Feng Shui in the Kitchen – Layout
Dr. Michael Oon
The layout of the modern kitchen is so different from kitchen of say 40 years ago. There is the space required for the following
Fixed kitchen appliances – stove, oven, dish washer,
Moveable kitchen appliances – mixer, food processor
Food storage - Fridge/freezer, larder, cupboard etc
Utensil Storage – kitchen equipment, plates, dishes etc
Then there is space required for food preparation.
Storage of knives
Knives are an essential tool in the kitchen but they can be used as a dangerous weapon. A kitchen is also a dangerous place for other reasons. Finally, there is a clash between the elements of metal (knives) and the stove in the kitchen (fire). Therefore, it is best if the knives are stored safely and away from easily accessible places.
The Clash of the Fire and the Water Elements
Cooker and the Oven are of the Fire Element. The stove or the cooker is more yang as it has an open flame
The kitchen sink has flowing water. This is yang water.
Therefore, the stove with the open flame should not be adjacent to the kitchen sink. Try to keep them as far as is possible.
Another observation has been the fitting of a mirror near the stove. The reasoning has been to be able to see what is coming to you from the back. From the elemental analysis, the mirror is of the water element and this would clash with the fire element of the stove. Is this clash necessary when you want to have peace and harmony in the home?
In many of the older properties, in the UK, built between the 1930s to the 1970s. the initial size of the kitchen area is small. Many owners have expanded their kitchens. This can be done by breaking the wall between the kitchen and the dining room so that it becomes an open plan layout. The other alternative is to extend the size of the kitchen directly. I have been involved in plans to increase the area by expanding the merged dining room and kitchen areas with an extension.
The Clash of the Fire and the Metal Elements
The location of the stove within the kitchen – keep it away from the Northwest sector of the kitchen. This is to avoid the clash of the elements – Fire (Stove) and metal (Northwest Sector).
Links to Reviews of Various Feng Shui Topics
Feng Shui for Bedrooms (An Overview)
Feng Shui for Living Room (An Overview)
Feng Shui for Dining Room (An Overview)
