FENG SHUI
Cook up better luck in your kitchen
February 10, 2010
Susan Sampson
FOOD WRITER
Kitchen feng shui can make you a better cook. Paul Ng guarantees it.
"It works like magic," says Ng, a feng shui master who lives in Richmond Hill, "but it is extremely mathematical and scientific. There's nothing superstitious or psychic about it."
Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice that involves creating balance and harmony in one's environment. Proper building and interior design, decor and layout promote the positive flow of energy known as qi (pronounced chee). Good luck is said to follow.
The arrival of Chinese New Year on Feb. 14 is a prime time to try to improve our kitchens and our cooking skills, Ng says. "This is quite a good year for food. People are going back to nature now. People are getting fed up with artificial food and packaged goods."
He says the kitchen is the second most important centre in your home. (The entrance is the most important. The master bedroom is third.) The kitchen is the heart of the home. Ng says it links health and wealth: a well-nourished person is healthier and more effective, and so more likely to be prosperous.
"Where your kitchen is located and how you arrange your kitchen can play a critical role in your happiness and livelihood," says Ng.
Born in Hong Kong and now 64, Ng trained as an electrical engineer, computer scientist and business administrator before quitting in 1993 to become an expert in feng shui, Chinese astrology, acupuncture and tai chi.
Feng shui kitchen guidelines:
The kitchen should be one-fifth the size of the house. Is yours too big? Carve out a breakfast nook or install an island. Too small? Remove a wall to create an open concept. Even a mirror helps, Ng says.
When entering the house, one should not see the kitchen. An inexpensive remedy: hang a door with glazed glass to block the view but still let in light.
The stove, representing the preparation of food and prosperity, is the most important appliance. It should face south, east or southeast.
The stove burners should be used equally. Ng says this represents money from multiple sources.
It's best to keep the sink and stove at right angles. If they are along the same side, keep them three feet apart and put a green plant between them. They should never be adjacent – symbolic of a conflict between water and fire. The worst scenario, however, is having them directly opposite each other. Ng says this promotes frequent arguments between spouses.
Keep countertops free of clutter and don't cram cupboards full. This disrupts the qi in the kitchen.
A fruit bowl symbolizes health and abundance as long as the fruit is not overripe or spoiled. Ng also keeps a bowl of nuts on the counter, particularly walnuts because they are shaped like little brains.
Peach (a fire/earth tone) and pale green (a wood tone) are the best colours for a kitchen. Dark hues are the worst. Black, dark blue and grey are water colours that "put out" fire (symbolizing cooking), Ng says. Taupe and red also create bad vibes.
For the decor, opt for peaceful pictures of food or nature. Add green plants such as jade or rubber plants, or vases of fresh flowers. "Natural things are always good," Ng says.
thestar.com