A matter of direction
One of the five arts of Chinese metaphysics, feng shui is a philosophical system of harmonising with the surrounding environment and is often applied by believers when furnishing their homes.
But where do you start? To answer this question, leading furniture brand Jonathan Adler recently invited feng shui master Kotchakorn Promchai to Central Chidlom to share home decor tips and recommend lucky items.
Several VIPs attended the talk, among them Latthika Krataithong, general manager of Central, ML Pawinee Santisiri, Ananya Apisithyakul, Nattha Soontornvinate, Noppadol Phaholyothin, Thattaworn Sugunnasil and Vorravit Siripark.
The concept of the event was “Modern American Glamour”, in line with Jonathan Adler’s character. In addition to furniture and home decor items, participants could admire accessories in lucky materials and colours for 2017.
Kotchakorn says there are eight directions to consider. “To decorate your home according to feng shui principles, you have to consider five elements; qi, yin-yang, the person, and the yearly feng shui. Qi applies to the energy inside your body as well the energy inside and outside of buildings, such as wind, sun, moon, and stars. It is all around you, and it can be positive or negative. It is related to yin-yang and the five elements. 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.
“There are also lucky items for the eight directions and 12 zodiac signs to attract wealth and ward off bad energy. For the year of the Rooster, lucky animals are dragon, swan, horse, fish, and a pair of birds. Lucky colours are red, dark blue and shiny metallics.
Turning to the eight directions, Kotchakorn says: “First is southwest, which is the direction for those born in the years of the Dragon and Snake. It is the direction of wealth. Place lucky plants, water, or treasure in that direction.
“The second direction is south for those born in the years of the Horse. It is the direction of fame. Place a metal bell or shiny metals in that direction to attract wealth and ward off accidents and lawsuits.”
Those born in the years of Goat and Monkey, or the southeast direction, should place a glass jar with salt or blue items in it to help bring luck and success throughout the year. 
The fourth direction is east, which is for 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 fifth direction is the west, which is the direction for those born in the year of the Rooster. Place a lamp, a red or orange object, or red knots in this direction to bring support to your life. The sixth direction is the northeast, which is the direction for the Ox and Tiger. It is the direction of wisdom and good news. Place stationery, a pair of birds, or peonies in this direction to bring luck in your love life.
For those born in the year of the Rat, the direction is north. Place the smiling monk, a blue treasure ship, or a blue item in this direction to help bring success and luck. Lastly for the northwest, which applies to those born in the years of the Dog and Pig, place a brass gourd, a metal mobile, or shiny white items in this direction to attract support and good health.
“Whatever your zodiac sign, place a horse, red ribbon, trophy, leaping cap, or gate to heaven in your home to bring success and victory,” she adds.
Mix and match lucky items for 2017 at Jonathan Adler on the fifth floor of Central Chidlom and the first floor of Groove at CentralWorld.
Find out more by calling (02) 655 2974.
