Applying the Principles of Feng Shui to Your Building Exterior

Did you know that Feng Shui also extends to your building’s façade? Feng Shui can be more than just efficiently arranging your room’s interior.  

"Feng shui isn't a method or style of decorating. It is both an art and science meant to balance and harmonize," explains Amanda Lauren of Real Simple. Feng Shui combines color theory and psychology to promote your mental and emotional wellbeing, which can be applied to selecting paint and finishes in any room or building.

For example, Architectural Digest suggests that using purple, deep blues, gold and dark greens in your home can help attract financial wealth and material abundance.

The principles of Feng Shui also reference nature's elements to stimulate the senses: wood, earth, fire, metal and water. Here is your guide on how to design your building façade according to these five elements.

Which element is for you?

Wood

Would you like to inspire growth and expansion for your next design project? If so, then the wood element is a perfect match for you. According to Stephanie McWilliams of HGTV, materials that consist of wood in your space can inspire a sense of stability. Use Dryvit’s Woodgrain finish in shades like Red Pine, Cedar, or Saddle on your façade to enhance the feeling of security as you enter your space.

Earth

Maybe you’re seeking more balance in your life. In that case, you want to add more earthy elements into your design plans. Amy Preiser claims that using shades of green or brown can convey new beginnings. If this fits your goals, then look at our standard colors such as Aspen Green, Fawn, or Teakwood. For more depth and shade variations, Tibur Stone™, Tuscan Glaze™ and Stone Mist® finishes provide organic texture with subtle earth tones reminiscent of sand, stone and clay. 

Fire

What about if you’re hoping to liven up the environment of your next build? Then you should use the fire element to your advantage. McWilliams explains that using shades of red, pink, and purple can inspire feelings of expressiveness and courage. With Dryvit colors options like Strawberry and Dusty Pink, you can safely harness the fire element in your building.

Metal

On the other hand, if you want your new space to exude clarity and logic, the metal element is for you. Metal can be incorporated through many different types of aesthetics. For solid colors, consider shades of white or grey. However, if you want a reflective metallic look, Reflectit™ offers a pearlescent smooth or textured finish in a range of colors. 

Water

Do you prefer spending time in an environment that emits wisdom and insight? These qualities both coincide with the element of water, says McWilliams. To incorporate these inspiring characteristics, look to dark blue hues or a textured finish like TerraNeo®.with mica for a sparkle that mirrors the ocean.

Mix and Match

Now that you have a feel for each element on its own, you can mix your favorite elements together to ensure positive energy flow in your outdoor spaces. If you like both the earth and metal elements, the distinctive Ferros® finish gives the appearance of rust with long-lasting durability. If you prefer the fiery reds and a more reflective aesthetic, check out the Reflectit Chili Pepper. You can even use multiple finishes on different areas of the building for a one-of-a-kind look.

However you decide to harness the power of Feng Shui in your design, you’ll be sure to make a statement with Dryvit’s array of exterior colors and finishes.