On Monday, Jan. 23, the Chinese will usher in the new year and, in accordance with the 12-year cycle, this is going to be a year of the dragon. Traditional Chinese celebrations include family banquets, honoring ancestors, parades and fireworks shows as well as passing along hóngbāo (financial gifts given in small( red envelopes).
Plus it should be noted that the Chinese dragon is quite different from the European dragon. The Chinese dragon isn’t an evil, fire-breathing monster. Sure, the Chinese dragon is potent and has auspicious powers, but it’s said to possess empathy and seeks to help those less fortunate.
Our party of the approaching season of the dragon comprises both the colour red and the element water: Red since it’s the colour of good luck and good fortune and is said to ward off bad spirits. And water, if rain, flood or fountain, since it’s the element the mythical Chinese dragon controllers.
Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái 恭喜发财
Da Vida Pools, LLC Del Re & Lisa North
This pool set within a red frame is definitely ready for the Year of the Dragon.
Westover Landscape Design, Inc..
Water and crimson combine in a simple garden water feature perfect for the new year.
Eck | MacNeely Architects inc..
This home should bring good fortune and chance to these owners.
Logue Studio Design Inc..
Here is the architectural equivalent of a hóngbāo, though not something which can fit in your wallet or pocket.
Hufft Projects
Bold Big and red, this home will definitely stand out and put a smile in your face.
Randy Brown
A truly elegant and bold wall of crimson offers sharp contrast to the surrounding green fields in summer and white blanket in the winter.
Ana Williamson Architect
A red door surely works if you’re not prepared to make the whole house red.
The red door became popular in Colonial America as a result of commerce with the East, where the colour red signified good luck and good fortune.
David Vandervort Architects
And if you’re not prepared to make the whole home red but need more than only a red door, try out a red accent wall.
Jagoda Architecture
An inner accent wall of crimson certainly enlivens the room, and possibly will bring that fantastic luck and good fortune inside.
Susan Diana Harris Interior Design
Obviously, red tile in the shower region combines the auspicious and potent dragon element with the fantastic luck and good fortune of the colour red. Seems like a fantastic way to start.
And do not worry if you’re not prepared for the complete red treatment. Accessories and some accent tile will do just fine.
More: How to Construct Red
Photos: More ideas for using red in home design