Something shiny, something blue

IF YOU prefer to stay dry and spend the long Songkran holiday redecorating your home, Kotchakorn Promchai has some interesting tips on how to do it and what to buy.
The master of feng shui and astrology was recently invited by Tanapong Chirapanidchakul, chief executive at the Tanachira Group – which imports Jonathan Adler household wares from New York – to offer suggestions for revamping and refurbishing.
Adler is an author and TV personality who launched his business two decades ago with a ceramic collection for Barneys New York. In 1999 he expanded into home furnishings and opened a boutique in Manhattan. 

The Jonathan Adler showroom at Groove@ CentralWorld

And, today, he has more than 25 outlets around the world, selling what’s called “modern American glamour” – items that can be mixed and matched while bringing joy and optimism to the home. 
That’s a sensible goal to Kotchakorn, who explains that decorating home according to feng shui principles involves considering “the qi, yin-yang, the five elements, the person, and the yearly feng shui”. 
“Qi refers to the energy inside your body as well the energy inside and outside buildings, such as wind and the sun, moon and stars. Qi is all around you, and it can be positive or negative. 
“It’s related to yin-yang and the five elements,” she says. “Yin and yang are dual qualities and balance. Yin is earth, night and women. Yang is the sky, day and men. They can be constructive or destructive to your life and the things around you.”
Kotchakorn recommends “lucky items for the eight directions” for all 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac that she believes can attract wealth and ward off “bad energy”. 
“In the Year of the Rooster, the lucky animals are the dragon, swan, horse, fish and birds in a pair. The lucky colours are red, dark blue and shiny metallic tones.”

The Dora Maar bowl

Among the eight directions, the first is Southwest, which is the direction for those born in the years of the Dragon and Snake. “It is the direction of wealth, so plants, water or treasure should be placed in this direction,” Kotchakorn advises. 

 

The Brass Hand ring holder

 “Those born in the Year of the Horse should place a metal bell or shiny metal objects in the South to attract wealth and ward off accidents and lawsuits.

“The Southeast is the direction for those born in the years of the Goat and Monkey, and they should place a glass jar containing salt or blue items to bring luck to your work and family. 

The Barcelona Accent Lamp

“The East is the direction for those born in the Year of the Rabbit. It is the direction of evil this year, and it affects your health. Place moving water, Fu Lu Shou or a treasure-boat in this direction for health, wealth and success. 
“The Rooster direction is the West, and you should place a lamp, a red or orange object or red knots in this direction to lend support to your life.”

The Pagoda Lamp

The Northeast is the direction for the Ox and Tiger and the direction of wisdom and good news. Stationery, a pair of birds or peonies kept in that direction will bring luck in love and communication. 
North is the direction for those born in the Year of the Rat and it’s recommended to place in the North of the home a statue of a smiling monk, a blue treasure-ship or some other blue item to help ensure success and luck. 

The Mettalic Lantern Gourd Vase

Dog and the Pig people are advised to keep a brass gourd, metal mobile or other shiny white items in the Northwest to attract support and good health.
And, regardless of your zodiac animal, a horse, red ribbon, trophy, leaping cap or heaven’s gate placed anywhere in the home can bring “success and victory”, Kotchakorn says.
She’s been an astrology and feng shui master for 20 years, using both Chinese feng shui and the Thai horoscope to develop her own method for finding solutions to problems in modern everyday life. She serves as a feng shui consultant for many organisations and private clients and is a columnist in several magazines
 
YOU’LL NEED A SMILING MONK
There are Jonathan Adler showrooms at Central Chidlom and Groove@ CentralWorld.
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