When used properly, the color red in feng shui can be the fastest, most auspicious way to alter an environment for the better. Connected to the fire element, red is symbolic of reputation, prosperity and success. Red feeds the flames of passion, romance and sexuality, causing a space to have more yang, sensual energy. Because of this, in feng shui and Asian folklore, red has often been deemed the color of good luck. There is one very prosperous lounge in Los Feliz that exhibits scarlet hues in all their elegance, and that would be the aptly named Good Luck Bar.
From ornate wallpaper, to comfy leather seating, to the glowing lights scattered throughout, shades of ruby and cardinal permeate the area. Wood carvings and a metal ceiling evoke a Bohemian Orient-Express feel to the establishment.
A jukebox in the corner allows guests to select songs of their choosing.
Now while the environment is Asian inspired, the drinks served at Good Luck are mostly Hawaiian themed. Many of the specialty cocktails are served in Tiki-esque glasses or ceramic coconuts. My favorite is the Potent Potion. Sailor Jerry Rum, nutmeg, bitters, cream, pineapple juice, and toasted coconut are blended together, instantly exporting one to a tropical paradise. Very, very strong and alluring.
Another symbol of good luck is the paper lantern. They attract positive energy, and conjure a festive and lively atmosphere. 
They are also commonly seen during celebrations, such as the Chinese New Year. In feng shui folklore, is it believed that two red paper lanterns on either side of the bed can increase fertility for a married couple. Now, while I am a strong advocate of having two light sources on either side of a bed, they do not have to be red paper lanterns. One common trait in the San Francisco area is to use paper lanterns as shades for ceiling or wall sconces. Inspired by this, I refurbished an old lamp, whose glass shade had long since perished. Using a paper shade from IKEA, I affixed it to the top of the lamp, held in place with decorative twine and the lamp’s original hardware. A very nice “IKEA Hack” if I do say so myself.
There are many ways to incorporate red into one’s environment. For my clients, I always suggest having some red in the bedroom. The shade in this room will attract more passion and zest to one’s romantic life. Try sensual red curtains, a down comforter, or a cozy pillow in red hues. A romantic painting with red as a dominant color can also improve the intimate atmosphere. The important things to remember when looking for red objects for the bedchamber are:
- One must like the object.
- The object should blend in with the other possessions and decor of the room.
- One should consider the object to be romantic and/or sensual in nature.
There are many possibilities, and any shade of red can work – from brick to ruby to cranberry.
Another highly beneficial way to add more red to one’s life is by wearing the color. In an article by Dr. Melissa Burkley, a social psychology professor at the University of Oklahoma, she discusses the direct and yet subconscious connection to red and sexual attraction. The article mentions studies that were conducted on how red in Western cultures signifies sex. It states that men who wear red are perceived to be more dominant and of higher status that men not wearing the shade. Women wearing red were perceived to be more sexually alluring than those not clad in cardinal. This is completely supported from a feng shui standpoint because red is representative of fame, prosperity, passion and sexuality. The complete article can be found here: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-social-thinker/201008/seeing-red-does-wearing-red-make-you-sexy Because of this, any shade of red is excellent to wear on dates (for added romance), for business interviews (for greater success), and for festive occasions (happiness and abundance). One can wear either a lot or a little red, depending on their mood and personal style.
Sometimes the color red gets the short end of the stick – such as with automobile color. Although it is a complete urban myth that red cars cost more to insure, they do cost more to purchase. Because of the positive connotations of the color red and the wonderful yang energy the color encompasses, the price of red cars never decreases. It is also an urban myth that drivers of red cars get more tickets, and that red autos are stolen more frequently. Drivers of sports cars do get pulled over more so, and many of these happen to be red; hence the negative connotation.
I usually come to the lounge on the weekend. On Fridays and Saturdays, the bar is packed with swanky patrons, while Sunday nights offer a more subdued crowd. The service here is fast and excellent. In addition to a stellar drink menu and full bar, daily specials are also available. Rumor has it there is also a hidden drink menu, but I’ve yet to explore this personally. For a powerful beverage in a highly auspicious setting, I suggest the red-hued environment of Good Luck Bar.
Good Luck Bar
1514 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027
323 666-3524
Hours: Monday – Friday 7:00 pm – 2:00 am, Saturday – Sunday 8:00 pm – 2:00 am
The Feng Shui Foodie 