Over 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 and has little to do with Louis XV, Victorian, or Minimalist design themes. Rather, it is a comprehensive system not only for decorating, but also for life. Few interior design specialties can make such boasts.
At the heart of this Taoist practice, otherwise known as Feng Shui, is the belief in 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. Feng Shui is nothing if not comprehensive.
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.
Once erected, then the interior can be appropriately arranged. 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 "reflecting" away 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.
At all times, it is crucial to remember how intimately Feng Shui is tied to Taoist theory and the overall Chinese worldview. Understanding these myriad ideas and concepts takes time and dedication -- in fact, learning Chinese would be very helpful as well. 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. - 15252
At the heart of this Taoist practice, otherwise known as Feng Shui, is the belief in 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. Feng Shui is nothing if not comprehensive.
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.
Once erected, then the interior can be appropriately arranged. 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 "reflecting" away 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.
At all times, it is crucial to remember how intimately Feng Shui is tied to Taoist theory and the overall Chinese worldview. Understanding these myriad ideas and concepts takes time and dedication -- in fact, learning Chinese would be very helpful as well. 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. - 15252
About the Author:
The future of interior design is constantly in flux. As new cultures are folded into the American aesthetic, there will be a constant need to upgrade and modify the status quo. Interior design is an exciting field filled with lucrative, daily challenges.
