Feng Shui At Work - Climbing the Walls

Empty walls devoid of art --or any decoration-- are depressing, aren't they? The only thing less uplifting than bare walls is ugly walls that have stains and peeling paint where the art should be. Feng shui is about creating harmonious, peaceful, and inspiring spaces that improve one's quality of life at home and at work. If your work environment is depressing, chances are your workers are going to be depressed and not as creative and productive as they should be.

Art need not be expensive to be effective at lifting ch'i (energy). To paraphrase Mae West, art just needs to be good looking and well hung. If your budget does not allow you to buy Andy Warhol originals--or even limited edition prints--you might consider purchasing original art from some local fine artists instead. Attend local art fairs and small galleries to get a feel for what is available. Another inexpensive alternative is framed poster art.

For the work place, art also needs to send the appropriate message. Thought should be given as to what the corporate message actually is. Paintings of naked ladies in the classical style could work beautifully as part of a wellness spa's decor but may not be right for a labor union office, for example. Art in the work place can simply be used to beautify a space, or, it can motivate workers.

Several poster companies even specialize in motivational sayings designed to promote leadership qualities for managers. Health care professionals tend to have their walls plastered with care related images.

Many professional offices prefer to hang diplomas, awards, and credentials in their office spaces. To enhance feng shui, these items should ideally be located in the "Fame & Reputation" area of the office. But these can be depressing, too, if they are poorly framed and displayed, and if they are the only wall art in the room. It's important to have a balance with art for art's sake. Maps, mirrors, tools of your trade and other common objects...all of these can be artfully hung on a wall to create an uplifting ambiance. Use your imagination!