Ever been into a kitchen and felt it had a fantastic feeling, but you can’t work out why? The Chinese have practised Feng Shui for thousands of years, they believe in architecture in terms of ‘invisible forces’ (or chi) that binds the universe, earth, and humanity together. Many top interior designers incorporate Feng Shui to create perfect energy for a room or space, and your kitchen is no exception.
Live plants have their own chi and draw chi to them. Surrounding yourself with nature has proven to have benefits far beyond aesthetics. Nature can actually help reduce stress levels and increase happiness. While nothing beats spending time outside, with these changes you can bring the outdoors into your kitchen.
Let natural light invade your kitchen, It’s important to have a bright home with lots of sunlight if you want it to feel cheerful. Providing ample access to sunlight and fresh air can also add a feeling of spaciousness too. If you can, add skylights or a roof lantern to a single-story building. What could be better than cooking breakfast, looking up, and seeing the sky? Skylights provide a gorgeous view and brilliant light - which can be especially significant in kitchens where adding more windows isn’t possible.
The most common way of including nature in our home’s décor is with potted plants and fresh flowers.
Open your kitchen up to the dining room (or another adjacent room). Removing walls is a great way to allow more light to flow into the kitchen, creating a feeling of being more connected to the outdoors. You’ll gain openness along with the added views, light and airflow from the other room.
Use Mirrors - Mirrors reflect energy, so position them in places where you see beautiful reflections of your garden. Large mirrors placed strategically will not only make your kitchen seem larger, but it will bounce light around the room too.
Energy flows through open doors. An open and inviting pathway allows positive energy to flow into your home, whether it be an open stable door or full-length bi-folding doors. Opening a full wall to the garden really brings the outside in. But remember to keep the outside neat and clear of clutter to create a positive chi.
To take advantage of Feng Shui, make sure you have something representing the five elements — wood, earth, metal, fire, and water. The aim of this is to stay grounded, centred, and balanced in your life and your environment. Adding these natural materials will give you the outdoors-in feel.
Research shows that viewing nature reduces anger and anxiety and enhances feelings of pleasure. So flood your home with natural light, open windows and doors to let fresh air inside, and bring plants indoors. Decorate with bamboo, wood, or wicker, and use stones, sheepskin and chunky natural materials to add texture. But above all enjoy your kitchen!
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Paula Carter
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