKY BLUE is associated with the South /Illumination.

Yes, BLUE is associated with sadness and melancholy. “I feel so blue,” or “I have the blues.” But in feng shui, BLUE illustrates calmness, peace, tranquility, and introspection. Therefore, it's used quite often in bedrooms (a certain shade of BLUE-GREEN can also work) to help with sleep. It can be used where people convene, such as offices, to help avoid conflict. Keep in mind, though, that everyone relates to color differently; therefore, someone with “low” energy may feel lethargic and sad if there is too much BLUE in their space.

BLUE also represents trust and loyalty. It's a very sincere color. From a color psychology perspective, blue is reliable and responsible. Since BLUE gives off a sense of order, it's also a great color for storage areas and work and work spaces. In general, BLUE is idealistic, helps with self-expression, and our ability to communicate better. It inspires higher ideals.

Here are some more specific meanings of the variations of BLUE. Think about these as you make decorating decisions - and remember the areas of the bagua where blue can have the most impact.

Pale Blue: inspires creativity and the freedom to break free.

Sky Blue: inspires selfless love and fidelity; non-threatening; helps overcome obstacles; universal healer.

Azure Blue: inspires determination, ambition to achieve, strive for goals.

Dark Blue: implies knowledge, power, and integrity.

Your Feng Shui Homework

So, your homework for this month is to walk around your space and see where BLUE may serve you well. Do you need to paint a wall BLUE in the family room? Does your office need BLUE? Or do you just need some BLUE flowers on the table? Perhaps next time the whole family comes over for dinner, you may want to consider using BLUE dishes. That may help tone down family discussions - especially when my Italian family comes over!

Until next month,

Be well,

Franca

Franca is one of the Feng Shui instructors at Sheffield School; visit her website for more information. If you're interested in learning more about interior design and accessories, then we encourage you to explore the Sheffield School, New York, NY. Sheffield began as an Interior Design school in 1985, and then expanded our course offerings to train people in other design-related fields, including Feng Shui, Wedding and Event Planning, and Jewelry Design. With thousands of active students and more than 50,000 graduates, Sheffield has trained more design professionals than any school in the world.

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Comments

[Becca]

I love colour blue. Thanks for the idea how to use blue in interior decorating.

[Blue Nursery]

Thanks for sharing this blog. Blue is certainly a tranquil palette. It is an ideal shade for decorating a baby's nursery. Blue in nursery doesn’t have to be only for a boy’s nursery.

[Ruby @ Decor Addicts]

I like that color chart .. I have printed it by the way for reference. I really am into interior decoration and yet I still have a lot to learn.That is why I am grateful to have come across your blog post.

[nursery wall stickers]

Thanks for sharing the ideas, Blue is my favourite colour. And always i bought something new in blue. This information is very useful for me to decorate my room.

[angetan]

Love blue! My bedroom's wall also in blue.. love it so much