Feng Shui Design Tips: Entrance Hall & Mood Lighting
The Bright Entrance Hall
The Ming Tang is an important part of Feng Shui and creating one that has good Chi (energetic life force) is essential for health, happiness, and abundance. The entryway, known as the Ming Tang, is an opportunity for an introduction into the space. It sets the tone for the overall energy and has the potential to establish a warm, friendly, feeling throughout the interior environment. It is important that this area is well-lit and welcoming. Plants and art can also be used to bring nature inside the Ming Tang. This is a transitional area where you are leaving the outside Chi behind and entering the indoor Chi. Remove any clutter so that the fresh energy coming through the doorway can easily flow throughout the space. If you have a mirror positioned opposite the front door, it will bounce the fresh Chi right back outside, preventing the distribution of this vital energy throughout the building. The Ming Tang should never feel like a dead end, but rather an open area leading to the interior of the space, where the Chi can flow freely throughout.
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Think Like A Designer
Lights can create all kinds of magic and emotional experiences for us. There are many ways to create different lighting atmospheres. Different types of light bulbs, as well as a variety of light fixtures should be considered, and they all will bring a different personality to the space. How lights are positioned also create different types of moods. When designers look at a space, the first question they ask is, “What is the space being used for?” Next, they will create the desired lighting experience by analyzing the degree of brightness that would be appropriate, colors preferred, type of lighting (often a variety) and the plan and placement of the fixtures. They contemplate the needs, safety, security, mood, performance, and experience for all of those who spend time in the space. In the best scenario, a designer should also be familiar with Feng Shui, so lighting can be used to create harmony and balance. The way a space feels can also be shaped by how the lighting is intentionally installed. Uplighting, downlighting, task lighting, and layered lighting all create unique atmospheres.
