The Year of the Pig is the perfect time to redecorate.
Bring out the lanterns and the parades, it’s Chinese New Year once again.
This year, we honor the animal that falls last in the Chinese Zodiac calendar—the Pig. According to ancient legend, the beloved animal was the last to arrive in a race organized by the Jade Emperor. Though determined, the Pig was sidetracked by its hungry belly and drowsiness during the race. Despite the distraction, the Pig managed to cross the finish line at 12th place, earning the last coveted spot of the Chinese Zodiac cycle.
Noble and friendly, the Pig offers a year of opportunity for 2019. When it comes to our homes, this year is the perfect time to imitate the Pig—to remain determined to organize things despite our distractions. Contrary to popular notion, the Pig thrives in a clean and tidy home.
To prepare a loving welcome to the final zodiac animal, let’s aim to make our homes warm, comfortable and practical.
Home styling
Pigs are considered creative and artistic animals. According to feng shui expert Susan Levitt, now is the best time to redecorate your home. In styling any room, remember to be like the Pig and put others before you—think of what would make your family and visitors comfortable. Aim to create a tidy and relaxed home to keep things in sync with the season.
Ideal colors
The year 2019, in particular, caters to the Earth Boar. Many feng shui experts agree that bright, golden shades are best used in the coming Chinese New Year. According to Lushome.com, hues of yellow, gold, dark brown, pale pink and light gray are great to adapt for a room’s color scheme. Not only do these colors present a light impression on any room, it’s great way to anticipate for the summer.
Attracting wealth
Consistent with the rules of feng shui, start attracting good luck with your main door. Keep it clear of obstructions to allow positive energy to flow through.
Remove dead plants, shoes or any item that presents a messy entrance. Inside your home, focus on the northeast area to increase your chances of wealth.
Lucky combinations
Many feng shui followers agree that 8 is a lucky number to express in the design of your home this 2019. You can adapt this number in the arrangement of candles, silverware and other interior elements of your home.
Lushome.com also recommends cluster of items occurring in groups of four or six.
Motifs
Adapt wood, natural stone, and water features to please the Earth Pig. This goes well with the recommended gold and earth brown hues of interiors. The natural motifs work great in both outdoor and indoor areas. The Earth Boar is considered feminine in nature so don’t hesitate to add ornate elements to an otherwise rustic theme.
Sustainable features
Remaining true to the creative nature of the boar, now is a great time to try DIY projects and to upcycle materials.
Apart from reducing the costs on new decorations, crafting items is an effective way to express love of the earth. It would give your home a personal touch and keep things within budget.
As we usher in the new year in the Chinese calendar, remember to appreciate the values of the earth pig. Whether or not you believe feng shui and horoscope forecasts, there is much to learn in the traditions of the Chinese culture.
Beyond attracting luck and success, now is a great time to start anew with a brighter, more spirited home. Celebrate the new year by appreciating the pig. Thank the fortunes, too, that unlike the pig, you don’t need to run a race on an empty stomach to earn respect and be remembered.
Sources: thingsasian.com; fengshuibeginner.com; susanlevitt.com; www.lushome.comUser @IN_SOMNIA_ via www.design-seeds.com