A Feng Shui Master's Favorite Ways To Refresh A Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most prosperous rooms in any home. At its best, it's a place of inspiration and vibrant energy—a center of health and wealth. But any kitchen that has food in it is a blessing.

Counter space is important real estate in a kitchen, and the goal is to clear everything off the counters that's nonessential. To begin, take everything off your counters and wash it down with a natural cleaner. I like to use a mix of white vinegar and water, but be sure to try a small test patch before using any new cleaner on your counters. Once everything is sparkling clean and dry, place only the essentials back on your countertops and put the rest aside. 

A quick pantry organization session can help you multiply your storage space, weed out expired food, and find inspiration for new recipes. Clear each shelf in your pantry one by one—wiping them down and sorting out their contents as you go. Do the same thing for your refrigerator and your cabinets if you've got lots of cookware. Then, tackle cleaning the oven.

The kitchen floor can benefit tremendously from hands-on scrubbing. I like to use a splash of Castile soap in a bucket of water on mine, but you can use any floor cleaner you love. The key is to clean it as deeply as possible. If you're so inclined, add a drop of your favorite essential oil for extra freshness. 

If you already have a space to keep cookbooks in your kitchen, that's amazing! A shelf for cookbooks also makes for a brilliant weekend DIY project. Or, hanging up some art or family photos in the kitchen can add tons of love to the space. The more positive inspiration, the better.