A fresh coat of paint can help to rejuvenate a tired home – and the start of the year is an apt time to put this into practice. For colours that imbue a sense of happiness in the home, we approached fengshui expert grand master Tan Khoon Yong. After all, fengshui is the ancient art of harnessing good energy and he has over 30 years of experience in the area.

What are the auspicious colours for 2017 to use at home?
It is the Year of the Fire Rooster, so green and blue (representations of wood and water, which are favourable to the Fire Rooster) are considered particularly auspicious. Complement them with yellow, brown and grey.

What is the difference between cool and warm colours, in terms of fengshui principles?
Warm colours help enhance yang energy, while cool colours help enhance yin energy. In fengshui, striking a balance between the yin and yang is essential to a harmonious and prosperous household.

Photos: Akzonobel

How do we achieve that?
Common spaces in the home should feature colours which promote harmony. For instance, the living room is the most energetic place in the house, so warm colours will boost yang energy and ensure smooth qi flow. The kitchen, on the other hand, should feature cool colours to counteract heat used during cooking.

Is there a bad colour?
No, but it is advisable to avoid conflicting colours like red and black; the drastic contrast between the fire element (red) and water element (black) may trigger disputes.

On a broader scale, which colour can help to maintain the peace and stability of our nation?
Greyish-white will help promote peace, wealth and prosperity for our country.