12:00a.m. 20th October 2007

| By Sharon Luck

A well-organised fridge can help create a well-organised mind, feng shui experts say.

Don’t you think fridges are a lot like handbags? Some are organised and tidy with everything in its rightful place, others are a jumbled mess where you have to dig around and almost give up in despair before finding anything you want.

It’s just the way it is.

But now a white goods manufacturer is encouraging householders to adopt feng shui principles for their fridges with the promise of a healthier, happier and calmer household.

So what state is your fridge in? Is it like mine – a jumbled mess of leftovers, cheeses, spreads and a few mystery surprises or is neat, clean and everything where it should be?

If it is, you need to feng shui your fridge, for the sake of your health, if nothing else.

If it’s neat and clean then you are probably already practicing good feng shui and don’t even know it.

After all feng shui, an ancient eastern art of creating order from chaos, is just another way of saying clean it up and keep it that way.

While I could never be accused of being a feng shui fanatic in any part of my home I’m almost convinced that adopting the suggested feng shui tips (at right) is a good thing, at least for my fridge.

Feng Shui expert, Elizabeth Wiggins, has worked with Westinghouse to develop a range of hints and tips on how to get the most out of your fridge and kitchen.

“The kitchen represents nourishment and prosperity, and the way your fridge is organised can influence your health, well being and energy levels,” Ms Wiggins, Australian Association of Feng Shui Consultants president, said.

So whether you admit it’s Feng Shui or simply just a clean out, spend some time organising your neglected fridge and clearing out the kitchen and you’ll enrich your home with some spositive energy just in time for summer.

The new range of Westinghouse top mount refrigerators are available at major retailers across Australia. There are six models, ranging in capacity from 200 to 340L with the option of classic white or pacific silver finish.

Hints to bring harmony into your home

• Keeping your fridge well stocked implies abundance, opulence and generosity. Take advantage of the fully flexible interior and storage options of your fridge and stock your fridge with fresh food.

• Empty and clean your refrigerator and freezer regularly, throwing out old or unused food items. Rubbish, clutter and outdated food items lead to blockages of Sheng (positive) Qi and attract stagnant (negative) Qi.

• Healthy food and nice smells attract Sheng Qi in the kitchen and lifts your spirits. Westinghouse fridges ensure food will stay fresher for longer with the active “Deo Fresh” and multi airflow cooling systems, which deodorises and absorbs odours in your fridge.

• Organisation allows your thoughts to be clearer and more focused. Keep your fridge items organised so energy can flow freely. Arranging your fridge is easy with adjustable door bins, drawers and trays you can customise storage space.

• Your kitchen should be airy, clean and spacious.

• The fridge, stove and kitchen sink should be placed in a triangular formation so their elements don’t conflict.

• Red colours in the kitchen should be avoided as they relate to the fire element and may increase the risk of fires and arguments.