Feng shui designer Thierry Chow combines feng shui teachings with modern design elements and lush foliage

Feng shui designer Thierry Chow discusses how modern design, greenery and objects that you love can contribute to good feng shui in your home

At first glance most wouldn't assume Gen.T honouree Thierry Chow, with her bicoloured bob and trendy threads, is a well-respected feng shui designer. But the trade runs in the family. As the daughter of Chow Hon Ming, one of Hong Kong’s most respected feng shui masters, Chow learnt from the best.

But Chow admits that originally the idea of following her father's footsteps was, "the last thing on (her) mind."

After completing her undergraduate studies in applied illustration in Toronto, Chow returned to Hong Kong feeling unhappy with both her job and life in general, until her father suggested that she take on an apprenticeship with him in 2010. For the first few years, she worked almost every day with her father while learning more about the teachings of feng shui.

“Getting to understand my father’s work, his communication skills and passion has been super helpful in my own growth and my journey of finding myself as well,” says Chow. “It felt so right and I haven’t looked back (since).”

See also: What Matters To Me: Thierry Chow, Feng Shui Designer

Tatler Asia
Objects from her Go Lucky Home Art range include a gold aluminium ox, a marble dog and a red wooden bird
Above Objects from her Go Lucky Home Art range include a gold aluminium ox, a marble dog and a red wooden bird

Describing her role as a “feng shui designer”, Chow aims to make the ancient method of feng shui more accessible and appealing to a wider audience by incorporating elements of art, fashion and design into her work. “The goal is to change the perception of feng shui with these relatable subjects to let everyone understand the effects that our environment can have on our well-being,” says Chow, who started her own practice, Go Lucky by Thierry Chow, in 2019.

Furnishings are thoughtfully selected for each home, drawing from its personal significance to the owner while being informed by the emotional impact of colour. “We focus a lot on symbolism and the message that an object can hold,” she explains. “I always encourage everyone to place a picture or piece of art that sparks positive emotions—be it an inspirational painting, grandma’s quilt or a cute teddy bear from your childhood—whatever makes you smile.”

See also: Thierry Chow’s 8 Lucky Feng Shui Tips For 2020: Year Of The Rat

Tatler Asia

Her most recent projects infuse feng shui principles into daily jade objects she had designed. “Jade is traditionally believed to be lucky as it absorbs the negative energy of the person wearing it, so we designed modern jade rings with feng shui philosophy to add a second layer or meaning to jade,” she shares. “And the Go Lucky Home Art decorations were inspired by traditional feng shui objects that each help bring positive energy into a space; the idea was to bring the concept closer to us that feng shui can be applied to modern design.”

Here, Thierry Chow discusses the key terms to know and how these feng shui principles can be thoughtfully integrated into your home.

Tatler Asia
Above Thierry Chow, feng shui designer and founder of Go Lucky by Thierry Chow

Qi

“Qi is essentially energy all around our space. Everything in our environment has energy: be it air circulation, lighting, or even objects and everyday things like plants and water. Generally, we want to position furniture in a way that allows for a smooth flow (of energy) to all areas, to keep the qi moving freely through and letting it flow.”

See also: 7 Meditation Apps To Calm And Guide Your Mind

The Five Elements

“Human beings are not separate from nature. By understanding that everything in our surroundings can be put into the categories of five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal and water—we will begin to understand that feng shui is not ‘magic’. 

Living plants keep you company and remove stagnant qi; their life-stimulating properties have been proven to  reduce stress. Metals minimise illness—copper, bronze, gold and silver are known to have anti-microbial properties. Bring in the earth element by grounding (your space) with marble or crystals. Representing fire, lit candles invoke inspiration and creativity in spaces. Lastly, water features such as fish tanks or fountains let abundance flow through.”

See also: These 5 Apps Can Make You Smarter

Lucky Directions

“The most auspicious direction for 2020 is north-west, followed by the west, south-west, and south-east directions, which are also auspicious. 

The northwest and west directions represent overall wellness and auspicious energy; the north-west direction is especially great for finance, health and overall wellness, while the west direction is most suited for those looking for stability in love and relationships.

Both the south-west and south-east directions represent positive energy in academics and careers. The south-west direction is best for advancement in creativity, studies and career advancement, especially for those working in the arts and cultural industries; while the south-east favours those working in the government sector or legal practices.”


See honourees from the Architecture & Design category of the Gen.T List 2019.

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