TESTIMONIAL
"I wanted to have a calming, spacious, nurturing kitchen/dining room. With expertise from Kerry and her architect Hans we have achieved this by completely redesigning the layout and choosing beautiful colours and finishes. It has been transformed from a cramped, old fashioned place that I didn't want to spend much time in, to my spacious, light-filled 'TEMPLE'. I love it and friends also say how relaxing and great it is. I discovered that there are 1200 'white' paints, and I was so worried about making the right choice... But Kerry pinpointed the perfect colour, I trusted her and it looks fantastic... other friends are now wanting to use this same colour in their homes!!"
– Helen Ireland, Oakleigh
Unhappy with your cramped, cluttered kitchen? We can help. Contact us to arrange an appraisal.
Spirit in the Home:
Feng Shui Your Kitchen Renovation
An interview with Kerry Tabor by Kym Westbury
How is the application of Feng-Shui principles beneficial to kitchen design in a home renovation?
It has the potential to achieve a space that's more harmonious and auspicious. For example, the cook is placed in a strong position, and danger from hot, sharp or cutting items is avoided. Feng Shui achieves balance by avoiding extremes. 'Yang' qualities expressed through hard surfaces, heat and noise, can be countered with 'Yin' features like soft or textured surfaces.
What's something that many people may not know about Feng Shui?
Much fuss is made about Feng Shui superstitions around the direction of the stove, or the placement of mirrors, bagua's and lucky frogs. But many people are surprised to learn that most Feng Shui solutions are quite practical, logical, tasteful and aesthetic. After all, the ultimate goal of good Feng Shui is to achieve a harmony between person and place.
How is the environment considered in Feng Shui principles?
Feng Shui seeks to promote conscious and harmonious living. Therefore, respect for both health and the environment are very important. I recommend using non-toxic paints and finishes for floors, walls and cupboard interiors. Two-pac glossy finishes for cabinets and floors are environmentally unfriendly to produce and emit high levels of volatile organic compounds that are unhealthy to live in.
What's the best way to approach Feng Shui in kitchen design?
Rather than focus on the many Feng Shui do's and don'ts, it's more useful to pay attention to the dynamics of the building and the shape, form, colours and style of the kitchen, its orientation, sources of light and so on. The needs and personalities of the occupants also need to be considered, e.g. how do they like to cook?
What are some quick, inexpensive ways to improve Feng Shui in your kitchen?
Eliminate clutter and neglect. Clutter creates congestion, obstruction, frustration and conflict and neglect reveals a lack of care. A messy kitchen is more likely to invite accidents. Also, fix faulty electrical appliances and replace cracked tiles. An attractive bowl of fresh fruit on the benchtop will add a splash of colour and life force to a dull kitchen.
Why is the position of the cook, in terms of kitchen layout, important in Feng Shui?
When a meal is being prepared, the cook is the most important person in the kitchen. Therefore, their position should be strong and supported with a solid wall at their back and a clear view. If this isn't possible, it will help to place a small mirror on the stove so they can see any disturbance behind them.
Kym Westbury is a freelance journalist based in Melbourne.