| |
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy that aesthetically designs structures according to the laws of heaven and earth to create a structure that is in balance with all of the elements.
Originally used to orient spiritual buildings and monuments, over the years the philosophy has been translated to many structures and buildings.
Today, the resurgence of this philosophy in the West has created a new found popularity in designing with Feng Shui in mind.
Use these tips and techniques for adding Feng Shui and to get the most out of your new kitchen space.
Placing the Kitchen
As a kitchen space is the area of the home that sustains life through food and water, it is one of the most important parts of a Feng Shui design. Since a new kitchen addition can be put just about anywhere, it's good Feng Shui design to orient the new kitchen space toward the center of the home. Never place the kitchen near a door to the exterior of the home. This will let the flow of energy to be disrupted and escape from the home. Keep the kitchen near the center of the home and allow all rooms to easily access the new kitchen area.
Designing the Layout
Good Feng Shui design in the kitchen starts with a good layout. Because Feng Shui is controlled by the flow of energy - AKA Chi, the design needs to be open and spacious to naturally allow the energy of the space to flow. That includes the energy that you create as you move through the kitchen. If pathways are narrow and kitchen islands block traffic instead of help it flow, then you may want to rethink your kitchen layout. Keep in mind the "kitchen triangle" is a good way to help keep energy flowing while cooking. Your kitchen triangle should include easy access to the three most used areas of the kitchen - the stove/oven, the refrigerator and the sink. Laying out these three items in a triangular shape can help you to keep the Chi high in your new kitchen addition.
Feng Shui Characteristics
As the users of the kitchen addition continually exchange energy within the space, they relay that energy to the chef who in turn relays it back into your food. Since a happy chef makes happy, energy filled food, create a space with these Feng Shui characteristics:
|
|
-
Use bright and colorful colors in your kitchen addition to encourage good energy to flow through the space.
-
Natural lighting can really add to the Feng Shui space. Whether it's from a small over the sink window or a huge bay window, natural lighting is a Feng Shui must-have in the new kitchen.
-
Install several layers of lighting to prevent shadows and make your kitchen addition bright and well lit.
-
Keep it simple and don't overcrowd the space with unnecessary appliances or home decor.
-
Colors should be earth tone neutral. Yellow is thought to be good for digestion so be sure to include this tone in your Feng Shui kitchen.
