Kitchens is one of those Environments that is always hard to apply to another space because people get so confused with the language of “Kitchen”.

While you can totally bring a literal kitchen space to your Outdoor Space, in this series, we’re more so talking about how to apply Kitchens Principles from the Human Design study.

From a Human Design Environment perspective, looking at your Environment Colour will let you know what your Body vibes best with. This can be translated to the people who fill the spaces you find yourself in, to your surroundings — from your location, to your nation, to your city, to your home — to how you hold your physical body in time and space.

These tips are for setting up an Outdoor Area that feels best for a Kitchens Environment person. These ideas are meant to be a starting point for you to expand on when considering your Outdoor Living Space from a Kitchens perspective. Always go with what feels good for you — and leave out the things that fall flat.

A fire

The fire! What an opportunity to really connect with the energy of Kitchens. Gathering around an outdoor fireplace, fire pit or even candle collection is deeply nourishing for a Kitchens Person. This flame represents the heart and core of the space burning bright — ready for mutation. This is a therapeutic and meditative space for a Kitchens Person to spend time in. These sites are all about gathering energy, the flame and fire pulling people in — like moths to a flame! Consider gathering your friends and family around an available fire source for a good bonding sesh.

A clear hang out zone

However you use your Outdoor Space, ensure to design a clear hang out area; there needs to be a designated gathering zone where energy naturally wants to spill in to open — but protected — spaces. Sunken gathering spaces where the space is tucked in at the center creates a wonderful gathering site for cosmic chi to circle and gather. Ensuring there is spacious flow, and obvious relief areas where good energy can gather, creates a transformational space where magic can happen. When a deck has a lower level, a cool feature like a hot tub, covered porch, or built in BBQ, energy will naturally be drawn there.

Creation energy

Plants bring wonderful creation energy. They can begin from a tiny seed and by the end of the season look like a friggin’ tree. This transformational energy is nutritious for Kitchens People. Bonus points if you can harvest some of those plants and make something new with them — like a fresh salad, raspberry coulis, or smoke cleansing bundle. Not only do your plants transform naturally on their own, but you can also work with them and create delicious meals, drinks, or other items. What would be the most fun plants for you to bring to your space based on where you are?

Dance space

Here me out: a good Kitchen has that great flow and space for movement. A really healthy way to tap into that energy is to dance. Is there dancing room out here? By yourself, with your kids, with your partner, when your best crew comes over for drinks beneath those cute string lights you hung. Whether there is space on your lawn, on your deck, or on a quaint balcony, put some tunes on and test out the best dance spots for when you need to get the party going — whatever that means for you! Some of us like to get high and dance beneath the stars. Some of us like to have weekend BBQs with friends over. Some of us like to do morning yoga on the deck. These are all dancing spaces; spaces where you stay there but move around in some beautiful way. Consider how you might have dance space in your outdoor kitchen. You’d be surprise how your body just wants to MOVE sometimes in order to flow energy through the environment around you.

Keep it trendy and current

What’s in right now? Is there a certain style of decor for the outdoors that you’re really drawn to? Is there a certain colour palette you have your eye on? Do you love to keep it bohemian or south-western inspired? Maybe you love a sleek masculine look. Maybe you love a dramatic monotone colour everywhere. Go with it! Have fun decorating the space according to your most current style. Express yourself so it fits you and your lifestyle in the best way.

Enclosed outdoor spaces

If you’re working with an enclosed outdoor space like a garage, porch or veranda, consider what the focal point of the space is. Is this where you work on wood working projects? A space to store your homemade wine collection? Do you use the space with your best gals and gather around a cute table to play cards, crib, lay tarot, smoke weed That 70s Show style, or knit together? If the entire space itself is a ZONE, consider how you might bring a focal point or clear gathering spot into primary view.