Here are our design hacks to boost the feelings of positivity, security, and mental peace in our homes using the ancient science of Vastu Shastra.

Given how limited and at a premium spaces are in metro cities such as ours, homeowners do not often look into the elements of Vastu Shastra in the design of such spaces. But it is still possible to incorporate the tenets of Vastu into your home with a few simple additions and adjustments to your décor.

Before we get into the process of igniting positivity within our living spaces by following Vastu Shastra, it is important to know what it is. Vastu is a science of optimising the space available in homes based on the relationship between the four cardinal directions and the five elements.

Benefits of Vastu for Homes

By following the principles of Vastu as closely as possible according to the reality of your living space, you can bolster your health and vitality. Financial prosperity is another expected advantage of following the principles of Vastu. It is believed that by storing one’s valuables in the correct space, one ensures financial security. Ensure that this space is clutter-free by using more functional furniture that can create a great first impression and ensure comfort while also making maximum use of the available space.

Vastu imparts positive energy to the house, thus allowing relationships to strengthen while also boosting individual mood and productivity. Certain tenets create an environment suited for success and growth, thus allowing a person to prosper academically, and later, financially

Application of Vastu to Interior Design

The principles of Vastu are applied as per the direction in which the house faces. A house typically has three main rooms: the living room, bedrooms with a bathroom/toilet, and a kitchen; and in the case of a majority of Indian homes, a dedicated puja room/space as well.

Additional spaces may include an extra room/s, a children’s room, a balcony, and storage space. Let us evaluate how the principles of Vastu can be applied to each room.

Living Room/Drawing Room

The living room or drawing room is usually the most active part of the house where we greet our visitors, and also spend time as a family. Primarily meant for social and familial gatherings, it is necessary to ensure that this space is not just attractive, but also induces one to feel warm and relaxed. The best location for the living room is in the north-east direction since it creates a serene and positive atmosphere. North is also ideal to set up a convivial environment for a drawing room.

Choose lighter shades for the walls to infuse the living room with a sense of warmth. The furniture should ideally be arranged in the southern and western corners. Electrical appliances should be placed in the south-east while heavy chandeliers should be hung a little towards the west, but never in the centre.

Use light curtains on the windows and doors in the north-east.

It is important to ensure that the north-east corner is kept clean and clutter-free.

Display paintings of nature or sceneries to keep the mood positive. Avoid pictures of war, death, sinking ships, deceased members, or any such images that may have a negative effect. Avoid keeping artificial flowers, cacti, or bonsai, as they can negatively affect the financial prospects of the inhabitants.

Seat guests in the north-west direction, which is governed by air.

Bedroom

A bedroom in the north is ideal for young couples, and also for storing cash, important documents, other valuables, and anything of personal value.

Hang pleasant pictures on the walls, or of good memories or those you are fond of. Try to choose light colours like rose, yellow and green for the walls, as these shades induce a sense of calm and relaxation, thus inducing better sleep.

Cupboards should be placed in the south-west corner, and the bed should never be in the centre. It is ideal to sleep with the head facing the east direction of the bedroom. Also, avoid windows behind you while sleeping.

Ideally avoid keeping mirrors in the bedroom because according to Vastu belief, it leads to frequent misunderstandings and quarrels between couples. If necessary, place them along the north-east wall.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the most important place in the house since it contributes to the health and well-being of the inhabitants. The best direction for a kitchen is the south-east, the abode of fire. The sink, along with the taps and provision for water storage should be placed in the north-east, the abode of water.

Storage space for all the food grains, utensils, and overhead storage should not be placed along the northern or eastern walls. This is especially in cases where you plan to install wall shelves or racks.

The cooking gas should be in the south-east corner, and at a considerable distance from the sink. The cooking stove should never be visible from outside, and placed in a manner that the person who is cooking is facing the east.

Avoid using any variation of black in the kitchen. Stick to shades like yellow, rose, and orange.

If you have a Puja space set up in your kitchen, please make sure that it is never above the sink or the gas stove.

Bathroom and Toilet

The placement of the bathroom and toilet is crucial because the wrong location can create negative energy in the house. Ideally, a bathroom should be in the eastern portion of the house. The mirror can be placed on the eastern wall. Windows or ventilation can be in the east or the north.

Bright and soothing colours should be used for the bathroom interiors.

The Children’s Room

For your kids’ room, the furniture is best placed in the south-west. Avoid setting up a television in the room. Ideally, this is applicable for all bedrooms as a general principle to induce better sleep and eye fatigue from television viewing right before bed. The bed must never face the door and should be placed in the south-west.

The study table should face east, north or north-east, and must be devoid of clutter.

Good lighting must be set up in the south-east.

Decorate the walls with hues of green or blue as this will boost brain activity and positive thoughts.

Avoid mirrors in the room.

Puja Room

The placement of your Puja space or set up should ideally be situated in the north, east, or north-east.

While installing storage in this space, do make sure that nothing is stored above the cabinet/display space in which the idols are placed. One should always face east/north while praying.

The walls of the room should be in shades of lemon or white to bring about a meditative state of mind while praying.

While planning for your Puja space, one thing to particularly keep in mind is that it should never be set up inside a bedroom or adjacent to the bathroom wall.