Placement of Appliances in Your Feng Shui Kitchen

 kitchen appliances and feng shui
We have been on a series talking about the ancient art of Feng Shui. We know that a few posts are not enough to learn even all about the basics of this Asian science developed 3000 years ago. But it has given us some pointers on where to begin and what to look for when you design or remodel a Feng Shui Style kitchen.
We already learned a little about our energy map or Bagua, the Kua number, basic principles of where to place your kitchen, as well as different colors you can work into your kitchen design to balance energies. Today, we are looking at the kitchen appliances. The incorrect placement of your appliances can create inauspicious elements and negative Chi. Therefore, here are some important topics to consider when working on your kitchen layout. In fact, some find that the placement of your appliances can be more important than the direction your kitchen is facing.

TKSI Tim’s portfolio dark wood kitchen islandAvoid the escape of energy through your kitchen and out the door

Before discussing any kitchen appliances, we need to think where to place any doorways. It’s imperative that the entrance to the kitchen doesn’t face directly onto the front or back door of the house. That creates an unbalanced Chi as good energy rushes through the kitchen and out of the house. It is believed that as the energy escapes your house, it results in illnesses and misfortunes entering through that same door. 

Where to place the fire

When making decisions on the placement of the bigger appliances, like oven and stove, considered fire elements, it is important to keep in mind that the water elements conflict with fire elements. You don’t want them beside sinks, dishwashers or refrigerators because they would extinguish the beneficial fire energy.
The mouth is the area where the energy enters the appliance. This means any gas lines, oil lines or electrical lines and outlets. Therefore, the oven and stove mouths should face Northeast, Southwest or South. Don’t place the oven or range in the Northwest sector known as “Heaven’s Gate.” Good luck energy resides in there, making this the last place you want to set any fire.

Tips for boosting your kitchen’s Chi

If your kitchen’s energy is still unbalanced, you can help boost the auspicious elements of your kitchen’s Chi by placing mirrors. The impression of an extra set of burners is believed to increase your finances. Placing plants or herbs in copper pots along the South and East walls can help you bring prosperity to your home and attract a positive Chi.

Transitional Kitchen fourThe importance of keeping your kitchen tidy

Being messy creates energy conflicts. Therefore, avoid being lazy and keep pantry doors closed at all times. Don’t leave brooms and mops out. Keep them stored in closets, and don’t let dirty dishes pile up. If the laundry area is located in or beside the kitchen, don’t allow dirty clothes to pile up and don’t hang a towel on the oven handle.
Bottom line, have fun! Whether you take these Feng Shui believes seriously or not, you should always be intentional about designing a comfortable and healthy environment for your kitchen. Feng Shui beliefs say that boosting the positive energies will bring in the good times. We say, having an awesome kitchen design, with cabinets you love and a design that meets your needs will turn your new kitchen into your favorite room in the house. 

Feng Shui Cures for Your Kitchen

kitchen showcase feng shui cures for your kitchen

Welcome to another chapter of our Kitchen Design Feng Shui Special. We are traveling through the ancient world of Feng Shui and are learning some basic tips on how to make our kitchen and home, harmonious spaces that support our health and well-being.
In one of our recent posts, we went over techniques to come up with the best location for your kitchen. Where it should be facing, where to place appliances and doors and which colors and material to use in your Feng Shui style kitchen. We also learned about Kua number calculation and how our energy map affects the design. 
feng shui for kitchensHowever, putting the lessons into practice is really hard. The main problem many of us face when trying to design or arrange our kitchen through Feng Shui is that it takes a lot to make it work. Thankfully, the ancient Chinese wise men seemed to understand this as well and developed cures and techniques to balance the energies and bring health and good fortune into your home.

Feng Shui cures to improve positive energy

With the right use of Feng Shui, you can take advantage of the variety of cures to improve your energies, tricks that use objects, colors, materials or textures. Like different elements you can use when your kitchen is not facing the correct direction or you are forced to set a door where it shouldn’t be.

Kitchen and door cures

Your Feng Shui kitchen should not be facing the main door. If you have no choice, it is better to place it near the back door. Avoid placing your kitchen in the center of your home. Don’t forget the best location for it is in the East or South. This way you can promote the fire element. If your oven is facing a door, it is best to put a screen somewhere in between the front door and the kitchen so that the stove is not visible from the doorways.
If there is no other option than placing the kitchen in the center of the home, try energizing another area such as your living room or dining room with bright lights or music. This way you can shift the heart of your home.
If the cook’s back is towards the door, you can use a mirror or the reflection from a microwave oven above the stove, in such a way that you can see the door.
kitchens with Feng Shui design

Separating water and fire

Remember that water elements like the fridge and fires element like the stove shouldn’t be placed next to each other. If you have no choice, place a plant or something green in between. This will block and balance the energies. If you have a two-story house and the stove is directly under a bathroom, you can shine a bright light upwards to separate fire and water.

What has no cure in the kitchen design

  • Remember to avoid placing your kitchen stove in the Northwest sector. The heaven energy pours into the kitchen from the Northwest and unfortunately, there is no cure for this.

The best kitchen remodels and designs in Colorado

Feng Shui experts insist that the design of your kitchen can lead to a healthier lifestyle and increase the well-being of your family. Our kitchen experts would add that having an awesome design will turn your new kitchen into your favorite room in the house. 
top custom kitchens in Colorado

Feng Shui Kitchens: Finding Your Kua Number.

kitchen remodelling and design

Finding Your Kua Number
According to Feng Shui energy can be divided into East and West groups. Your Kua Number can determine your group and the best location for the kitchen in your home.

 
Welcome back to our special posts dedicated to Feng Shui Kitchens. We have been talking and discussing the mysteries of this ancient art and how to apply it to our environment, homes and more precisely, our kitchens. We don’t pretend for you to become a master in the practice of Feng Shui. But this Asian science can provide us some practical tips and techniques in our kitchen design or remodeling project.
In one of our previous posts, we presented a brief explanation about what Feng Shui stands for. We talked about where NOT to place your kitchen. So now, get ready to learn which is the best location, based on the Kua Number of the main cook or breadwinner.
Kitchens in Denver New Slider Marvella
The Feng Shui rule of thumb is to organize the kitchen based on the inauspicious direction of the main breadwinner.

Kua Number

A Kua Number is calculated by the year of birth and gender. It used to determine your four ‘lucky corners’ (your auspicious and inauspicious areas.) If we all have different energy needs, Feng Shui planning teaches us to channel those energies in effective ways to get rid of negative vibes and increase the positive. According to Flying Stars -one of the most popular Feng Shui schools- the energy of most people can be divided into two groups: East and West. A person’s Kua Number can determine which group a particular individual is in. East and West grouping is also used to indicate your best element, best season, best color and even your personality. In this ancient philosophy, it is vital where to position yourself while working, sleeping and cooking -based on your particular Kua Number

Finding Out Your Kua Number

To calculate your Kua Number, simply follow this formula:

  • Take the last two numbers of the year you were born and add them together. Reduce them down to a single digit. For example, if you were born in 1957 then you take the 57; 5+7=12; 1+2=3.

Then depending on your gender, follow the next instruction:

  • MALE – take the single digit and subtract it from 10. Example: 1957 single number of 3; 10-3=7. The Kua Number is 7.
  • FEMALE – take the single digit and add 5. Using the 1957 single number of 3; 3+5=8. The Kua Number is 8.

Once you have your Kua Number you can determine your group and the directions you should face. There are specific auspicious and inauspicious directions for each group.

  • The East Group Kua numbers are 1, 3, 4, 9.
  • The West Group Kua numbers are 2, 5, 6, 7, 8.

East Group

Kua Number              Kitchen Location
1                                        Southwest
3                                       West
4                                       Northeast
9                                       Northwest
 

West Group

Kua Number              Kitchen Location
2                                        North
5  (Female)                      Southeast
5  (Male)                          North
6                                        South
7                                        East
8                                        Southeast

Custom Kitchens in Colorado

Kitchen Design Based on Kua Numbers

The tricky part: if your family’s biggest income producer is part of the East Group, your kitchen should be located in the opposite group’s direction of that Kua Number. That’s because these directions are considered inauspicious and the kitchen will serve to neutralize energies. You should place your kitchen facing towards any of the West Group directions and vice versa.
Now that we have determined your Kua Number and Group, you can decide on the location and orientation of your kitchen. Next, we start thinking about the interior design of your kitchen.

Choosing Your Feng Shui Kitchen Color, Part 2

TKSI traditional kitchen portfolio Nicholas customs

During November, we have dedicated our blog to show people how to get started in the mystic world of Feng shui as we learn easy tips on how to apply this Asian knowledge and technique when designing your new kitchen.
Feng shui is an ancient art and science developed over 3,000 years ago in China, it is based on the Taoist vision and understanding of nature, particularly on the idea that the land is alive and filled with Chi, or energy.
Feng means wind and Shui means water. In Chinese culture wind and water are associated. Last week, we discussed Feng Shui principles and meaning, and different techniques that will help you arrange your Kitchen or any other space in your home in a healthy way.
On our last post we discussed how to choose the color of your Feng Shui Kitchen and everything else in Feng shui, is determined by the Kitchen’s location.
Last week, we went over the south, southwest, west and northwest locations and which color could be applied in order to balance the kitchen’s energy. Today, we are going to discuss, the 4 locations left.

Chinese Horoscope and AstrologyNorth Area Kitchen

Feng shui bagua area: Career & Path in Life
Western bagua location: lower center
It is important to balance your kitchen’s water element and keep it happy when it is in the North area. In these cases, blue, black, gray and white, work well on it. Nonetheless, you need to keep the fire element of the kitchen strong, so avoid abusing of these colors.
Black kitchen colors can be used to attract power to your home, which can be associated with wealth. Blue kitchen colors work well with brown and green tones in modern wallpaper patterns, wall tile and painting, attracting peaceful and pleasant changes.
Try to find a good visual balance between Water and Fire colors with the emphasis being on blue, black, gray and white colors. The metal element is usually an excellent balancing point for a North area kitchen in both it’s colors – white and gray.

Northeast Area Kitchen

Feng shui bagua area: Spiritual Growth & Cultivation
Western bagua location: lower left
Kitchens in the Northeast area share the same Earth element as a kitchen in the Southeast area, therefore, they are easy to work with. Remember you can use strong reds and yellows. So, feel free to have as many intense colors as you want. Also, bring an abundance of Earth element decor and colors; avoid the color black.

East Area Kitchen

Feng shui bagua area: Health & Family
Western bagua location: mid left
In this area, is important not to abuse element of metal or fire. Otherwise, they might damage the energy from Wood element  of this bagua area. Try to focus on the Earth feng shui element. Brown and green kitchen color shades and combinations are symbols of health and vitality.
Natural wood kitchen cabinets, dining furniture and decorating accessories, combined with green curtains, upholstery fabric, towels or utensils, attract abundance, wealth and prosperity. Choose soft and earthy greens to help create a relaxing space. A living plant or two can enhance these earthy tones.
Avoid too much black, blue, as well as white and gray colors.

Brian 2Southeast Area Kitchen

Feng shui bagua area: Wealth & Money
Western bagua location: top left
A Southeast area kitchen requires the same attention as the one in the East as they both share the same element – Wood. So, feel free to use as much Wood element decor and colors as you wish.
The element of Earth brings stability with comfortable brown kitchen colors, natural wood tones of kitchen cabinets and dining furniture, golden, beige and pleasant yellow wallpaper patterns, wall tiles or paint colors.
Displaying plants, fruit and vegetables, as well as fresh herbs or flowers are excellent ways to boost the earth energy and attract abundance and wealth.
These four plus the other four locations from our previous post, are all the possible locations you can place your kitchen and the colors you can apply to balance its energy.
So far, we already know where to place our kitchen, where it should be facing, as well as how to calculate your Kua number, and how to select the correct color to balance its energy.
On our following post, we will discuss which appliances your kitchen should have and where to place them, to keep well-balanced your feng shui kitchen.

Where to Place Your Feng Shui Kitchen

Rustic kitchen cabintets

Continuing with last week’s topic, today we would like to go deeper into the ancient world of the Feng shui and how to apply it to your kitchen design. Since we already have a basic understanding of this Asian art, we can begin discussing easy ways of getting started in this Chinese metaphysics practice.
The kitchen is our source of energy and well-being. We cook our meals in it, and we have access to other vital elements for our survival such as water. Feng shui principles dictate that your kitchen is the heart of your home. The Chinese placed their kitchens in the east or south sectors of their homes to promote the kitchen’s fire elements.
Feng shui kitchens are vital to a home’s overall feng shui health. Therefore, by placing your kitchen in the right area, you can effectively create a harmonious space that supports your health and well-being.

At The Kitchen Showcase we have all you need for Remodeling your Denver homeWhere to Begin?

Before considering any kitchen design, try to think of a rectangle shaped kitchen and avoid round shapes. Also, make sure the living room, dining room and kitchen areas are all on the same level.
Placing your kitchen in the east or south sectors of your home is a great start. Begin to construct in your head the rest of rooms and avoid putting certain rooms near the kitchen.
Here is what not to do:

  • Don’t locate the kitchen in the front of your home or facing the front door. This kills any positive chi attempting to enter your home.
  • Don’t locate your kitchen in the center of your home.
  • Don’t place your kitchen below an upstairs bathroom or facing a toilet. Water and waste destroy the auspicious chi.
  • Don’t place the kitchen facing a bedroom.  Chi energy from the kitchen is yang and the bedroom’s energy is ying. Facing these two areas can create an energy conflict. In fact, feng shui believes that this kind of configuration results in family members constantly being sick.

Now that we have a basic understanding of this ancient art and we have already defined the perfect location for our kitchen, we can begin thinking how to design its interior and where to place its appliances.
Believe it or not, placing the kitchen’s appliances can be even more significant and complex than just setting the kitchen room. Therefore, we are going to dedicate a complete post just to this subject.
Follow us on our next post, and learn more about this fascinating Asian knowledge, as we keep heading to the designing and construction of your own feng shui kitchen.

Designing your Feng Shui Kitchen

When it comes to facelifting your kitchen or designing a brand new one, the most common questions that pop in our head are: How? What colors should I use, which materials are better? How much space do I need? And, so on…
In previous posts, we discussed different aspects you should focus on and useful tips you can use, when remodeling or designing your new kitchen. Since we are beginning November, we would like to dedicate this whole month to an ancient science and art.
Remember your kitchen is one of the most important areas of your home. Therefore, it should be nice, cozy, relaxing and appealing and there is no better way to reach these attributes than designing your kitchen through the feng shui vision.
In the next series of posts we are going to show you, the benefits for the health of your body and mind when planning your home through feng shui holistic principles. Also, how through different tips of locations, appliances and colors, you can achieve a well-balanced and harmonic environment.

What is Feng Shui?

Now, it is very important to understand that feng shui is not just a cool name to describe your kitchen when your friends are showing off, their rustic, modern or baroque kitchen designs.
Before we begin throwing ideas and suggestions, it is essential to understand the basics of this ancient art.
Feng shui is a Chinese philosophical system, developed over 3,000 years ago, of harmonizing everyone with the surrounding environment. It discusses architecture in metaphoric terms of “invisible forces” that bind the universe, earth, and humanity together, known as qi.
In Chinese culture wind and water are associated with good health. Taoist vision and understanding of nature, believe that the land is alive and filled with Chi, or energy, therefore land’s energy could either bring good fortune, bad luck, or misfortune.
Feng shui practice reveals how to balance the energies of any given space to assure health and good fortune for people inhabiting it.

Analysis and Calculations

Feng shui is one of the Five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics, classified as physiognomy (observation of appearances through formulas and calculations). These are performed with a Compass and a Bagua.
The feng shui energy map, or bagua, is an octagonal grid containing the symbols of the I Ching, the ancient oracle on which feng shui is based. Knowing the bagua of your home will help you understand the connection of specific feng shui areas of your home to specific areas of your life.
The feng shui compass, also called Luo-Pan, is used to access deeper information about a site or a building. It consists of bands of concentric rings arranged around the magnetic needle. Luo means everything and Pan means bowl, which can be interpreted as a bowl that contains all the mysteries of the universe.
You can find these tools on any Chinese store and even on feng shui books.
Once, you have defined the areas with positive and negative energy; you can begin balancing the energies of your environment through different techniques and using several elements.
On our next post, find out more about feng shui and how to apply it to your kitchen in order to design the healthiest, most relaxing and coziest environment you can possibly have.