Essential Points to Note in Kitchen Feng Shui
I. A Clogged Drain
In Feng Shui, the kitchen generally represents the matriarch's fortune. If the drain is clogged, it can adversely affect the matriarch's health and luck.
II. Water and Fire Should Not Clash
The kitchen is associated with Fire, while the bathroom is associated with Water. These two areas should not face each other, as it is considered unfavorable in Feng Shui. Furthermore, within the kitchen, the stove or fire should not directly face a faucet. Try to avoid having them directly opposite each other, as it can be detrimental to health.
III. Stove Placement
The stove is the most important element in the kitchen. However, its placement in Feng Shui is crucial. Generally, it is best that the fire is not visible from the main entrance [the "door" here refers to the main front door of the house]. It should also not be placed between two sinks.
IV. No Mirrors in the Kitchen
Mirrors should not be placed indiscriminately in a home. It is best not to have a mirror in the kitchen, especially one that reflects the stove's fire [a smooth glass surface can also be considered half a mirror]. In Feng Shui, this can make the residence unstable and lead to a decline in fortune.
V. A Suppressed Stove
If there is a beam directly above the stove, it is generally unfavorable, symbolizing suppression of wealth or health [this is more common in irregularly shaped buildings and less so in standard residential homes].
However, in some companies that provide equipment like induction cookers for employees' lunch breaks, this mistake is often made. During Feng Shui audits, this is a common issue found in offices. An induction cooker is equivalent to a stove, and employees should not be made to use it in a corner.
VI. The Stove Should Not Be Exposed to Wind
In Feng Shui, it is inauspicious for wind to blow directly onto the stove's flame, as it poses a safety hazard and can also lead to financial loss. However, it is also important to avoid a kitchen that is poorly ventilated and stagnant.
VII. The Kitchen Layout Should Be Regular
The kitchen should ideally be regular in shape, preferably rectangular or square. However, if your kitchen is irregularly shaped for various reasons, you can install cabinets in appropriate areas to make the layout more symmetrical.
VIII. Avoid Having a Bathroom in the Kitchen
This layout is more common in older houses. During Feng Shui inspections, many old homes are found to have this arrangement, where the bathroom is just one step away from the cooking area. For such floor plans, it is necessary to hang a curtain on the bathroom door or place plants to create an energetic separation.
IX. The Most Inauspicious: A Straight Line
One of the most inauspicious Feng Shui configurations is when the main entrance door, the kitchen door, and the stove form a straight line. This layout is believed to cause significant disadvantages, leading to substantial losses in both health and wealth.
X. Open-Plan Kitchens
Many small apartments now use open-plan kitchens. However, this design tends to not retain energy (Qi), and the stove's fire can be unstable. Furthermore, if the stove is positioned directly against a window, it can lead to a loss of wealth. To mitigate these issues, you can decorate the wall behind the stove with an earthy yellow color.