Frequently Asked Questions

Kenn Shui FAQs

What is the Kenn Shui philosophy?Why isn't this knowledge taught in school?Can you offer new insights for experienced designers?Is Kenn Shui essential to know for amateur designers?Why does this come so easily for you?

Entertainment FAQs

What are the top three Kenn Shui tips for party planning?Do I need to use white plates?What are the common decoration mistakes for Christmas lights?How can I be creative when presenting food?How do I avoid under or over baking banana bread?

Lifestyle FAQs

Where do I begin?Can my pet's haircut differ from traditional breed aesthetics?How do I keep my beard if my partner dislikes it?How do I improve my visual experiences in daily life?

Kenn Shui FAQs

Using the philosophy of Kenn Shui when doing interior and exterior design may seem challenging at first. However, everything else comes together once the basic principles are understood. Let me help you get there.

I'm new to this website and the Kenn Shui philosophy. Please help me understand what it is and what you do.

The philosophy of Kenn Shui is based on many proven psychological tests conducted on human behavior. It's no secret human nature has been studied for generations and for many reasons to prove or disprove beliefs. How we respond to some of the most basic of our daily experiences is well documented. The topics I discuss on this website culminate in my studies and almost 40 years of experience in my field.
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With design, it can be as essential as knowing what color positively affects most people and what color negatively affects most people. I've always believed in providing people what they need and not just what they think they want.

I spent many years in school learning about design. However, some of your teachings cover topics we have yet to discuss in class or at design seminars. Can you tell me more?

I'm not sure why these topics are not taught as part of formal education in design. However, they are essential and fundamental lessons everyone should learn to assist in making educated decisions — whether designing for themselves or their clients. In time, we will create authentic informational content. We will also film instructional videos to help one navigate more complex practices. I want to draw attention to the importance of using psychology in design.

I've had a successful design career for many years. Do you have something to teach long-term professionals?

We need to find out everything there is to know about design. Continuous education and experiences help us grow and become better designers as time and styles change. I love when a seasoned designer approaches me after a lecture to show appreciation for a light bulb moment they experienced while listening to one of my lessons on LEDs, flower temperatures, or maybe even the effects of varying ceiling heights. I, for one, will never stop listening and never stop learning. Due to the pandemic, studies over the past couple of years have opened people's eyes to statistics not previously known about everyday environments.

Is it essential for an amateur to know about Kenn Shui practices?

Instead of the word essential, I prefer to use terms like rewarding, helpful, or gratifying. For example, let's say someone is going to paint the interior of their home. Most people focus on the colors they like and, perhaps, play it safe. Instead, let's say they pick a color (with some guidance) that looks best with their furniture and floors but also is shown to enhance a person's mood. Someone may be opening a new business and requires a proper theme color. They could pick a color they like or saw in another restaurant or choose a color that stimulates appetite and causes people to stay longer — increasing food and drink sales. Both of these situations allow for choices to be made that can be much more rewarding.

Why does this come so easily for you?

The best way to explain it is to say it comes naturally to me. We are all gifted individuals put on this earth to serve each other. Fortunately, I discovered my gifts early and found it impossible to keep them to myself. Unfortunately, many leave this earth without understanding their gifts or exploring their passion. We all need to encourage our friends and family to discover their passions and support them as they develop their talents.

“When a conscious effort is made to maximize the final outcome, the results will be quite rewarding”.

Kenn Cross

Creator of Kenn Shui
Owner of Kenn Cross Concepts
Creator and former owner of Cakeypies
Creator and former owner of Cave Creek Contemporary
Creator and former owner of the Gentlemen's Martini Night events
Creator and former owner of Kenn's holiday of lights decorating service

Entertainment FAQs

Once the principles of Kenn Shui are understood, your cooking, baking, and entertaining will reach new heights. Not only for your guests, but for you as well.

I'm planning a party for next month. What are your top three Kenn Shui pointers?

1. Pick a theme and consider it when deciding on everything, from the decorations to the type of food served, the music played, and even the necessary lighting. Consistency will narrow down your choices and make it easier for you to make selections. For example, one can eliminate warm colors, heavy food, and dark settings for a Spring party.
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2. Think about the party's purpose and the guests attending. It's next to impossible to please everyone. However, avoiding themes that are too narrow in scope will probably be a good start. For example, a child's birthday party that is too childish when there are more adults than children attending. It's all about balance.
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3. Don't waste energy on details that will not be appreciated or spend so much time and money preparing that you are exhausted and broke by the time the party arrives. There is nothing wrong with having some of the food catered and some homemade. If you're having a more casual party, try a buffet style versus a sit-down. Or think about personalizing only a third of the cookies and having the remainder be simple but complementary. None of these ideas are going to take away from the overall effect.

Always white plates?

Not necessarily. Food does pop on white plates, but sometimes a decorative plate can enhance the overall effect, especially if the food is void of interest.

Where do most people go wrong when doing Christmas lights on their houses?

I love this question! Mixing warm and cool white lights drives me crazy. Many people have not discovered that LED lights come in all shades of white. Warm or soft white is closest to the light of an incandescent bulb and most like what we are comfortable with. Cool white is more like daylight but has so much blue that it can cause anxiety. I will spend a lot of time on this in a later blog.
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Also, there is a proper way to use multi-colored lights that is much more effective than how many people use them. This has everything to do with consistency and placement. Putting multi-colored lights on one tree, and solid lights on the one next to it, doesn't work well — especially if they are the same type of tree. Think about color blocking instead. By using white lights on the trunk, green on the branches, and a small number of floating large red ones, the multi-colored effect can be achieved but with a much more professional look. Consider also buying multi-colored strands with only two colors, like red and green or blue and purple. The effect can be attention-grabbing and much more unique.

I could be more creative when serving food on a plate. Any advice?

Little things can elevate the look of the food you're serving. A sprig of parsley, basil, or rosemary can enhance a dish. A splash of chocolate or berry sauce on a dessert plate adds excitement. Pre-slicing food into even slices and fanning it out before putting on the gravy or sauce. For children, create a smiley face with the vegetables to get a little giggle when you set the plate down. The options are endless; the sooner you start, the sooner you will get to a place where it becomes habitual.
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I remember my mom serving mashed potatoes with an old-fashioned ice cream scooper. She would set a perfect ball of mashed potatoes on our plates and use the back of the scooper to create an opening right in the middle. Next, she would fill the well with the gravy. As a kid, I loved making a break in the mashed potatoes and watching the warm liquid pour out onto my plate. I'm sure I imagined the gravy was lava pouring out of a volcano 🌋

I'm frustrated! I keep underbaking or overbaking my banana bread loaves. Help!

This is a common challenge. Some people use a temperature gauge and pull the cake out at around 200 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit, while others prefer the clean toothpick method. In either case, it might be time to try something new. Now bear with me on this. I gave up on loaves a long time ago for that specific reason. I even went through the cover-the-top-with-foil method for a while. Then it dawned on me. Why not use a shallower tin or a differently shaped pan? Not only did it solve the issue, but it also helped me serve a much more uniquely shaped piece of dessert. So I began using pie, mini loaf, mini Bundt, and even divided lasagna pans. After that, I resurrected my favorite recipes and added more ingredients to enhance the texture and taste without worrying about it thoroughly baking.

Lifestyle FAQs

The philosophy of Kenn Shui can help you navigate what might seem like a daily challenge.
Let me help you navigate areas where you struggle most.

Where do I begin?

Consider a professional opinion if you are genuinely stuck. If you have been wasting money buying the wrong clothes, hats, shoes, belts, pillows, artwork, plants, lamps, dishes, or towels, think about the money you will save by making the right decision every time. Unfortunately, too many people have far too many unused clothes in their closets — created by making the wrong decisions. Paying someone to help you will save you dollars in the long run. I will help you as much as I can through my future blogs. Still, until then, you can get some sound advice on the colors you should avoid, styles that don't compliment your figure, haircuts that don't flatter the shape of your face, decorations that belong in a differently styled home, or plants that have no business being in your landscape.

I read something you said about a pet's haircut matching its personality. Are you saying my poodle doesn't have to look like a poodle?

Why not? Most of us change our looks, and many people change their looks yearly. Why not with our pets? In some cases, I understand this is not possible. However, in many, it is. For example, look at my Zoe. She has naturally curly hair, but I love it when it's straight. Not only for looks, but also for how it feels and how easy it is to care for. I also like how it matches her personality a lot more than when it's curly. When she runs, it flows in the wind instead of clinging to her body. The only change I had to make was the hair dryer I used. Based on her current look, nobody would ever guess she is a miniature Goldendoodle. For me, and for her, that doesn't matter. She's not a show dog in a competition. And, as far as a poodle, I cannot count the number of ways I've seen poodles groomed. Some pet parents even let the hair fully grow out, and their poodle gets mistaken for a doodle combination breed. But it doesn't reduce the amount of love a dog receives. I also have friends who do the lion cut on their long-haired cats. They are adorable when they come home from the groomers.

I love my long beard, but my partner hates it. What should I do?

Believe me, I can relate! The consensus amongst friends on my beard is about 50/50. With friends, I can brush it off. But if I had a spouse, here is how I would handle the situation. First, find out what it is about your beard they don't like. Is it the feel? Is it the smell? Is it the food left in it after you eat? 🤔 Then, work on those things first. Also, if you like it and it makes you feel more like yourself, explain that to them. Your confidence in yourself and your appearance are essential to your daily attitude, abilities, and performance. Are they willing to see you less happy with yourself? Next, consider how it's groomed. I've taken a few people under my wing and even gone to the barber shop with a couple of them. In one hour, I've seen them go from feeling hopeless to feeling like they belong in a magazine. Go to a great barber, not just someone you've been going to for years. Once you have your new style set, you can go back to your old barber or stylist as long as they can keep up the look.

Do you agree there are many things we deal with visually daily that we cannot change to improve our enjoyment in life? What do you suggest to change that?

Choose wisely, feel free to speak up when it's appropriate, and carry your desired emotion with you.
1. You have a say in the restaurants you visit, the stores where you shop, the activities you participate in, the places you go to relax or vacation, and the friends you enjoy. So choose wisely.
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2. Whether it's your office, home, hair salon, or favorite hotel, you can always advise respectfully when you come from a place of understanding. I cannot tell you the number of places I've visited and felt uncomfortable because of the owner or designer's choices. I've spent a lot of time with owners explaining why the LED lights they chose affect people negatively or the color they put on their walls does not help their business in a positive way. Keep in mind, everybody likes to express their opinion, whether they have good taste or bad. But if your idea is explained with psychology, people will listen.
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3. Bring your happiness with you. Dress in the colors that make you happy. Carry the purse or wallet that represents your style. Wear shoes that are not only attractive but comfortable. Spray on a bit of perfume or cologne that reminds you of your favorite aromas. When you bring happiness, it's easier to shut out the outside visual noise.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Table Of contents

Kenn Shui FAQs

I'm new to this website and the Kenn Shui philosophy. Please help me understand what it is and what you do.

I spent many years in school learning about design. However, some of your teachings cover topics we have yet to discuss in class or at design seminars. Can you tell me more?

I've had a successful design career for many years. Do you have something to teach long-term professionals?

Is it essential for an amateur to know about Kenn Shui practices?

Why does this come so easily for you?

Entertainment FAQs

I'm planning a party for next month. What are your top three Kenn Shui pointers?

Always white plates?

Where do most people go wrong when doing Christmas lights on their houses?

I could be more creative when serving food on a plate. Any advice?

I'm frustrated! I keep underbaking or overbaking my banana bread loaves. Help!

Lifestyle FAQs

Where do I begin?

I read something you said about a pet's haircut matching its personality. Are you saying my poodle doesn't have to look like a poodle?

I love my long beard, but my partner hates it. What should I do?

Do you agree there are many things we deal with visually daily that we cannot change to improve our enjoyment in life? What do you suggest to change that?

Contact Kenn

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Frequently Asked Questions

Kenn Shui FAQs

I'm new to this website and the Kenn Shui philosophy. Please help me understand what it is and what you do.

I spent many years in school learning about design. However, some of your teachings cover topics we have yet to discuss in class or at design seminars. Can you tell me more?

I've had a successful design career for many years. Do you have something to teach long-term professionals?

Is it essential for an amateur to know about Kenn Shui practices?

Why does this come so easily for you?

Entertainment FAQs

I'm planning a party for next month. What are your top three Kenn Shui pointers?

Always white plates?

Where do most people go wrong when doing Christmas lights on their houses?

I could be more creative when serving food on a plate. Any advice?

I'm frustrated! I keep underbaking or overbaking my banana bread loaves. Help!

Lifestyle FAQs

Where do I begin?

I read something you said about a pet's haircut matching its personality. Are you saying my poodle doesn't have to look like a poodle?

I love my long beard, but my partner hates it. What should I do?

Do you agree there are many things we deal with visually daily that we cannot change to improve our enjoyment in life? What do you suggest to change that?

Contact Kenn

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