For Balance And Harmony: Applying The Principles of Feng Shui to The Kitchen

The sleek, modern Westhampton kitchen redesigned according to the Feng Shui principles: The bird's-eye maple cabinets are accented with black granite countertops and mirrored backsplashes and ceiling. The shiny surfaces and etched-glass dining table are said to produce a flow of energy into the environment. The studio on the second level, left, seems to float above the kitchen. Natural elements are used as accents: copper pots, flowers and bowls of scented water. Sliding glass doors lead to a redwood deck overlooking the ocean.

Putting the principles of feng shui to work in a kitchen can be tricky.

Because a kitchen contains both elements of water and fire, achieving the appropriate balance is difficult — the sink can’t be too close to the stove, because fire puts out water. You want to balance that fire element . . . fire represents your good fortune, and you don’t want the water to put out that fire.

Feng shui is the art of placement, simplicity and its beneficial effects on our well-being. It means creating a home atmosphere that nurtures the mind, body and spirit. It’s about creating alignment and harmony.

Renovating a three-bedroom Westhampton house, I solved the problem of balance in the kitchen by making sure 3  1/2 feet separate the six-burner cook-top and sink while creating a stunning room. Bird’s-eye-maple cabinets are accented with black granite counters, black trim and mirrors. The floors throughout the three-level contemporary house are beige limestone cut into 18-inch squares.

Since a kitchen is the area for nourishment and nurturing, I always recommend to have bowls of fruit and nuts around for a welcoming atmosphere. Use flowers and plants for additional color in the neutral setting. There’s a grill and a six-burner stove top in the granite center island. The placement of the stove is very important. According to feng shui, the cook should be able to see anyone who walks into the kitchen in order not to be startled while working. The burners must always be clean and in good working order. Because burners represent wealth, I mirrored the ceiling above the island to visually double the number of burners.

The circular light above the island also represents prosperity. Owners of the house are busy business couple and don’t cook often for lack of time. Sliding glass doors open to a wood deck, where they do most of their cooking on a barbecue.

The kitchen, dining room and den have an open floor plan, and with the fireplace and view of the ocean, it’s natural that the couple, their grown children and guests spend most of their time there. No one ever feels isolated while working in the kitchen. Originally, a counter separated the kitchen and dining room, and the fireplace was between the dining room and den. The entire area was gutted, opened up and redesigned.

The entire house is done in neutral colors so as not to disturb the tranquility and serenity of the setting. People are looking for harmony; that’s why feng shui works.

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