In contemporary society, the quest for harmony within living spaces has become increasingly important. Often mistaken as a myth, Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian architectural science that offers a holistic approach to spatial design, emphasizing the alignment of physical structures with the natural forces that govern the universe.
Central to applying Vastu in home styling is understanding its principles, which provide valuable insights into selecting and placing furniture, décor, and accessories. By following guidelines that promote symmetry, cleanliness, and natural illumination, homeowners can infuse their living spaces with a sense of harmony and well-being.
"Vastu advocates for the incorporation of elements from nature, such as plants, water features, and natural materials, to further enhance the positive energy flow within a home," explains Karan Desai, Founder and Principal Architect of Karan Desai Studio Architecture+Design.
"Vastu advocates for the incorporation of elements from nature, such as plants, water features, and natural materials, to further enhance the positive energy flow within a home," explains Karan Desai, Founder and Principal Architect of Karan Desai Studio Architecture+Design. "By integrating these elements thoughtfully, individuals can create environments that resonate with the natural world's rhythms, promoting a deeper sense of connection and vitality."
Since ancient times, Vastu principles have been followed in India to design built environments. These principles work in tandem with the laws of nature, dictating the placement, proportion, and orientation of various architectural elements.
"The underlying purpose is to bring the equilibrium present in nature into living spaces, harmonizing the interiors with nature," says Ritu Gupta, Co-Founder and Interior Designer at Pramod Group.
Vastu tenets help harness the power of the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—ensuring vitality and positivity in the home. This approach brings good ventilation and natural light into living spaces, creating an atmosphere full of joy and wellness.
While not all Vastu tenets may be applicable to modern homes, some are still strictly followed today. For instance, an important Vastu principle is that the main door should face the East to receive the revitalizing energy of the Sun. Considering the wind movement in India, which is from the Northwest, placing the kitchen in the Southwest is advisable to prevent fire accidents and easily disperse odours. Similarly, the Northeast is considered the best location for a pooja room, fostering peace and harmony.
Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian architectural tradition, emphasizes creating harmonious living spaces by aligning architectural elements with the natural forces and energies of the universe. Adhering to Vastu principles can enhance the overall well-being and prosperity of the inhabitants. For home styling, Vastu plays a crucial role in guiding the layout, design, and décor choices to promote balance and positive energy flow within the living environment.
"One of the fundamental principles of Vastu is the orientation of the house, ensuring that the main entrance faces a favourable direction to invite positive energy into the home," says Nitin Kohli, Founder and Interior Designer of Nitin Kohli Home.
"The layout of rooms within the house is also carefully considered, with specific guidelines for placing bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and other spaces to optimize functionality and promote harmony. For example, the master bedroom is ideally located in the southwest direction to foster stability and grounding, while the kitchen should be in the southeast corner to harness the energy of fire."
In addition to spatial arrangement, Vastu offers recommendations for interior design elements such as colours, textures, and materials. Earthy tones and natural materials are favoured to create a sense of warmth and connection to nature, while clutter-free spaces are encouraged to facilitate the free flow of energy throughout the home. By incorporating Vastu principles into home styling, individuals can cultivate a living environment that supports their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Whether building a new home or renovating an existing space, embracing Vastu can lead to a more harmonious and fulfilling lifestyle.
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