In feng shui, the kitchen directly relates to wealth and well-being. A nourishing, healthy diet prepared under the right circumstances produces a dynamic individual who in turn produces exceptional work which invites prosperity and so on in an ever-reinforcing positive sheng Energy cycle.
1. Location
Ideally, the kitchen should be located on the edge of your home in the inner half of the property, that is, in the half furthermost from the main entrance. There is a very practical traditional explanation for this – a kitchen fire is more manageable at the edge of the home than it is in the centre.
Try and situate your kitchen in one of your least favourable locations according to the Kua formula. (To work out your Kua number, please turn to the section marked New Readers Begin Here.) This paradox occurs because though kitchens in themselves do not create good luck, they are powerful antidotes to bad luck because of the strong energy of the Fire Element, represented by the presence of the powerful stove. By placing your kitchen in one of your least auspicious areas, its energy will press down on the Sha Energy, thereby keeping it from bringing you any harm. The drainage in a kitchen has the same effect.
2. The Stove
The stove produces enormous amounts of power. Therefore, it is essential that it is placed correctly. In traditional feng shui, the luck of the patriarch or breadwinner is directly related to the facing direction of the mouth of the stove. Ideally, this should be your sheng Energy direction under the Kua formula. If you don’t want to follow the Kua formula, a good general position is diagonal to the entrance door. Never ever place your cooker in the North-west corner of the kitchen. If it is there, please move it to a safer place. (See stove no-no’s panel.)
3. The Layout
In an ideal layout, the cooker (Fire Element) should not be placed next to or opposite either the refrigerator or the sink (Water Element) since the two Elements are incompatible – Water puts out Fire. Separate them as much as you can, ideally by placing something from the Wood Element (a wooden table, a wicker basket, etc.) between them or, failing that, leave as large a gap as possible between the appliances.
4 Awareness
It is important that when you are working in the kitchen, you are able to see everyone entering and leaving the room. This is to avoid subconscious insecurity gathering while you are preparing food. If you must cook with your back to the centre, remedy the situation by hanging a mirror or polished steel utensil over the work surface so that the reflection gives you a perspective on both the room and the entrance. Do not hang a mirror over the stove as this would be inviting disaster by doubling the effect of the Fire.
5. Shi Qi
Kitchens are usually full of secret poison arrows. To counter their effect, try and soften sharp edges. For instance, round tables are preferable to square tables for good health. Use curved low-level shelving units instead of tall square ones and place doors on the shelves to smother the arrows. Try and avoid overhanging racks, especially when they are suspended over the preparation area. Most importantly, put away those sharp knives.
6. Being Tidy
Space is imperative for creation and composure in the kitchen. However, kitchens are also notorious for being clutter magnets. An inspection of probably any kitchen would reveal a gaggle of disused items that are occupying precious space. Surplus equipment can be stored neatly away in cupboards or drawers in other rooms.
7. Change of Energy
Ensure your kitchen is spacious, airy and well lit. Allow lots of fresh benevolent ch ‘i in through the windows to energise the room. It refreshes or changes the atmosphere of the kitchen. It is far more pleasant than noisy, greasy extractor fans
8. Colours
Suggested colours for kitchens include beige to temper the power of Fire, and green which helps to balance the Fire and Water elements with Wood. Have tiles to create a pattern so that the dirt and residue from the cooking is not easily visible. Tiles are easy to clean and are waterproof and are more resilient to accidental splashes.
9. Natural Material
Incorporate lots of natural yin materials like cotton, plants and basketware into the decoration to balance out the emphasis on heavy yang metallic objects. Keep these decorations away from the areas of activity as they can get stained easily.
10. Malfunctioning Equipment
Don’t have broken or malfunctioning equipment surrounding you and certainly do not use it for cooking with – either fix. This is about maintenance and well-being. The more care you put into the equipment and the kitchen, the better the quality of your food and the results you get in life. This reflects in your attitude.
11. Waste Bins
Always cover your waste bin with a lid and keep it out of sight. The bins should be emptied regularly.
12 Cleanliness
The whole kitchen, including the cooker and particularly the kitchen sink are to be kept scrupulously clean. You do not want food cuttings to fester with bacteria in a food preparation area. Check under the equipment where hidden scrapes can be lurking.
13. Covering the Drains
Try to ensure that drainage exits are not visible, so Energy energy is not.
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)
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