January 28 marks the global celebration of the Chinese New Year. According to Chinese astrology, 2017 is the Year of the Rooster, which is associated with the fire element. The last Year of the Fire Rooster was in 1957.
Expect a wave of drama and productivity this lunar year, says Chinese astrologer Laura Lau. “Rooster years are rarely ever boring, so it’ll be a year with a lot of action,” she tells Refinery29. The fire rooster is associated with the traits of trustworthiness, responsibility, and a strong sense of timekeeping. People born in this year are social butterflies who love being the center of attention. The rooster years are 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, and 2029. Here are 8 fashion pegs for the Year of the Rooster for your wardrobe and your condo design.
Have a splash of sunshine in your home
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You may want to lay low on your red dresses. This fiery shade is considered unlucky for the next months. The Year of the Rooster colors are gold, brown, and yellow. How to incorporate these hues into your condo? You don’t necessarily need to repaint your rooms. Yellow sheer curtains will pop against a white or pastel wall. We’ve gone over why heavy curtains are a no-no in living room condo design as they block out natural light. However, light, airy fabrics serve to augment how sunlight plays in your condo. A yellow sofa can be the perfect focal point of your living room.
Accent lighting for your condo space
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Lighting has various purposes. It can be used to create an illusion of large space, stir a relaxed atmosphere, and highlight certain areas. Accent lighting puts emphasis on specific parts of a room using directional spotlights or decorative lamps. To exude the energies of the fire rooster, light up yellow compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs in your living room and bedroom. Eco-efficient CFL bulbs consume about 80% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs.
Go organic in the Year of the Rooster
Organic elements such as marble, metal, and wood are among the design trends for 2017. How to design your condo to celebrate the Year of the Rooster? Choose furniture with metallic details such as a dining set with gold vacuum plated stainless steel base. A white marble countertop complemented by wood cabinets will draw in positive energies into your kitchen this year.
Flower power for 2017
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According to researchers at Rutgers University, flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods. The findings showed that being in the presence of fresh flowers made people less depressed, anxious, and agitated. Chinese astrology suggests that gladiola and cockscomb will deliver luck and the right vibes in the Year of the Rooster. Gladioli, also known as sword lilies, come in various colors including white and peach. Cockscomb or brain celosia is extensively cultivated in China. It resembles rooster combs and may bloom in vibrant yellows, pinks or golds. You can decorate your living room with these beautiful flora in charming vases. You can also have images of gladioli and cockscomb printed on pillow cases or curtains.
Know the suggested hues for your wardrobe
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When it comes to fashion, feng shui experts recommend that you go with your personal birth elements and their corresponding colors. “For example, if your personal birth element is Earth, wearing Fire element colors like red, orange and purple helps,” advises Philippine feng shui master Marites Allen. Although brown is a regarded as a lucky color in the Year of the Fire Rooster, it’s not advisable to wear it. Brown and green are wood element colors that that sap the energy.
Stay fashionable, rooster-style
Chinese astrology suggests that people draw in bad luck during their birth year. It is believed that they offend the god of age Tai Sui, receiving his curse. How can people born in the Year of the Rooster fend off negative vibes? First, wear red to drive away bad luck and evil spirits. You can also have jade accessories such as rings and bracelets.
Aside from reds and jades, you can infuse your color into your daily outfit. Fashion magazine Vogue recommends inspiration from ancient Chinese tradition that you can consider this year. Check out rooster pendants and key chains, rooster macaron charms, and shoulder bags in your birth element colors.
Be as active as the fire rooster
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Eliciting the powers of the fire rooster is not confined on design tips. You can embody the qualities of this active animal by going sporty this year. According to Chinese astrology, people born in the Year of the Rooster are generally healthy, active, and sporty. Condo living can help you adopt a healthier lifestyle with access to a fitness gym, jogging path, and swimming pools. You can also explore fitness equipment that can fit in your condo space and blend with your modern interior design such as a doorway pull-up bar and suspension ropes.
Boost your productivity in 2017
One of the traits of people born in the Year of the Rooster is productivity. They are dedicated to their chosen career and take their responsibilities seriously. Live by the rooster’s commendable characteristics by creating a conducive work area in your home. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should bring your work home. You can take up a side project or an initiative to further an advocacy. Whatever endeavor you commit yourself to, there should be a comfortable place for your brainstorming and planning.
Whether you’re of Chinese descent or not, it wouldn’t hurt to observe recommendations from Chinese astrologers and feng shui experts. 2017 brings promises of new beginnings. It gives fresh hope in your relationships, financial health, and career. The Year of the Rooster is said to be unlucky for roosters, but there are tips on how to combat the negative energies. Staying positive and working hard seem obvious; though for this year, roosters may need to exert more effort.