When you are investing or moving into a property or office space, sometimes you will realise that not elements of the space confirm to Vastu principles of design. Does that space gives you a feeling of synergy? Do you wish something is missing? Something that can be made more better. That brings us to the question - why everyone is talking about Vastu when designing spaces?
Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian architectural and design philosophy that outlines principles for designing spaces in harmony with natural forces and energies. With advances in architectural and interior design, many architects and designers believe in incorporating Vastu principles into various aspects of their lives and home. Even if your current home or work space are not technically very aligned with the guidelines of Vastu, there are ways to apply the Vastu principles in interior design without going for structural changes which involves money and time. A good Interior Designer who believes in achieving balance and harmony in a design scheme can give you good information about Vastu principles when giving you possible solutions on your design scheme.
Disclaimer : Vastu is a big science and this is just a small snapshot of it. Every guideline below here is a subject on its own and there are detailed explanations on it. An Interior Designer will work with you as per your chosen design scheme.
Here are some general guidelines that people might follow when applying Vastu in interior design:
1. Orientation and Layout:
The main entrance is the transition zone, through which we enter our inner space from the outer world. It is through which luck and happiness enters our home. Based on the direction of the main door, there are certain colours one can apply on the main door as per the direction they face. For example, if it faces east, one can look at wooden colours, if its west, any shade of blue would be advisable. The main entrance should not make any noise when opening or closing. It should ideally face a favorable direction (commonly east, north east, west or north) to allow positive energy (prana) to enter the home. Main entrances should always open in clockwise direction. In case, the main entrance do not face a favourable direction, for example south east, there are certain changes in design style once can incorporate to make the main entrance more harmonious. For example, use of dark heavy curtains (that goes with the design scheme) can be hung near the entrance or use of darker shade of colours on the walls at the entrance. There are other ways too to take care of this.
Avoid placing mirrors directly opposite the main door. The main door of the house should receive adequate sunlight. If it is not possible, you can use yellow lights in the area which is representation of the positive energies of the sunlight.
If you want to display a nameplate, the recommendation is using a metal one if your door faces north or west. A wooden nameplate is best suited if your door faces south or east. Be sure to place it on the left side of the main door for optimal visibility.
If you there is a vastu defect, choose wind chimes with 6 or 8 hollow rods to increase the positive good energies.
2. Color Scheme:
Colors are believed to influence energy flow. For example, light and pastel shades are considered auspicious.
White is a popular color choice for living rooms for a variety of reasons. This calming, soothing color inherently represents peace, purity, and cleanliness, making it a positive and relaxing option. Its elegance complements almost any other color, making it a versatile option. In most households, ceilings are painted white to brighten up the space and reflect more light, contributing to a bright and welcoming environment. Due to its association with tranquility, white is also a commonly used color for bedrooms.
Green is a naturally soothing color for the eyes and is often chosen for living rooms. It's one of the most sought-after colors due to its energizing properties. Green can help us unwind after a long day and promote healing. It's also been shown to improve relationships, as well as mental and physical health. As a natural color, green represents freshness, hope, and fertility. Choosing green as the color for your bedroom can imply creativity and harmony.
Yellow helps create a cheerful ambience when used in the bedroom. The colour stands for wisdom, patience and power.
The other colours on the colour wheel have their own significance and importance under the principles of Vastu Interior Design Scheme. Consider changing wall paint colors if there is a Vastu issue and choose the right colors to bring positive energy into the home.
3. Furniture Placement:
To allow free movement and energy flow, arrange furniture without placing it in the center of a room. Heavier furniture like sofas should be placed in the west or southwest direction with the sofa against the north or east wall. For the living room, the TV unit should be installed in the southeast direction. If that is not possible, an Interior Designer can work with you for an alternative arrangement.
Avoid keeping televisions and computer in the bedroom.
It is best to know the right direction of sleep as per Vastu.
Avoid placing the bed under a beam.
4. Lighting:
A Design Scheme is incomplete without the right lighting scheme. The living room is the centre of the home and should be adequately lighted. Optimum lighting can make it a happier place.
Tips to bring positive energy into your living room include placing a family portrait on the southwest wall with a bright spotlight, highlighting artworks or plants with individual lights, and ensuring that floor and table lamps have adequate shades to prevent harsh lighting and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The bedroom is a place to relax, and according to Vastu Shastra, lighting should be soothing with delicate textures and warm colored table lamps to create a subtle ambiance. Task lights can also be used to highlight photographs or paintings.
The atmosphere of a dining room is essential for happy conversations over food. Vastu shastra tips suggest that the lights should highlight the decor and dining table. Crystal chandeliers and candles in decorative holders add warmth to the room. Special lighting for crockery units and bar areas can be achieved by using bulbs while following all bulb vastu rules.
Natural light is highly valued, so rooms should be designed in a way to make good use of the natural light coming from the windows.
Adequate artificial lighting is also essential for creating a positive atmosphere.
5. Elements and Materials:
Using the Five Elements in Design: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space - When designing, it's important to incorporate the five elements - earth, water, fire, air, and space - into the project by using appropriate materials. Natural materials, such as wood and stone, are often the preferred choices.
6. Clutter and Organization:
Did you know that clutter can create negative energy and increase stress levels in your home, according to Vastu? When your living space is cluttered, it can block the flow of positive energy and lead to chaos in your life. To counteract this negative energy and promote general well-being, it's important to declutter any stacks or piles that may be taking up space on your study table or work surfaces.
Tips for improving focus and positive energy while studying include keeping your study space clean and tidy, removing unnecessary clutter, keeping the house entrance tidy, shutting toilet seats after use, and fixing leaky taps. It is also recommended to sleep with your head towards the South and feet towards the North, while ensuring that your feet point towards the main door.
7. Symbols and Art:
The right painting in your home or workspace should have the benefits of reducing stress and depression, provide deep relaxation and peace, improving the overall positive energy of the space, helping in better sleep when placed in the main bedroom, connecting at a deeper level. Positive symbols and artwork, such as images of nature or uplifting scenes, can enhance the overall positive energy in a space. They can bring harmony, tranquility, goodness to your house and life. As per Vastu, the benefits of having the right painting in your home or workspace should have the benefits of reducing stress and depression, provide deep relaxation and peace, improving the overall positive energy of the space, helping in better sleep when placed in the main bedroom, connecting at a deeper level. Positive symbols and artwork, such as images of nature or uplifting scenes, can enhance the overall positive energy in a space. They can bring harmony, tranquility, goodness to your house and life.
If your washroom is located in the east or southeast portion of your home, consider incorporating a painting or artwork featuring the sun. This addition can enhance the solar and fire energies within those zones. A beautiful painting of the sun or green vegetation is especially fitting for your living room, according to Vastu principles.
The north zone of your space is connected to your money aspirations. To enhance your earnings (whether through a job or business), try placing a water-related painting in this area. Additionally, a painting of a deep path on the north wall is believed to bring limitless career opportunities.
8. Plants:
In accordance with Vastu principles, plants have the ability to eliminate negative energies from an environment and attract positive energy. Furthermore, Vastu plants can help maintain a healthy flow and balance of energy. Some Vastu plants can even improve the health of household members and affect the financial well-being of the inhabitants.Indoor plants are believed to bring positive energy and improve air quality.
Including green plants and trees in your surroundings can bring a sense of positivity and beauty to your space.Some of the best plants in Vastu include money, snake, rubber, jasmine, and more
Certain plants are considered more auspicious, such as money plants and bamboo. Money plants are considered to carry fortune when placed in the southeast corners of the front room of your home.
Lavender is widely recognized for its calming fragrance, which is known to alleviate stress and promote inner peace. This Vastu plant is also believed to attract positive energy and combat negative thoughts, making it an excellent addition to any home or workspace.
The Peace Lily plant is widely recognized as a symbol of love and harmony. It can also have a positive impact on your sleep quality by preventing bad dreams and improving rest periods. If you're struggling with insomnia or irregular sleep patterns, consider keeping a Lily plant in your bedroom for a peaceful night's rest.
It's worth noting that while some people find Vastu principles to be valuable, others may consider it a cultural or personal preference rather than a scientifically proven practice. The application of Vastu in interior design is subjective, and individuals may choose to integrate these principles based on their beliefs and cultural background. If you're planning to incorporate Vastu in your interior design, it's advisable to seek advice from a professional designer with expertise in this field.
Rajashri, Interior Designer from Design Scheme, covering London, Essex, Surrey and Kent, specializes in Private Residences, Home Office Interiors and Workplace Interior Design and can help you in creating a balanced, creative, focused and personalized workplace by incorporating Vastu in Interior Design.
Website - www.designscheme.co.uk
Email - studio@designscheme.co.uk
Phone - 07885386256
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