June 4, 2020

By Julie Schuster

With COVID-19 cancelling travel plans across the board, and physical distancing drastically limiting group gatherings, outdoor spaces have never been more crucial to our health and well-being. Whether you have a patio, deck, rooftop or backyard, chances are it will benefit from a little Feng Shui love. Here are five tips – and five of my favorite brands and products – to bring balance and harmony to your outdoor space this summer:

PLAYFUL PLANTS: When decorating with plants, pay attention to their shape – which can range from pyramidal to rounded, vase-like to flat or spreading. When plants are placed into groups, they take on an entirely new form as a collective. My favorite outdoor plants include potted palms for lush tropical silhouettes, white hydrangeas for simple elegance and bamboo for sectioning (and good luck). Plants can also be represented symbolically through art, shapes and decorative elements.

PICK YOUR PAINT: The color of the outer façade of your home should align with Feng Shui principles. Pick a color that seamlessly blends with the natural and manmade elements around it. This means your color should harmonize with nearby houses, trees and foliage. Next, decide on an accent color that can be used sparingly to attract positive energy. I’m a big fan of a bright, bold front door.

MAKE YOUR FRONT DOOR COUNT: Because front doors attract positive energy or “chi,” it is crucial to maintain an unobstructed, clean flow of energy into the home. Keep your front door fresh with a new coat of paint and repair or replace any rusted hardware. The space leading up to and framing the door should be well-lit and free from dead plants and old decorations. I love using hurricane lanterns – grouped in threes at different heights – in the lead up to an entryway.

ENHANCE WATER, EARTH & WOOD ELEMENTS: In Feng Shui philosophy, water is a symbol of wealth. Ideally, a water element will be represented with a pond, swimming pool, waterfall or birdbath. If your space or budget doesn’t allow, try undulating, wavy shapes or pops of black or navy blue instead. The earth element can be enhanced with a rock garden or stone sculpture to pull focus. The wood element can be enhanced through landscaping with flowers and greenery, as well as natural fencing from trees or thick shrubs.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE: Flimsy, plastic outdoor furniture is officially a thing of the past. Outdoor furniture has come a long way over the last few years. It is now possible to elevate yours by giving it a sophisticated, interior look that will withstand the elements. There are so many great, soft, breathable fabrics to choose from. Fabrics like Crypton are water and stain resistant. Store cushions indoors when not using them to save them from sun-staining.