Kitchens are an important part of family life. There are a few Feng Shui principles to observe and there are some that have become less important.Â
Feng Shui developed in a time when kitchens had open wood stoves. These were pretty much going all day and a constant source of FIRE energy. They were also a source of danger, much more so than they are now.
Fire and Water
A kitchen contains the WATER element, the sink and the fridge, as well as the FIRE element, the stove.
These are naturally opposing forces and for that reason should not be placed next to each other, and if possible, not directly opposite. This is naturally observed in good kitchen design. The best layout would be to have the stove and sink at right angles to each other.
Functionality is also very important. Your layout should facilitate unobstructed and clear flow lines for your work, e.g. taking things out of the fridge to the sink, to the bench next to it, to the stove…
For that, the kitchen should also not be too big – so that you do not have to move around needlessly, and not to small – so you don’t feel obstructed and cramped in.
Light and Colours
Light is important in the kitchen, both good natural light as well as bright fluorescent or spot light at night – each contributing enough Yang energy and life force to the creation of delicious food.
Ideal colours for a kitchen vary from home to home and are dependent on the inherent energies in the kitchen. Some kitchens thrive with red tones, such as red splash-backs, tea towels or coffee machines, others become more heavy and irritating with these. Likewise, wooden cabinets work in some kitchens but can be oppressive in others.
You are always safe to use whites, neutral tones and metallic fittings. To find out your best kitchen colours, you need to get an individual energy analysis of your home.
Protruding shelves and corners
The less angles and sharp lines you are exposed to the better, as these cause a certain sense of cutting and irritation. For that reason, it is better to have closed cabinets, rather than open shelves.
Also, watch out of protruding bench top corners. Sometimes these can be very sharp and dangerous. Imagine a five year old running around in the space. Would they be safe with your bench corners? Rounded corners are best obviously.
And last not least, keeping the kitchen clean and uncluttered! Look at your kitchen anew and have a look at what things tend to accumulate at certain places. Perhaps there is somewhere where these could live instead without being in your way…
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash