Channelling The Ancient Art Of Feng Shui In Our Homes
Published on
November 5, 2024
Rooted in the Taoist philosophies of Ancient China, feng shui is the energetic alignment of architecture, colour and objects. Believed to balance the opposing yet complementary forces of yin and yang and improve the flow of chi – energy – it’s an age-old set of aesthetic principles intended to invite harmonious living. Fire, wood, water, earth and metal are the elemental cornerstones of feng shui home decoration, and striking an equilibrium between them is said to bring peace and fulfilment. Natural, organic materials, soothing palettes and sublimely spacious layouts – all feng shui principles – define the iconic August interiors. Discover how we subtly channel feng shui design in our home décor to create Collections of enviable, tranquil retreats.
Rooted in the Taoist philosophies of Ancient China, feng shui is the energetic alignment of architecture, colour and objects. Believed to balance the opposing yet complementary forces of yin and yang and improve the flow of chi – energy – it’s an age-old set of aesthetic principles intended to invite harmonious living. Fire, wood, water, earth and metal are the elemental cornerstones of feng shui home decoration, and striking an equilibrium between them is said to bring peace and fulfilment. Natural, organic materials, soothing palettes and sublimely spacious layouts – all feng shui principles – define the iconic August interiors. Discover how we subtly channel feng shui design in our home décor to create Collections of enviable, tranquil retreats.
The principles of feng shui
Elemental and energetic balance are fundamental to feng shui home décor, attained – like any artistic masterpiece – through colour, material and composition. The five elements to consider when designing a feng shui home are:
Wood
Symbol of growth, health and vitality, the wood element is channelled not only through the material itself, but through the earthy, evocative tones of green and brown.
Earth
Stability, protection and nourishment are qualities imbued in the earth element, captured in natural stone, ceramics and a soft palette of beige, sand and yellow.
Fire
Representing passion and transformation, vibrant shades of red, purple and orange reflect the fire element, as do candles, open fires and ambient lighting.
Metal
Symbolic of clarity and efficiency, the metal element is projected through whites, greys and metallic tones, as well as metal objects, like mirrors, bed frames and fixtures.
Water
Wisdom and flexibility are the qualities found in water, and a palette of blue and black channels this elemental energy – also conveyed through mirrors, curves and textural waves.
How August channels Feng Shui for harmonious living
Embodying the energetic alignment created by certain shades and furnishings, the August design ethos leans into soothing hues, spaciousness and natural, organic materials.
Earthy greens, soft neutrals and vibrant highlights
Soft sages, olives and buttery yellows balanced by crisp white and creamy neutrals are the foundation of every August Collection colour palette – with richer accents added for parity.
Epitome of colour harmony, our Signature home in La Rouret spotlights the gentle interplay of growth and vitality-promoting green with clarity-enhancing white, nourishing neutrals and accents of calming teal blue, stabilising yellow and energetic red.
Step inside our latest Provençal home, and you will discover a similar backdrop of whites, ecrus and greys attuned to the metal element, supported by gentle, growth-promoting browns and greens. Harmonising highlights come in subtle shades of blue – echoing the sublime views of the Côte d’Azur beyond.
Throughout our beautifully renovated Collections, you will find a colour palette attuned to the homes themselves, the surrounding landscapes, the region’s uniquely rich heritage and the mood that we want homeowners to feel from the moment they step through the door.
Harmonious living through natural materials
Channelling the energies of the wood element, we carefully source a blend of antique and contemporary furniture to enhance the existing features of each of our homes. The wood element’s growth, health and vitality are amplified through exposed beams and original hearths, while natural stone and ceramics imbue the spaces with the nourishing, stabilising essence of earth.
Nestled amid the picturesque hills of Montecatini Terme, an August Tuscan abode is a masterclass in harmonising the elements. Beautiful terracotta-tiled floors, rustic stone walls and original beams centre wood and earth, while curved doorways and furnishings lean into the flexible qualities of water. Accents of wrought-iron and large, light-reflecting mirrors invoke the metal element’s clarifying force, while the imposing open hearth invites the energetic passion of fire.
Embracing simplicity and spaciousness
From palatial Signature, Premium and Prime family homes to generous Pied à Terre apartments, space and simplicity are synonymous with the August design DNA. When seeking properties to transform into enviable abodes, we look for an architectural style and openness that articulates a sense of tranquillity.
The essence of a feng shui home is spaciousness, enabling the free flow of chi through the house. Our Rivieran home, perched in the hills of Tourrettes-sur-Loup, epitomises that effortless feng shui flow. Generous interior and exterior entertaining areas are designed to create a seamless coalescence between the home and the landscape, with the indoor dining and outer terrace mirrored in their design.
An unbroken layout, floor-to-ceiling windows and thoughtfully chosen furnishings create openness through which chi and fresh air can flow, while amplifying the abundant light from the home’s southwesterly orientation.
Drawing in natural light and amplifying ambience
The rolling hills of Tuscany, the breathtaking shoreline of the Côte d’Azur – the view from an August home is often its most enchanting feature. As well as capturing the spellbinding vista, the full-height windows and favourable orientation of many August homes flood the spaces with light to enhance positive energy. Amplifying this precious natural mood-lifter, large mirrors draw light into even the darkest corners.
As the day draws to a close, warm lamplight and the soft glow from the hearth create an ambient mood, while elevating the energetic qualities of the fire element.
Are you longing to immerse yourself in the tranquillity-inducing design of your own feng shui home? With an August Collection, all you need to do is book, arrive and unwind – in beautifully designed surroundings that channel the sublimely peaceful mood of any feng shui interior.
From Tuscany to the French Alps to the Balearic paradise of Mallorca and beyond, co-own a Collection of five August homes and unlock five idyllic European lifestyles. Book a call with an August Advisor today, and take the first step towards effortless multi-homeownership.
start your august journey
Get to know August, our destinations, homes and homeowners by requesting a brochure
Book an individual consult and get expert, bespoke advice in your language, at a time that suits you
Join a guided presentation with other prospective owners, participate in a live chat and hear directly from an August Homeowner