Table of contents
1. Kitchen Feng Shui – what are the basic principles?
Feng Shui is a more than 3000-year-old Chinese practice that focuses on creating a harmonious balance between humans and their environment. When it comes to kitchens, a Feng Shui style can bring multiple benefits.
Firstly, such a design can improve the flow of positive energy in the room, which can contribute to a calmer and more peaceful atmosphere. This can have a positive outcome on mood and interpersonal relationships, especially if the kitchen is a place where the family spends a lot of time together.
Additionally, a Feng Shui styled kitchen can encourage a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. For example, arranging utensils and food in a neat and accessible way can make cooking easier and more enjoyable, which can encourage nutritious eating and more efficient meal preparation.
There are several principles that can be applied to decorate a kitchen in a harmonious way:
- The elements balance
The kitchen is often associated with the element of Fire, so it is important to have a balance between this active energy and the other ones, such as water, wood, earth and metal. One way to do this is by using calming color shades such as green or blue, which can complement the Fire energy. Another way to achieve this aesthetic is by using natural materials – wood, stone, marble and copper, and incorporate them into the room through items like the sink, countertop, chairs and table.
- Energy circulation
A harmonious kitchen must have a positive energy flow, which can be achieved by arranging cabinets and appliances in such a way as to allow easy circulation through the room. It is important to avoid blockages and keep the work surface clean and tidy to facilitate this flow.
- Cleanliness and hygiene
In Feng Shui, a clean and tidy kitchen is vital to promote health and prosperity. Try to keep surfaces and storage areas clean and organized to avoid confusion and stressful situations when you can’t find the things that you need.
- Lighting
Adequate lighting in the kitchen is important not only for people, but also for activating a flow of uplifting energy. Use spot lamps and fairy strings to accentuate work surfaces and improve the overall look of the kitchen.
- Decorative elements
Decorations can bring personality and style to the kitchen, but it is important to avoid objects that can bring a negative energy, such as mirrors or caged birds. Instead, opt for items that represent the elements of Feng Shui for a more balanced design.
2. Feng Shui Colors for kitchen
One of the most important choices you can make when decorating a Feng Shui kitchen is choosing the right color palette. The choice of colors can have a strong impact on the energy in the room by helping create a joyful place.
In general, bright, vibrant or overly strong colors should be avoided, as they can create a feeling of restlessness and stress. Instead, warm and natural shades are more suitable to create a balanced atmosphere. The best palette should consist of neutral hues, such as white, beige and cream, because they can add more light and simplicity into the room. They may be used on walls, floors or furniture. For instance, a kitchen with white walls, light wood cabinets and simple accessories are perfect for styling your room according to this philosophy.
If you want to add a splash of color to your kitchen, opt for natural tones – brown, green or orange, and apply them to the furniture, pillows, vases or curtains. In addition, you can use cushions or kitchen mats to complement the chosen color palette.
Another way to add color to a feng shui kitchen is by using plants and flowers. Not only do they make the space more enjoyable, but they can also help clean the air. According to the Feng Shui principles, plants can help balance the yin and yang concept by absorbing negative energy and transforming it into positive energy. They can be placed in different corners of the kitchen, depending on the energies you want to activate. For example, it is believed that plants with round leaves and placed in the southeast part of the room can bring good luck and financial prosperity.
3. Kitchen design Feng Shui – The DOs and DON’Ts
In Feng Shui, decorating a kitchen can be approached from several perspectives, depending on individual goals and needs. However, there are some basic principles you can follow to ensure a harmonious environment in your kitchen.
- Cleanliness and order are essential: Before you start adding decorative items or changing the furniture, make sure that the kitchen is clean and tidy. In Feng Shui, positive energy or “chi” must be able to circulate freely through the room, so avoid cluttering it with furniture or decorative items.
- Natural light is important: Natural light is associated with the Yang energy, which is considered positive and invigorating. If possible, make sure your kitchen gets natural light by opening the curtains or windows. If this is not possible, make sure you have adequate lighting that provides a warm light.
- Use natural colors: In Feng Shui, warm and natural colors such as beige, brown, orange or yellow are associated with the element of Earth, which is considered to represent stability. You can use this palette for the dominating parts of the room, such as furniture, walls or floor.
- Add water elements: Water is an important aspect in Feng Shui because it symbolizes the flow and purification of energy. You can add water features in the kitchen, such as a small fountain, to improve the energetic flow.
- Use natural plants: Natural plants are great for improving air quality and adding life to any space. In addition, plants represent the element of Wood, which means growth and development. A great idea would be to create a green wall with succulents and air plants such as Tillandsia.
When it comes to decorating a kitchen in the feng shui style, it is important to keep in mind not only what you should do, but also what should be avoided. Thus, there are certain common mistakes that one can make when remodeling a kitchen in this style, and they can negatively affect the energy and harmony in that space. So, here are some things NOT to do in a Feng Shui kitchen:
- Don’t leave a mess after cooking: According to the philosophy, clutter and chaos can disrupt the flow of positive energy and create a feeling of anxiety. Make sure you keep the kitchen clean and tidy and that all items have a well-defined place.
- Don’t use dark colors: Dark tones do not go hand in hand with Feng Shui, because they can create a stifling atmosphere and disrupt the energy flow in the room. Instead of using a dark palette, opt for lighter or pastel tones, from walls and furniture to the smallest details, such as decorations and plates.
- Don’t leave sharp edges exposed: It is believed that sharp edges or rough corners can create a chaotic aura, by making the place prone to accidents. Make sure furniture has rounded edges or is covered to prevent any potential accidents.
- Do not place the oven or stove in an unfavorable position: Placing the oven or stove in an incorrect place can affect the health of the family. It is important to place the oven or stove in a well-defined place with adequate ventilation and away from open doors or windows.
- Do not use decorative objects with negative energy, such as mirrors that reflect the stove or broken dishes. Avoid using such objects and opt for decorations that bring you peace and do not disrupt the general vibe of the room.
Moreover, based on Feng Shui principles, the placement of objects in a room is also very important. There are several rules to follow when it comes to arranging the items.
One of these is the Bagua principle, which is a key concept in Feng Shui and refers to the energy map of a house or room. It is represented in the form of an eight-part grid, each one being associated with a certain sphere of life, such as career, relationships, prosperity, health, family, creativity, knowledge and fame. Each of these sectors consist of certain colors, shapes, elements and symbols that can be used to activate and harmonize the energy in that area.
To use the Bagua principle, you must first identify where the North sector is on the map and then place the grid over the plan of the kitchen, oriented according to the cardinal points. This will help you identify which corners need to be harmonized.
There are certain areas within the Bagua principle that are particularly important. For example, the Southeast sector is associated with prosperity and the energy of food and drink, making it a good place to place fruit, vegetables or drinks. The South sector is also correlated with passion and the energy of fire, making it a good place to install the stove and oven. The West sector is related to children and joy, which can make it a good place for kids to play and be creative.
But as fascinating as such a design is, it is clear that it can become overwhelming if you do it alone. So don’t hesitate to collaborate with experts in the field. By benefiting from kitchen remodeling services, you make sure that the difficult work is in the hands of experienced people, while you can happily take care of enjoyable details such as decorations and the color palette.
Therefore, the design of a Feng Shui kitchen is a harmonious combination of aesthetics and positive energy. It is important to ensure that your kitchen has adequate energy circulation and also to create a balance between the colors, materials and decorations. Plants are a key element because they not only add a green and natural touch, but they can purify, revitalize and balance the energy in any space. Finally, a Feng Shui kitchen is more than a room where you can cook – it can bring a lot of benefits, from supporting the flow of positive energy to being healthy and content with your life. And always remember the main principle of Feng Shui – keep it simple!
Photo sources: Freepik.com, Pixabay.com, Pinterest.com.
Finally, a feng shui kitchen is more than a room where you can cook – it can bring a lot of benefits, from supporting the flow of positive energy to being healthy and content with your life. And always remember the main principle of Feng Shui – keep it simple!
