The charm of an open kitchen and consideration for feng shui
In recent years, open kitchens have become a popular choice for home design in Hong Kong, and their biggest advantage is that they break the closed nature of traditional kitchens and create a sense of spacious and bright space. According to a 2022 survey conducted by the Hong Kong Designers Association, more than 65% of new residential projects have adopted it, and about 40% of them have special requirements to maintain an open flame cooking function. This design not only allows housewives to interact with their families while cooking, but also fits into the modern lifestyle of people who value social interaction.
However, from a feng shui point of view, the setting requires special attention. The kitchen represents a treasure trove of Feng Shui, and its patterns directly affect the financial fortune and health of the family. Traditional feng shui believes that "opening the door" leads to the leakage of wealth, and open design is prone to this pattern. In particular, an open kitchen with a bonfire has a strong energy component, so if it is not properly furnished, it can cause a "fire", which can lead to family strife or ruin wealth. Therefore, while enjoying the convenience of an open kitchen, you also need to carefully plan the layout of Feng Shui.
Feng Shui taboo in an open kitchen
Orientation and location of the stove
The most taboo is that the stove faces a door or window, which is called "flushing" in feng shui and causes the house to become restless. The ideal location should be facing a solid wall where the stove faces the auspicious side of the house (usually based on the owner's birthday). If space constraints require you to face a door or window, it is recommended to set up a half-height bar or frosted glass partition to block the door or window. Here are some solutions that are common to many tiny houses in Hong Kong.
- Place the hob in the corner of the L-shaped kitchen
- Use a rotatable range hood to shield
- Add blinds to the windows to regulate airflow
Dissolution of fire and water
If the sink is too close to the stove, it is recommended to keep a distance of at least 60 cm. If space is limited, place a wooden cutting board or greenery in the middle as a cushion. Special attention should be paid to the fact that the refrigerator is water and should not be placed near the stove, and a common solution in Hong Kong is to install a storage cabinet between the two.
Beam Pressure Focal Effect and Resolution
In Hong Kong houses, the ceiling is low, so it is easy for the beams to be heavy on the stove, which will suppress the career luck of the family. Mitigation methods include the following:
| Types of questions |
settle |
| The beam faces the stove |
Hanging gourds and crystal caves |
| Low ceilings |
Install a cabinet light that lights up upwards |
| Exposed pipes |
It is covered with wood and painted green |
An open kitchen to dispel unhappiness
Considering the possible evils, you can use the following methods:
Spatial definition and harmony of the aura
A bar counter and a light-transmitting screen with a height of about 110 cm maintain a sense of openness and block direct air flow. The Feng Shui master of Hong Kong suggests that the material of the screen should be wooden, and the use of metal frames should be avoided to cause the opposite effect of gold and wood. If space permits, when installing the kitchen island, you can leave a circular circulation line to form a "jade belt around the waist" pattern of wealth accumulation.開放式廚房明火
Use of Feng Shui mascots
You can pause in the following areas:
- 五帝錢：用紅線串起掛於爐灶側面
- Ceramic gourd: placed on top of the microwave oven to melt electromagnetic waves
- Salt lamp: balancing an overheated kitchen
Selection and placement of plants
Plants suitable for open kitchens include:
| Types of plants |
placement |
efficacy |
| Huang Jingge |
Next to the refrigerator |
Fire & Water Coordination |
| rosemary |
閾 |
Purify the air |
| Open Bamboo |
entrance |
招財進寶 |
The choice of colors and materials for an open kitchen coincides
Living space in Hong Kong is limited, and the choice of colors and materials for the open kitchen is very important.
Application of Color Psychology
Bright colors can amplify the feeling of space, and beige and light gray are good choices. To use jump colors, it is recommended to place only the sides of the splashback or island locally. The all-black design should not absorb too much fire. According to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University's Color Research Centre, owners of the following color schemes are most satisfied:
- 70% light base + 20% wood grain + 10% metallic accents
- White 60% + Grey Blue 30% + Bright Yellow 10%
Practical Considerations for Materials
Recommended use in this region:
- Countertop: Quartz Stone (High Temperature Resistant, Flood Resistant)
- Cabinet: Solid wood veneered moisture-proof board (beautiful and durable)
- Floor: Imitation wood grain tiles (non-slip, easy to clean)
Storage and cleaning in the open kitchen
The key to maintaining feng shui in an open kitchen is to be neat.
Planning for the storage system
Since the average kitchen area of a house in Hong Kong is only 4-6 square meters, it is recommended to:
- Pull-down cabinet for vertical storage
- Magnetic turret saves space
- Under the island there is a drawer for storing pots and pans
Key points for oil smoke countermeasures
Particular attention should be paid to cooking.
| Types of devices |
Recommended Specs |
Installation Points |
| range hood |
Displacement≥ 15m³/min |
60-75 cm from the stove |
| Air Purifier |
CADR value≥ 300 |
Diagonally placed |
Making an open kitchen with good feng shui
Summarizing the above points, the plan for the space looks like this:
- Give preference to the location and orientation of the stove
- Keeping the Fire and Water Elements in Balance
- Choose the right colors and materials
- Build an efficient storage system
Li Juming, a well-known Feng Shui master in Hong Kong, once pointed out, "As long as the modern open kitchen is properly planned, its open flame design can strengthen the fire in the house, which is conducive to business luck." As long as you follow the principles of Feng Shui, an open kitchen is not only a cooking space, but also a center of energy that determines the fate of the whole family.