Yin and Yang in the Kitchen

Typically speaking, kitchens have yang energy more than yin. Kitchens are workspaces and need that yang energy.

 

Kitchen surfaces are smooth – tile, linoleum, stainless steel, etc. – and energy flows fast on those surfaces. We want our kitchens bright and full of light (yang energy) because it helps us see, and work, better.

 

I did a lot of searching, trying to find pictures of yin kitchens. It was hard to find kitchens with yin elements, but I found a handful.

 

 

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While the counters and appliances in this kitchen are stainless steel, the hanging shelves bring a yin energy to the space. Even though they appear to be made of glass, or plexiglass, (yang) the mere fact that they’re hanging brings the energy downward, creating yin. The dark wood cabinetry and chairs also bring yin energy into the space.

 

Overall, this kitchen is a combination of yin and yang. People who are more comfortable in yin spaces might feel comfortable in this kitchen. However, they’d probably prefer a tiled countertop – a surface that ‘slows’ the energy down a bit.

 

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There are a few more yin elements in this kitchen. The dark cabinetry, table & appliances. Even the floor is dark. But there are some more subtle yin elements – the chairs are upholstered white (yang) but take a look at how they’re positioned. Only two of the chairs have the appearance of ample space. The pairs are sandwiched between the table and the island or the sofa. Closed in = yin. Other subtle elements are the ‘roman’ bamboo shades. The way that they hang ‘pushes’ the energy downward. More yin.

 

 

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I looked at Mediterranean kitchens, thinking they’d have more yin. The scrolls in the black chairs bring the vibration of yin to the space, as well as the pendant lights, two with scrollwork. The large acanthus leaf corbels on the island are also more yin than yang. So this kitchen does have quite a bit of yin energy, doesn’t it?

 

But take a look at the way the wood flooring is laid out. Notice how it flows into the kitchen and back out, rather than across the kitchen. Planks laid in this pattern increase the energy flow into the space. Yang. Also, the ceilings are higher than normal. More yang.

 

 

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This traditional kitchen seems to have a nice balance of yin and yang. Yin – dark island, hanging pot rack, square tiles. Yang – white cabinetry, large windows over the sink. And, notice how the inset of the sink creates an angle. That angle speeds up the energy, adding to the yang element.

 

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This bright kitchen is an over exaggeration of yang. You can feel it just by looking at the picture, can’t you? The brightness, the shiny surfaces, the metallics. There isn’t an area where energy slows down.

 

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This contemporary is a nice blend of yin and yang, but has a potential issue. Can you spot it?

 

It’s the downward slant of the ceiling. Slants in a ceiling push energy downward and inhabitants can feel oppressed. Adding to the downward energy are the hanging pendant lights.

 

I wish I could see the room from a couple of other perspectives so we could see what else is going on. It’s a very interesting space, feng shui speaking.

 

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Another bright and light kitchen, but this one has some yin elements. The low, dark stools are yin. The arch over the cooktop creates yin energy. But these yin elements are overpowered by the white cabinets and lights in the soffits.

 

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I love this kitchen. Even though it’s not my ‘style’, it feels like a ‘real’ kitchen. The cabinets are hanging lower than contemporary kitchens, but they’re white – a balance of yin/yang. So are the colors – white, light turquoise and pops of orange = yang; black counters, scrolls on lights and a chandelier = yin.

 

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Finally, here’s a modest appearing kitchen. Not huge or fancy. White + black.

 

Here’s an interesting choice – the fast energy created by the direction of the wood flooring is tempered by a throw rug. (Yes, rugs are great ‘cures’ for fast energy, among other things.) But the throw rug is red and has diamond patterns – both Fire elements, which are yang.

 

Isn’t it fascinating to look at the feng shui of spaces thru photos? Check out Houzz and you’ll find endless photos of all styles and fashions.

 

Take a look at your own kitchen. On first glance, see if you can notice the yin and yang energies. If you have an area that feels ‘stuck’, feel free to email me a pic. Maybe we can work it out together.