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Kitchen Design & Feng Shui

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 9 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Ranked #287 in How-To, #2654 overall

Rated G. (Control what you see)

Are you burning up your wealth?

 



In Feng Shui, the kitchen represents nourishment and prosperity. How you design your kitchen can dramatically influence your health, and, surprisingly, your wealth.

For example, Wood is the element of Wealth, and it belongs in the Southeast corner, according to ancient Feng Shui precepts. So, if your stove in the Southeast, you are figuratively "burning up your wealth". When we analzye a person's home, the very first thing we do is take compass directions throughout the house and come up with a game plan for balancing out all the elements.

The first thing to bear in mind when considering any Feng Shui advice is that ultimately, Feng Shui is a complex practice with several different schools, and the recommendations will vary from school to school and from one practitioner to another. So too, advice will differ depending upon the unique home - and the unique people living in it. Despite the fact that different schools may have diverse views on some topics, there are basic Feng Shui principles that apply to all kitchens.

At Feng Shui Style, we use the Compass School, Form School, and Eight Mansion Theory. For more information about these schools, go to:

Feng Shui Schools

A cool kitchen by Kenneth Brown

Kitchen Placement within the Home 

WHERE IS YOUR KITCHEN?

The first thing to consider when looking at the kitchen is its placement in terms of the whole house.

We can't always decide where each room in a house or apartment will be in relation to the others, but if you're working with new construction or doing extensive renovations, ideally the kitchen will be in the back of the house, at least behind centerline of house.

In any case, it's better if you don't see the kitchen immediately upon entering the house, since it tends to make your life "all about food", which can lead to digestive, nutritional, and eating problems.

Having the kitchen at the entry point can also mean that guests will come over and eat and then leave immediately, and such a placement can also encourage the inhabitants to be obsessed with cooking and eating (of course some people don't find this to be a problem).

If your kitchen is in the front of the house, don't panic; there are always remedies. Try to hide the kitchen from the entrance - or at least "screen" it. You could hang sheer or beaded curtains over the kitchen door, or install louvered doors. Another idea is to provide something delightfully eye-catching across a hall or in a vestibule near the kitchen. That way, attention is diverted from the kitchen upon entering.

Kitchen Layout 

It is very important for the cook to be in a "commanding position" while cooking at the stove. The cook should be able to clearly see the doorway without turning around. Renovating a kitchen so this is achieved can be particularly challenging. Many modern kitchens have the range facing the wall.

Many Feng Shui consultants recommend hanging something reflective, such as a mirror or a shiny sheet of decorative aluminum, over the "backsplash" area of the stove. The reflective surface can be any size, but the bigger it is, the more powerful the correction will be.

In China, the number of burners on the stove represent the families' wealth. By adding a reflective item like a mirror behind the burners, you are effectively "doubling your wealth".

Cooking lunch

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Kitchen Islands 

For a dramatic solution to the "back to the audience" dilemma, consider installing a cooking island. Placing the stove in a central island allows the cook to see the entire room, including the doorway.

Beyond the Feng Shui benefits, a cooking island is practical. The wider your view, the more you'll be able to comfortably talk with dinner guests or keep an eye on the kids as you prepare the meal.

A Stylish, Compact Kitchen Island 

This island has all the necessities, yet it exudes sophistication with a soapstone top, and rich wood with Craftsman detailing. What a gorgeous solution to a Feng Shui problem!

Instead of isolating the cook, families and guests often gather in the kitchen and participate in the meal preparation. Also, busy working couples use dinner preparation as an important time to unwind together.

Newsflash!

Lighting should be ONE THIRD of your budget!

Feng Shui Lighting 

In any room, fluorescent lights do not promote good health; they are constantly flickering, affecting the eyes and nervous system, and can cause hypertension, eyestrain and headaches.

Shadows should not be cast while preparing and cooking food. Ensure that your kitchen is well lit with incandescent bulbs or halogen lights.

There are a plethora of design solutions for lighting your kitchen. Check out the links below for some ideas.

Murray Feiss Three-Light Chandelier 


Murray Feiss Three-Light Chandelier


The casual contemporary Fusion hanging ceiling fixture is inspired by Asian and Mission style motifs. Oval amber ribbed glass shade is the highlight of this uplight piece.

The center column and arms have a geometric pattern inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, as well as classic Asian designs. Grecian Bronze makes this piece suitable for a contemporary or craftsmen space.

Measures 21" in diameter and 12.5" in height. Hang this beauty in your transitional styled kitchen.

Dark cabinets are all the rage...

Hanging Tiffany Light Fixture, Victorian style 


Hanging Tiffany Light Fixture


Try this Victorian twist on pendant lighting. Tiffany Lamps are pieces of art. Each one is hand made and will add color and beauty to many different decors.

Ask me where to hang this to pump up your creativity, or bring children into your life!

Kitchens on Flickr 

Kitchen/Nook - Final Design by jeffrey_in_indiana

Kitchen/Nook - Final...

Kitchen/Nook - Final Design by jeffrey_in_indiana

Kitchen/Nook - Final...

Kitchen/Nook - Final Design by jeffrey_in_indiana

Kitchen/Nook - Final...

Kitchen/Nook - Final Design by jeffrey_in_indiana

Kitchen/Nook - Final...

Kitchen/Nook - Final Design by jeffrey_in_indiana

Kitchen/Nook - Final...

Kitchen/Nook - Final Design by jeffrey_in_indiana

Kitchen/Nook - Final...

Kitchen/Nook - Final Design by jeffrey_in_indiana

Kitchen/Nook - Final...

Kitchen/Nook - Final Design by jeffrey_in_indiana

Kitchen/Nook - Final...

Kitchen/Nook - Final Design by jeffrey_in_indiana

Kitchen/Nook - Final...

Kitchen/Nook - Final Design by jeffrey_in_indiana

Kitchen/Nook - Final...

The sky's the limit! 

What are you favorite kitchen elements?



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Glass mosaic backsplash

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Granite countertops

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Kitchen island

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The color RED

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Stainless steel appliances

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Cool artwork

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Gas stove

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Skylights

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Faux painting

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Boheme Pendant from Lighting Showplace 


Boheme Pendant


This classic Tiffany inspired "Boheme" Pendant would fit in nicely with classic kitchens, such as Craftsman, Victorian, etc. Ask me where to hang this to improve your relationship, or to make you feel more centered.

Royce Focus Three-Light Pendant Track Kit 


Royce Pendant Track Kit


Here's a classic that's sure to please a wide variety of tastes. This fixture features oil rubbed bronze with cream snow globes. The rail is bendable for a custom look.

Kichler Grenoble Pendants 


Hanging Down Light


This simple brushed nickel light would fit in nicely with a minimilist or modern kitchen. Ask me where to hang this fixture to bring helpful people into your life, as well as opportunities for travel.

Hang artwork in your kitchen!

Hanging Star Pendant 


Hanging Star Pendant


An ancient European design, these handmade Moravian Star Lights will brighten your kitchen or foyer with distinctive charm. Made of copper and glass, with a mellow dark patina.

For extra Feng Shui credit, ask me specifically where to hang this fixture to pump up your Fame and Reputation....

Other cool sites by me 

Feng Shui Style
Originating in China almost 6,000 years ago, Feng Shui literally means "wind"(Feng) and "water"(Shui). Feng Shui is also referred to as "Geo-mancy" or "Earth Wisdom." It is an ancient method of constructing and optimizing residences to bring about happiness, abundance and harmony. It includes architecture, urban planning, interior design, garden design, and placement of objects in our environment. It also involves the layout, framework, materials and colors of building structures.
Sell Your Home Fast with Feng Shui
When people walk into a home for sale, they decide within 15 seconds whether they want to buy it. Obviously first impressions count! Although we recommend a full blown Feng Shui consultation for pumping up all areas of your life, if you're selling your home, the common sense principles of Feng Shui can be used to increase your bottom line in a major way.
My MonaVie Website
Click here to learn about MonaVie juice - with the amazing acai berry - which Dr. Nicholas Perricone has rated the #1 Superfood for anti-aging. Turn back the clock, and revitalize your body from the inside out! Order some today! MonaVie also makes a classy and thoughtful gift - packaged in a beautiful wine bottle.
Don't let bygones be bygones
Once they're gone, they're gone. All over this country, people are tearing down our past, our communities, and our livelihoods. They are building McMansions, and faceless, gutless commercial buildings, all in the name of the all-mighty dollar. They are mowing down fruit orchards, filling them with concrete, and throwing up condos (pardon the pun).

What is the cost?

Lighting 101 

More Moods for Moderns

Paper and cloth lampshades make light appear softe more...1 point

Add some drama!

Use uplighting in dark corners to reduce the effec more...1 point

"Missing areas"

In rooms with irregular shapes place lighting in t more...0 points

Colored lights in the kitchen

Different colored lights denote different moods. P more...0 points

Bounce the light

Place mirrors in dark rooms or corners so that the more...0 points

Soft vs. Strong Lighting

Soft lights create positive energy, but there are more...0 points

Sharp corners and "poison arrows"

A "poison arrow" is anything sharp that more...0 points

Do it with dimmers

Using dimmers to "dial in" the desired a more...0 points

Feng Shui and The 5 Elements 

There are 5 Elements to consider when trying to achieve good Feng Shui: Water, Earth, Wood, Fire, and Metal. Each major appliance and major piece of furniture in the kitchen is considered one of these elements.

The fridge and sink are both water elements. The cabinets are usually wood, as well as the table or chairs. The stove and oven are fire elements. If people have a tile or terra cotta floor, that would be earth, along with granite and marble countertops.

The idea is to achieve a balance between all the elements, and to make sure that non-compatible elements are placed away from each other. For this reason, you would never want your stove right next to your sink. Specifically, the best place for the sink would be North (for Career), East (for Family and Health) or SouthEast (for Wealth).

This is why getting a full-blown Feng Shui consultation by a professional is more than just a good idea. If your sink was in the wrong area, you could potentially bring down your reputation. If your stove was in the wrong area, you could be burning up your wealth - literally.

Take a Quiz to check your current Feng Shui situation! 

HOW'S YOUR FENG SHUI?

Go to our website, Feng Shui Style, to take a quiz and see how your current home is affecting you.
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The 5 Elements and the Kitchen Triangle 

A good kitchen design is based on a traditional triangle model, with the sink, refrigerator and range making up each point of the triangle. There should be a 6-8 foot distance between each appliance; this allows for maximum convenience and a minimum of repeated moves.

Because you'll have that space between each of the major appliances, it should be easy to adhere to the Feng Shui principle of having fire elements separated from water elements.

A good way of separating fire and water is to add something made of wood in between, such as a plant or a painting of a plant.

The Kitchen Stove 

The stove represents health and wealth, so you want to use the burners on the stove top equally, rotating their use rather than habitually using a particular one. This correlates with getting money from multiple sources.

A regular stove, as opposed to a microwave, is preferred because it is more in keeping with the Feng Shui belief that we should slow down, become more conscious of each activity, and do activities with intention.

Heating a quick meal in the microwave is certainly convenient, but doing this may not lead to the most serene state of mind.

Many Feng Shui consultants (including myself) are concerned with excess radiation and electromagnetic fields and advise against a microwave altogether. A steamer and a toaster oven can achieve everything that a microwave can, with better quality. Obviously, each home and family will have to find their own balance between modern conveniences and optimal Feng Shui practices.

The Dragon = Fire!

In summation 

The kitchen should be kept neat and uncluttered, and any broken appliances should be thrown out. It is better to have no toaster than one that doesn't work.

In Feng Shui, windows should not be placed over stove because heat represents prosperity, and you don't want your prosperity flowing out the window.

Luckily, Feng Shui isn't only about having a room with good ch'i, or energy; it's also simply a practical guide for design. For this reason, Feng Shui can be used with any style of room. Some of the most popular trends include:

* a contemporary look, with solid colors, wood and granite, stone or marble
* a luxurious look, with carvings, corbels, and cabinets with legs
* a Craftsman or other simple style

Any of these styles can be successfully combined with the principles of Feng Shui to make for a kitchen that's functional, up-to-date, and easy on the eyes.

Adorn your walls with artwork! 


"Patio with Martini" by Michael Leu


Michael Leu is a master, and his favorite subjects are ladies and cats. This Poster is 23" X 19". It is framed with a wooden frame.

Vintage Italian Print 


"Rom-1911"


This vintage Italian print will add class and color to your kitchen. 36" X 24". This poster is framed using a black metal frame with no matte.

Martini and Rossi: Vermouth Torino 


Martini and Rossi: Vermouth Torino


This gorgeous print will really sizzle in the kitchen. The high quality, durable canvas print measures: Image size: 8.0 x 10.0, Paper size: 8.0 x 10.0, Framed size: 16.3 x 18.3

Vintage Paris Print 


Hotel de Paris: Trouville-sur-Mer


Check out this super canvas print of the "Hotel de Paris: Trouville-sur-Mer", measuring 42" x 28". Fully framed and ready to hang with all necessary hardware already fastened.

Chinese Peonies Trio by Elizabeth Horning 


Chinese Peonies by Elizabeth Horning

Place this beauty in your South East corner to pump up wealth for the household. Flowers are a symbol of wealth. Dimensions: 43.5 x 40 x 43.5 inches.

How about the most beautiful woman of all time? 


Audrey Hepburn


You can't beat Audrey Hepburn for someone you'd like to look at for a long time. Audrey would provide a unique focal point for a dramatic kitchen - perhaps with a Hollywood glamour or Art Deco theme.

Reader Feedback 

Please take a moment and go back to the top of the page and give me some stars by clicking 1 to 5 stars in the right hand set of 5 stars above.

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Thanks for stopping by!

prevagevsstrivetin

Wow! Beautiful lens. I am giving 5 stars for your valuable lens.

If you feel free please visit kitchen remodeling blog

Posted August 14, 2008

prevagevsstrivetin

Wow! Your lens is beautiful. I really enjoyed with your lens. I am giving 5 stars for your valuable lens.

If you feel free please visit kitchen remodeling blog

Posted August 14, 2008

Motocross_Life

What a cool lens! Who knew so much thought went into designing a kitchen. I have a newfound appreciation for it. Thanks.

Posted August 01, 2008

richgerman

FENG SHUI expert huh? well thanks for sharing your knowledge here we've learn some things from you.. keep it up! i hope everyone will take a look for this topic also! 5 stars!

Posted June 25, 2008

richgerman

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Posted June 25, 2008

kevinw1

Excellent lens, lots of meaty information and great pictures too. 5*! You might enjoy my kitchen lenses at Kitchen Layouts and Custom Kitchen Islands

Posted June 18, 2008

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Posted May 05, 2008

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Posted April 27, 2008

Retro_Loco

Hi Jennifer!! This is another great lens! I haven't even read everything here yet, but I've already learned something that I have not learned from my two Feng Shui books and a multitude of FS articles I've read! Thank you for sharing your wisdom! 5 more stars!! I'm lensrolling you to my Vintage Cookbooks and Retro Cookbooks lenses so others will hopefully come over here and learn how to Feng Shui their kitchens & their lives!

Posted January 23, 2008

Karendelac

5 Stars for you !
Your site was really great ~~ you gave me a lot of ideas to remodel my home... thanks
Please give me ratings and sign my guest book as well.
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Posted December 29, 2007

 
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FengShuiStyle

About FengShuiStyle

Jennifer Emmer is a Feng Shui Consultant and Interior Designer with over 10 years experience, and hundreds of clients.

She has designed homes, offices, businesses, movie studios, pilates studios, bed & breakfasts, and yachts on the West Coast, East Coast, the middle U.S., Italy, and England.


She is also passionate about Historic Preservation, and especially adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

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