In previous article, we touched on 3 critical areas to consider during a house audit. Naturally, our next attention would turn to the living room; first physical space when entering a house. We split this living room article into a 3 series posts based on following sections.  

1. Vestibule/ Entrance Area (玄关)

2. Living Room (客厅)

3. Balcony (阳台)

   

Vestibule/ Entrance (玄关)

Vestibule/ Entrance is the first physical space that greet & receives family members & guests when entered through the main door. There are 3 general categories to choose from (based on individual preference) as this will be the first visual contact after entering the door. The visual result should create a harmony, homey, comfortable or pleasing physical space.

1. See Red (见红)

2. See Art (见画)

3. See Green (见绿)

   

See Red (见红)

Red signifies happiness or good luck in Chinese tradition. So anything that is naturally inclined to red will be generally positive. Often, there are a few alternatives beside what Feng Shui master propose to you, be it in the traditional or modern Feng Shui context. Common examples:

1. Red light/ Himalayan Salt Lamp

2. Simple red blessing words/ red decoration

3. Partition paint consists of mainly red

4. Red flowers

5. Fish tank with mostly/ all red fishes

6. Naturally inclined red statue

 

See Art (见画)

Art can refer either to art painting or statue. Intention is to give a feeling of self-cultivation (修养) and literacy (书香) in the family. Religious inclined master may propose statue such as Guan Yin(观音), Buddha(佛像/ 菩萨), laughing Buddha(笑佛), Wealth God(财神), Pixiu(貔貅), etc… where each of them holds different meaning. Nonetheless, the common underlying intention is to ward off evil energy or spirits and invite the goodness into the house. Common examples:

1. Painting (depends on Feng Shui meaning, will discuss during next article)

a.  Hand-drawn painting (Feng Shui painting/ Flowery art/ modern art)

b.  Caliigraphy

c.  Tapestry (Religion-based or non-religion based)

2. Art Pieces with positive meaning such as Liu Li(琉璃)

3. Statues (General meaning)

a. Guan Yin(观音): Maintain family harmony & health

b. Buddha(佛像/ 菩萨): Ward off evil energy/ spirits and bring peace to the family

c. Laughing Buddha(笑佛): Happiness in the family first followed by wealth

d. Wealth God(财神): Bring in wealth to the family

e. Pixiu(貔貅): Bring in wealth to the family & ward off evil energy/ spirits

f.  Fortune Cat(招财猫): Depends on colors of the cat, can have multiple meanings

       g. Other auspicious items that are may/ may not be religion based

 

See Green (见绿)

Green refers to fresh plants/ flowers which bring a breath of fresh air, lively or vibrancy when entering the house. It belongs to nature and aims to bring relaxation to individual.  If you like to know more about greenery, you can read on plants and flowers. Some examples:

1.  Plants such as Lucky Bamboo

2.  Flowers such as butterfly orchid

    Best to avoid following in vestibule/ entrance (玄关):

1. Toilet near the entrance/ directly facing main door

2. Smelly/ untidy shoe rack near the entrance

3. Mirror/ Reflection directly facing main door

4. Untidy/ messy/ cluttered items near the entrance or outside the entrance area

5.  Stove in view from outside the main door/ can be easily seen when entered door

  The main intention for the 3 categories; See Red, See Art, See Green is to create a visual reminder when first entering the house. Aim to achieve an ambiance of positive or happiness, leaving all negative or unhappiness feeling behind.  This in turn create harmony in the family where wealth, health and fortune will follow. Another secondary intention is having a physical space that differentiate itself from living room area.  Often, the ceiling and floor tiles are missed out by the Feng Shui master as they will focus on the 3 categories only. Due to space constraint & practical reason(e.g. home theme), sometimes having a partition may not be the right choice.  A quick solution to this would be making use of lightning color and floor tiles design to create a space on its own.  An unique physical space belonging to the house owner creation and desire when entering the house.  

Why the need to have differentiation?

In ancient time, Feng Shui is based on house reading that has been compartmentalised. The main reception area (known as vestibule/ entrance) is a separate room itself, often is another smaller living room.  Due to modern housing design in HDB, this has been shrunk to above concept where such house compartments(smaller living room) are remove due to space constraint.   Hopefully, above article provide you a guideline with suggestions to discuss with your Feng Shui master when auditing your vestibule/ entrance (玄关).  Our 2nd article series will be on living room Feng Shui.   Thank you & Good Luck !