We have to have water and fire in balance to have life. Otherwise we die. You will see Water and Fire opposite one another on the Ba-gua. They compliment one another when in balance. Let's change this conversation and look to how water and fire support one another.

I have my refrigerator opposite the sink and the range opposite the window. I have always heard that was (an) ideal feng shui placement. I'm still not understanding what you're saying, here. Water and fire "are" opposite, (water extinguishes fire) should you not have complimentary? {for an example only-my situation} (water/water) and (fire/ air) That is, opposing at right angles, complimentary with/facing each other?

I am not saying you are wrong, but I spoke with two Feng Shui Masters regarding these placements some time back. I'm no expert and cannot explain the whys and wherefore of any of this, but I do know that it is not good Feng Shui. However, I wanted to just take a look today - - In looking through the google searches (and I'm aware, fully, that this is not always most accurate or dependable) but I found 8 or 9 different sites and all of them confirm my teachings and warn against bad feng shui with water and range being close to each other, especially when faced opposite of each other. (In a situation such as this it would be wise to place plants, living plants between the water and fire.)

Our school takes a different stance. What you might be missing is the balance between water and fire. Too much water puts out fire. Just the right amount allows you to cook an egg in a pot of water. Too little water, and the egg burns. With just the right amount of both, you have breakfast. If you understand the theory, you can better understand this point of view. These two elements guide our lives, give us life. There are different views. Now you have another to consider. We are broadening the conversation - especially about some Feng Shui "rules" that you read again and again. There is more to the conversation. Thank you for asking about this.

What school of Feng Shui do you/have you studied? I have visited with Feng Shui Masters, and, virtually any place you search on the web (again not concrete, but confirming) shows that water opposite fire is not good in the kitchen. I'm still unconvinced, can you provide me the basics of the "our school" beliefs or foundations? It seems quite unusual and unique to all "schools" of Feng Shui I have studied or heard of. (as well, any links to the Masters of this line of schooling or teachers, any info would be appreciated, if you would provide such. As I said, I'm quite interested in your "School" here. Thanks)

I have been doing this work for over 30 years. I studied directly with H. H. Grandmaster Professor Lin Yun for 25 years until his death. I chronicled all of his teachings and currently teach practitioners around the world. This information comes directly from the Black Sect lineage, and directly from his mouth to my ears. There is a lot of misinformation about this particular subject. I hope that you can be open to an idea that is new to you. A study of the I Ching, from which Feng Shui is born, will allow you to see the complimentary nature of Fire and Water. There is more to this subject than the idea that water can put out fire. Thank you for asking and allowing me to share some new and important thoughts.

Katherine, what a beautiful explanation of the many nuances of the interface of fire and water elements. This is an example of "yes, AND" - how a seeming hard fast rule has shades of perspective that enriches the understanding of elemental interaction. Like most disciplines, it's just not black and white.

Thank you. I will continue to add my voice to the conversation. I so appreciate your response and understanding. I think the openness is important to all who practice design.

Love your expert voice and this conversation. Thank you!

How can I access this Black Sect lineage you're talking about? I'm not familiar but it is quite interesting, I'd like to see if there are other conflicts within this particular bent that are contrary to standard acceptable Feng Shui practices in this 'school of thought'. Thanks. (edit - I looked up your grandmaster on google and only found things for sale on his webpage and no real information, I would truly appreciate help on actual info. Again, thanks)

I notice in embrace9's comments they also mention "seeming hard and fast rule" - I am assuming they are speaking of the fire/water aspect as this is the basis for this conversation and am curious as to whether in this Black Sect this is an "exception" (and doesn't need living plant for intervention) and what steps were taken to 'alter' this "seeming hard and fast rule" - or this is something unique to this sect that takes a totally independent stance from regular Feng Shui practices. Thanks. I'm not trying to call you out, I'm extremely curious as this is, as I'm sure you're aware, is quite different from almost all Feng Shui "schools of thought". Again, thanks.

I think the most important thing to remember about Feng Shui is that there are many schools. There is not anything you can call "standard" or "regular" or "acceptable" Feng Shui. I think what most people are missing is the depth of Feng Shui. Many nuances are missing from what is on the Internet. Much of the theory is also missing. You can access more of this information on my website at www.katherinemetz.com and www.fengshuistoryboard.com.

Just to answer your question about the use of a plant set between a water element such as a sink and a fire element such as a stove that sit directly next to one another. The theory here is that the earth in which the plant is set can successfully keep both water and fire in check. The nuance here is the direct placement next to one another. One could also use the color yellow - the color of the Earth element. There is always more to learn.

Hello Regular Clouds. I didn't see a conflict but an additional deeper perspective that you can't get from a book but comes from 30 years of experience and mastery. There are many schools of Feng Shui - all are valid and respected. I am not sure which school you are referring to as the standard and acceptable one to discern what is contrary or bent. To look at the question with an open curiosity is a good start. If you are sincerely interested in learning more about Black Sect lineage you are in luck! Katherine Metz's Feng Shui Storyboard https://www.fengshuistoryboard.com is an excellent resource to respond to your inquiry to any degree you want to take it.

LOL, I understand there are many "schools" and I understand everybody and their brother "know" some Feng Shui but in every single solitary "school" or "thought" of Feng Shui are are a few basics that remain "standard." Water opposing fire in a kitchen is frowned upon in all of them. All that I have seen and I have studied Feng Shui for a while, myself. If you question this stance, take a look around. Even google and see if the first 25 hits confirm what I say. I have 8 books on Feng Shui from Feng Shui Masters and a half a dozen from other "Feng Shui" practitioners - and I have been face to face with Feng Shui professionals (who were significantly more yielding than you, as a matter of fact!) not every single one mention this particular, but the majority do, and all, let me reiterate, ALL of them say this is a bad thing. It's for this reason I find your deep adamancy about this being "okay" so unusual and curious. (As you said, that "deeper perspective" you claim to have should make you more yielding to the fact that so many Feng Shui practitioners and Masters claim this is wrong. Why so intent that they and I are wrong but you are right? Why are YOU not yielding any at all on this? Perhaps, because you have a photo on houzz???) Thanks for the link, I will DEFINITELY be looking into this one. Enjoy the day and have a good week. Good bye now.

I was really just looking for the length of the counter overhang but then came across this provocative FEng Shui conversation.

I've just designed my kitchen remodel with my sink across from range, and I'm very cool with it . Frankly. there are limited options in a high rise building and I'm very grateful for my ability to create a working space that allows me to look out the window while cooking. I feel that it will bring me lots of joy.