Vastu Victorious

Make your home a haven for peace and positive energy with Vastu Shastra strategies

An ancient Hindu system of architecture and design, Vastu Shastra assumes that the universe is built of positive and negative energy, and that by applying its rules, you can create a home that is balanced, harmonious, and conducive to overall well-being. Vastu principles correlate with the cardinal directions and sub-directions, with each possessing its own energy and impacting various aspects of life. True Vastu Shastra proponents will adopt a foundation-up approach to the design and construction of their home to ensure rooms are in the correct positions, entrances are facing the appropriate direction, and the home itself faces north for prosperity or east for success. But that doesn’t mean you can’t up your Vastu allegiance in your existing abode. Try incorporating these strategies to tap into its harmonizing powers.

The Living Room 

Best when located in the northeast corner of a home to attract prosperity and spiritual growth. 

• Avoid circular and oval furniture as it exudes negative energy. Opt for rectangular, square, or hexagonal pieces instead. 
• Place heavy furniture in the west or southwest direction of the room to create a sense of grounding and stability.
• Leave space behind the sofa so as not to restrict the energy flow. 
• Keep the northeast corner of the room clear, clean, and without clutter. 
• Prioritize pictures and decor that evoke happiness and calm, such as light-colored abstract artworks or images of nature or birds. 
• For the walls, consider shades such as light pink, green, white, or peach. 

The Kitchen

Best when located in the southeast, where Agni, the Lord of Fire, prevails.

• Paint the walls with bright colors like yellow (for energy and freshness), green (for hope and harmony), orange (for optimism), white (for cleanliness and light), or red (for happiness, luck, and an unwavering attitude toward life’s challenges).  
• A soothing green island is a good way to encourage proper digestion, while yellow accents can simulate natural light where it is lacking. 
• Place the microwave and stove in the southeast corner, the fridge in the northwest, and storage containers in the southwest.

The Dining Room 

Best when located in the west or northwest to usher in abundance and prosperity during mealtimes.

• Decorate a square or rectangular dining table with fresh flowers and vibrant linens, and surround it with an even number of chairs. 
• Add splashes of color to your wall decor, tableware, or chair fabric, such as orange (which represents strength, spirituality, joy, optimism, and good relationships), green (the color of hope that provides a therapeutic, uplifting environment), or pink (for love and mutual respect among family members).

The Primary Bedroom

Best when located in the southwest to promote a sense of security and well-being.

• Face the head of the bead to the east or south for positive energy and better sleep.
• Don’t place the bed opposite the door as it can cause disrupted sleep and energy imbalance, and don’t hang a mirror opposite it either as this placement is associated with bad luck and domestic disruptions.
• Leave space around your bed so energy can flow smoothly, and incorporate nightstands in pairs for symmetry and balance. 
• Eliminate clutter (especially in the northeast corner) as it represents unfinished tasks and may block positive energy from entering the space. 
• Avoid dark colors for walls, sheets, and curtains in favor of hues such as gray, light rose, blue, or green.
• Elephants are believed to help enhance marital harmony. Bring them into the space in the form of artwork, a figurine, or throw pillows. 

Three Plants for Instant Vastu 

1. Bamboo plants are considered lucky in Vastu Shastra. Place them in the east to attract well-being and in the southeast to invite money and wealth. Keep one at the center of the dining table to boost positive energy and attract abundance. 
2. Put a snake plant in the southeast to reduce stress and promote a positive ambiance. These types of plants absorb toxins and remove carbon dioxide to create a healthy environment. 
3. Aloe vera is said to bring good luck and positive energy to homes. Place it in the east or north of the house or within 2-3 feet of your computer to filter electromagnetic energies.