While feng shui is an ages-old concept that’s received boundless connotation over time, it holds on, and the desire to achieve the equilibrium and harmony promoted by Chinese geomancy is rising. With the aftereffects of the pandemic, among which the importance of the dwelling’s comfort and intimacy skyrocketed, came a desire to make all the arrangements perfectly and according to the centuries-old rules of Feng Shui.
And since the kitchen is undoubtedly the heart and kilometer zero of your home, we shouldn’t have to point out the necessity of starting with this room if you want to make the most of this ancient method and further your well-being. In light of the heightened longing to elevate the house’s ambiance and harmony and reap the resulting health benefits, we’re here to help you transform your cooking space into a lovely Ban Po Village dwelling.
Ensure the five essential elements
The Feng Shui principle revolves around five essentials representing nature: water, fire, wood, metal, and earth. Water and fire are naturally present, the former promoting prosperity, purification, movement, and emotions flow, while the latter is known as the highest point of energy, symbolizing the “yang.”
Besides your stove and sink, you’ll want to bring wood, the representative of family, prosperity, health, and wealth. Most kitchen units use solid wood, given its longevity, durability, and upscale look and feel, ensuring the pieces age flawlessly, are easily cleaned, and support the wear and tear common to cooking spaces.
Metal may sound challenging to include, but you can find it in numerous appliances and features that count as metal additions, including bar stools and hardware. Given its association with the power of justice, precision, and clarity, you’ll likely look at it through new lenses now that you know the direction offered.
Finally, Earth boasts numerous symbolisms, like stability, knowledge, and security, among other easily deductible ones. From tile backsplashes to marble counters, choices abound, and it’s up to you and your aesthetic and budgetary requirements what metal-based item you’ll bring into your kitchen.
Get familiar with the triangle principle
Many homeowners, especially those with vast knowledge of Asian home-keeping principles, think the suitable kitchen fit-out abides by the traditional triangle design rules. Many kitchens are already arranged this way since it makes a lot of sense to have the fridge, sink, and range create a triangle shape if your room is constantly visited. Such placement ensures that you spend the least time possible walking to and from critical appliances, which is especially helpful if more family members engage in meal-prepping.
The kitchen triangle theory may date back to the ’50s, but it is one of the fundamental concepts that will always hold on in busy, active families.
Install the stove strategically
The fire-representative appliance that enjoys the most popularity in your kitchen must be thoughtfully placed to gain new functionalities that abide by the Feng Shui rules. Beautifully, this inclusion is best positioned somewhere where it can help you look back into the room and observe elements behind your back, including your family. If you can imagine this picture, you likely feel the connection between you and your family strengthening, as your discussions will flow better and your collaboration will run smoothly.
Depending on the position of electric sockets, water systems, plumbing, and other fixtures, you can hang a mirror above the range or on the backsplash area. Interestingly, the Feng Shui theory has found that the more burners you have, the wealthier you are. If your stove faces a mirror, then you’re theoretically going to double your family’s wealth. Can you afford not to try something like this?
Strike a balance between Yin & Yang
Yin represents darkness, while Yang is the light. So far, so good, but what’s with all the craze around these concepts?
First, the status quo needs a proper balance between these two natural elements, for one cannot exist in the absence of the other. The yin-yang balance penetrates more industries than you may think of, like the medicinal and music ones, so it’s not limited to home-keeping. Secondly, Yang is said to maintain cookers’ motivation and assist their meal preparations, which is likely a feat you can’t say “no” to. Try to cook without enough light, and you’ll understand the base principle of this notion. Darkness is also essential in its way, such as when you want a stark contrast in the accents of your kitchen or seek to enhance the intimacy and ambiance of the room for a cozy evening meal.
According to Feng Shui, there are endless ways to adjust the brightness of your kitchen, from lamps to mood lighting to task lighting and bulbs.
Prioritize equilibrium
The right home design planners always ask customers how they prefer to work in their kitchen to craft the scheme accordingly. It’s important to prioritize fluidity and flexibility, making the room feel as airy as possible. You can pull this off by placing the sink strategically under a window to enjoy natural light when conducting critical tasks like cooking or deep cleaning.
Moreover, ensure you set some space aside to accommodate your groceries, so coming home with stuffy bags won’t be a stressor. A few key elements must be checked off your list, regardless of how much of a Feng Shui aficionado you may be.
Keep clutter away
Clutter and Feng Shui are theoretically opposite concepts, as the latter is all about clarity, fluidity, and movability. Clean and organize everything so nothing stands in your way when you want to jump on a task spontaneously. When a mouth-watering Instagram recipe forces you to try it, mess and clutter will be the least of your obstacles.
While a clean cooking space is terrific, remember that some elements must be arranged mindfully to permit energy flow.
Bottom line
Your kitchen is the chamber of prosperity, which is why everything you do to beautify, organize, and declutter makes you feel at ease and fulfilled. And fortunately, the rules of Feng Shui are easily includable and adaptable, so you can work around them to personalize your kitchen and experiences.