The Arowana “lucky” fish is popular with wealthy households because it is supposed to bring good fortune and health.

WIND and water – and colour – can be the keys to a happy home. The ancient Chinese discipline of Feng Shui – the Chinese words for wind and water – is widely known in home decoration circles. This is how it works.

Though the term arose because of the need to protect houses from flood and tempest, it has developed into a series of techniques to improve not just the “livability” of a house, but also the happiness of a home and the well-being of the family that occupies it.

According to Feng Shui technique, the house can be divided into eight sectors, each denoting an aspiration of life. Stand at the centre of the house with your face toward the front door. That is the career sector. Turn 45 degrees to the right and that will be the knowledge sector. Each 45-degree turn will represent the heath, wealth, fame, marriage, children and mentor sectors respectively. Drawing an octagon over the house floor plan will make it easier to apply.

After the division into sectors, now it is time to enhance them. For example, hanging family photos in the health room can help keep family members in good health. Likewise, putting two candlesticks in the marriage corner of the house can keep the love alive.

Another useful tip is hanging mirrors on the wall of the dining room. That can make the room look bigger than its actual size – from the Feng Shui point of view, almost as good as doubling the food stock in the house. Keeping fish as a source of prosperity is also a popular Feng Shui technique, believed to bring peace into the house.

But stuffing things into a drawer can deplete household income. It is also a bad idea to hang pans over the stove.

The most important thing is not to keep jewelry in cheap plastic boxes, which undermines the power of the jewels and creates depression in the wearer.

Feng Shui techniques also apply to the colour scheme. Through tasteful use of colour you can create a happy environment.

Even though white is suitable for all types of rooms, using it on every surface can make the room lonely. It is suitable to use as a ceiling colour.

Black represents money, and its use can increase household income. Metallic tints can bring good luck with the extra income.

For those who want to be powerful, there is no better colour for them than red. Red is also suitable to use for gymnasiums.

Orange is the best colour for the dining room, creating a warm and cosy environment and stimulating the appetite.

For those who want to retreat from stress and regain energy back, green is best. Insomniacs should paint their bedroom walls blue, also the favoured colour for meditation rooms, while violet can make for a comfortable environment.