A Five Element Remedies refresher
There are 5 elements in Feng Shui. These are the remedies that are used in correcting the qi. Here is a quick primer on the elements and some basics on their application. You can use colors as a substitute, but the actual element is the preferred recommendation.
Wood: Wood is simply plants or trees. But they must be living. If the wood is not living, it cannot be the wood element in terms of Feng Shui. You can use the color green, thus silk plants can be used, but they are not a strong remedy. There is no effect on the qi. Think of it like this, a plant purifies the air (qi). A silk plant reflects the green spectrum but does not change the air. So from a color perspective, it can effect the environment, but it does not affect the qi.
Wood frame houses and wood beams are not considered in the elements. They are part of the structure, but are not necessarily effecting the qi. The beams though are an environmental aspect that can create strong downward qi and can be a problem. (sha or negative influence)
Fire: Fire is the color red or some say purple. Again, the color works, but not nearly as effective as the actual element. But, … Because of the danger, it is better to recommend a red nightlite or a red lampshade. This projects heat, red, and the fire effect, but is safer. Especially with kids and pets .
Earth: Concrete, plaster, ceramics, and stone are all the earth element. I was at an art show once with an artist who specializes in concrete art. It was both beautiful and a good source for the earth element. Adobe is also a great earth element remedy.
Metal: The actual use of metal is called for here. Any beautiful metal object can be added. Metal colors can be whites, silvers, golds, coppers, etc. Metal remedies are based on substance and surface. A light metal piece but with a lot of surface is good, or so is a smaller piece but with a lot of weight (density).
Water: Water is obviously water, but the question is application of the water. Ponds, Fountains (metal preferred), waterfalls all make for great outside remedies. Inside consider water sculptures, fountains, or aquariums. The color blue or black can be used. Again though, keep in mind that the color effects the environment, but not necessarily the qi. The way I look at it as color has a certain refractive vibration and that has some effect, but it is small compared to the actual element.
Anything other than the application of the five elements or environmental changes (such as clearing clutter or adding landscaping) is not part of a feng shui solution. (Charms, baguas, spells, or other superstition are not Feng Shui!) We use the elements to balance the qi within a home or building and we take care of environmental issues to remove sha (or negative influences). Remember too that the elemental remedies need to be proportional. Repainting where the paint is chipped and peeling is a good example of an environmental remedy. Adding a metal sculpture to your living room is an example of an elemental remedy. The ultimate goal is to have balanced qi and a supportive and comfortable environment.
