Embracing Traditional Principles in a Contemporary Space

Interior Design with the principles of Vastu Shastra, similar to Feng Shui, creates harmony and positive energy in the home.

What is Vastu Shastra?

Vastu means ‘under roof’ while Shastra means ‘science’. So, the term literally translates to the ‘science of building and architecture’.

Effectively, it is a model for organising a home or office based on each room’s purpose and usage, all while ensuring the different components in each room create balance and positive energy, much like Feng Shui does.

At the core of the theory are five elements - earth, fire, water, wood and metal. Each is connected to a specific colour palette and shape. For example, the colour of fire is red, with a triangle as the obvious shape.

To reach the maximum level of positive energy in a home or office, all the components should be in balance, considering the influence of a building’s directional orientation. When components clash, imbalances are believed to occur, manifesting in a destructive manner.

While it’s not always possible to reposition doors and windows to please Vastu, and it is not essential for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces, incorporating some of these principles can result in homes and commercial spaces that resonate with prosperity and harmony.

Master bedroom interior design using Vastu Shastra principles incorporating soothing wood elements and earthy tones.

1. Vastu Tips for the Master Bedroom

The master bedroom is the most personal space in your home and your haven of privacy and total relaxation. It is fair then that Vastu gives it high priority and significance.

Vastu recommends:

• Sleeping with your head towards the South or East direction as it enhances sound sleep, good health and longevity.
• Keeping the centre point of the room empty and clean (if space allows).
• Making use of colours that have a harmonious aura, such as white, grey, green, rose, blue and brown.
• Trying to avoid mirrors and the usage of electronic appliances as it takes away the room’s coherence.

We chose soothing shades of green (wood element) as the dominant colour for this Master Bedroom as it enhances the feeling of being grounded while representing healing and calmness. The colour pairs naturally with brown, making terracotta and wood the perfect accents to add vibrance and balance to this room.

Elegant dining room interior design using Vastu Shastra principles to stimulate appetite and attract prosperity.

2. Vastu Tips for the Dining Room

The well-known expression “A family who eats together, stays together” emphasizes the significance of the dining room.

Considering it’s the room where loved ones share meals, Vastu believes it to be sacred, with the dining table a symbol of health, nourishment and bonding. Focus is placed on creating a space that radiates a positive ambiance by:

• Positioning the dining room on the South, West or Eastern side of the house (if possible).
• Decluttering the space of unwanted objects by featuring a simple bowl of fruits or food items to attract prosperity.
• Stimulating the appetite by making use of colours like yellow, saffron, peach, orange or red.

In this neutral dining room, we chose red and orange accents that symbolise passion, vitality, and communication. A rich, red rug makes the area feel like a destination, balanced beautifully with calming tones like white and beige.

Home office interior design using Vastu Shastra principles featuring an energizing yellow accent wall.

3. Vastu Tips for the Home Office

From maintaining cash flow to business stability, it is believed these design principles can bring forth financial prosperity and holistic well-being at the workplace. We share some basic Vastu guidelines for your home office:

• Entrepreneurs should sit facing East or North (or North-East) as the sun rises in the East, making it conducive for new beginnings and financial growth.
• Ensure the office has ample natural light, as sunlight is associated with positive energy and aids concentration.
• Keep desks clutter-free and throw away broken stationery as it acts as an obstacle to financial prosperity.
• Use bright colours like blue, green, red, pink, yellow or white for the wall paint and décor to spread positivity.
• Introduce plants that are believed to bring good luck, like bamboo or lilies.

Introducing an unexpected bold splash of colour by way of a deep yellow (earth element) accent wall makes all the difference between a snoozy workspace and one that is energised. Said to attract prosperity, it creates a statement-worthy backdrop.

Living room interior design using Vastu Shastra principles to foster healthy relationships and trap positive energy.

4. Vastu Tips for the Lounge

The living room is always the centre of the house - the first place that welcomes you home and where you spend most of your quality time. To aid the fostering of healthy relationships, you can create an inviting living space by following these Vastu tips:

• Avoid using black or red colours on the walls. Rather opt for neutrals like white, cream and beige; or shades of blue, green and warm yellow, which trap positive energy in the lounge.
• Incorporate artwork that displays the beauty of nature and avoid using artificial flowers or cacti in the living room as it is deemed inauspicious.
• Remove non-working clocks, broken showpieces, or cracked glass.

In this pajama lounge, we chose a soothing blue colour palette (water element) that is associated with tranquility and serenity. The colour blue is also said to promote clarity of mind and strikes a beautiful contrast with the white walls.

Does Vastu Shastra work?

While the science of spatial energy remains a complicated and dynamic one, we believe a well-ordered home brings peace and clarity to any household.

Home is a place where memories are formed. By respecting your home and keeping it organised and clear of clutter, you are bound to invite positive energy into your space, thereby fostering joy and abundance in many beautiful ways.