The kitchen is often referred to as the “heart” of the home, and for good reason. It acts as a central gathering space for comforting smells and experiences, providing literal and figurative warmth to the rest of the house. For this reason, It is a space that deserves special attention when it comes to design. Luckily, you don’t have to conduct a massive overhaul to achieve a harmonious space. A few classic feng shui principles can work wonders in an otherwise drab or closed-off kitchen area.
What is Feng Shui?
Feng shui is an ancient philosophy with many nuances. Very simply, it is an appreciation for a positive flow of energy known as “qi” or “chi.” Certain things, such as too much clutter, can block the flow of this energy and affect feelings of peace within a room. The goal of feng shui is to bring occupants of a room a sense of balance and joy the moment they set foot in it.
This may seem somewhat abstract, but it is really quite approachable when it comes to design. If the idea of energy seems too intangible, personify it. Consider how you and others will move about a room and clear away any obstacles to your freedom of movement. If you feel blocked by something you cannot move, place a mirror that reflects something beautiful to transfer your eye and movement somewhere else.
How to Apply Feng Shui in the Kitchen
When it comes to the kitchen, you have plenty of options to enhance feng shui. Again, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a complete renovation (although you certainly could). For a simple, budget-friendly guide to feng shui in your kitchen, follow these steps:
1. Clean
A clean kitchen is a pleasant kitchen. While you want your space to be functional, you also don’t want it to be a greasy mess. A good rule of thumb is that, after you cook something, your kitchen should be just as clean as when you started (if not cleaner).
Wipe down all surfaces and appliances, clean the cooktop, and empty the sink of dishes. Windex glass and remove fingerprints from stainless steel. You will have a fresh start each time you go to cook something. This feeling of peace and harmony will almost certainly go into the meal you cook, which will taste even better for it.
2. Declutter
Feng shui embraces minimalism. Excess clutter tends to block the flow of energy and, in the kitchen, it can translate to a frustrating lack of surfaces on which to work. Put away any unnecessary appliances, and store cutlery and utensils out of sight. Avoid hanging heavy items, like pots, overhead. Plenty of open shelf and counter space will give the kitchen a cleaner appearance and make prep work much more pleasant.
3. Replace Broken Items
Any visibly broken items should be discarded or replaced. This is not only to improve function, but also to demonstrate the love and care you have for your family. In feng shui, the kitchen represents nourishment, prosperity, and love. Broken items can indicate neglect, coldness, and hard times.
4. Paint
Fresh paint can massively improve the overall feeling of a space. Feng shui considers certain rooms as symbols of the elements, and colors are selected to balance these elements. In the kitchen, fire is the dominant element.
Fire is generally symbolized by oranges and yellows. To balance it, choose the subdued colors of the earth element, like pale yellows, beige, or cream. Blues should be avoided, since these are of the water element and will snuff out fire’s energy.
5. Add More Light
If your kitchen has windows, maximize the natural light they bring in by removing any coverings or curtains. When it comes to artificial fixtures, utilize a light layering technique to maximize brightness and promote good chi.
6. Choose Metal and Wood Accents
When choosing decorative aspects, opt for metal and wood, especially bamboo. Metal is cooling and wood unites the heart of the home with the beauty of nature.
You can easily incorporate metal by replacing drawer and cabinet pulls, updating appliances to stainless steel, and selecting light fixtures in a polished finish. Wood can be a great option for those minimal items on the counter, such as mixing spoons, cutting boards, or a storage rack.
A Beautiful Kitchen Adds Value to Your Home
A kitchen that has been designed with care not only increases your personal comfort in your home, it is also guaranteed to add resale value. As human beings, kitchens are important to our sense of belonging and purpose within a home. Applying these simple techniques will help you and any future buyers feel at peace in the space and enjoy it for years to come.
Please let me know how these steps work for you in the comments-I would love to see your before and after!
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