The kitchen is often the heart of any home. This is where we prepare our meals for life and sustenance; since food is directly related to our health and well-being, the kitchen should be something that makes it bright, balance, and harmony in place. One of the many ancient sciences that make the kitchen space such an environment is Vastu Shastra. An ancient Indian science, create such design and layout of spaces within the home to derive positive energy. Following Kitchen Vastu literally transforms this area into the true space of the house fulfilling the well-living needs of the family.
What is Kitchen Vastu and why is it so important?
Vastu Shastra mentions directions and guidelines for all areas in the house, and it even includes the kitchen. By location, size, and direction of the kitchen, appliances installed, and finally, the windows fitted and the materials made by the kitchen, everything is taken into account by the Vastu Sastra. The kitchen is closely related to the agni element in Vastu, which plays an important role in cooking and energy flow. A well-structured kitchen according to Vastu could maintain a smooth flow of energies toward good health and familial harmony.
Basic Vastu Aspects of Kitchen Worth Keeping in Mind
- Place and Size of Kitchen
The energy and working of any kitchen play an all-important role to any house or apartment, depending upon its placement. According to Vastu, the South-East corner of the house is best for the placement of the kitchen as it represents fire energy, working in favor of energy flow and cooking activities. Alternatively, the second-best placement for a kitchen that can maintain fresh air and ventilation is the North-West side.
It is best to avoid placing the kitchen in the corners of the house that are South-West and North-East, which causes imbalance in health and family relations. Also, according to Vastu, it is inappropriate to have the kitchen too close to the entrance door of the house because positive energy would be obstructed from entering the house.
In conducting their kitchen design, the ideal size should be 10×10 feet, allowing sufficient space for all appliances and storage, as well as movement. The size should allow for comfort and efficient cooking while maintaining harmony in that space. - Kitchen Floor and Level
For more stability, it is good to keep kitchens at the lowest floor possible. It means easier transportation of food and an added feeling of groundedness. In a multi-story home, this can be adjusted according to the best floor available. Kitchen at a lower level implies more earth energy, balancing the energies coming through. - Kitchen Entrance
The entrance to the kitchen should be in the East, West, or North direction to attract any positive energy. Never place the kitchen door at sharp angles, for it attracts negativity. Proper placement of the entrance will ensure positive energy flows in the space, enhancing the cooking experience. - Position of Appliances
The Vastu Shastra position gives much importance to the kitchen appliances. The ideally south-east kitchen will have the stove located in the south-east corner, which is popularly known as “Agnikone” or Agni corner of the kitchen. This will create a healthy atmosphere for cooking by having the fire element flow optimally.
Other appliances like the microwave and refrigerator must be placed in the south-east then. The exhaust fan needs to be fitted above the stove for proper ventilation of heat and steam. - Sink and Drinking Water
Water is a vital Vastu element symbolizing purity and freshness. Therefore, the sink must be placed in the north-east corner of the kitchen. This placement ensures that water flows harmoniously with fire to create balance. Filters and storage pots for drinking water should also occupy the north-east position so as to gain the support of positive energy. - Windows and Light
Windows are a crucial component of Vastu Shastra. Kitchen windows that are oriented east gather maximum sunlight. Morning sun glowing in the kitchen augments an electric positive spirit for cooking, bringing a conducive feeling. Besides that, the kitchen should have windows for ventilation to diffuse steam and heat from cooking. - Position of the Dining Area
Being so close to a kitchen, the dining area promotes bonds within the family and the nutrition of the family. For Vastu purposes, the best three placements for any dining area in the kitchen or next to it would be Northeast, Northwest, and Southeast. Such dining areas are believed to enhance friendly conversations, promoting energy circulation around the home. - Color and Decor
Colors and Decor In your kitchen, the color scheme will really change the mood and feel of the room. Light, neutral colors such as white, beige, and pastel shades well such as powder blue, mint green, and butter yellow are used as recommended colors. They give a calm and serene feeling for harmonious holding the kitchen. Certain dark shades like black are avoided within the kitchen space as they attract negative energy.
Vastu recommends stone or tiles or even marble as flooring items. For, these are natural, everlasting, and convenient to maintain, as such, carpets and synthetic flooring can be avoided, which are exaggerated by trapping negative energy and complicating cleaning. - Avoid Adjoining Bedrooms
The kitchen can be close to the living room. However, it must not be adjacent to bedrooms or to sleeping areas. In multi-storied homes, the bedroom should not be above or below the kitchen, thus adding to the cause of negative energy imbalance. The kitchen must not share walls with the puja room since such touching may lead to the kitchen’s disturbance in the peace and serenity of the whole house.
Conclusion
The entire process pays attention to harmonizing the energy flow in the kitchen area with nature, with prominence being given to the appliances, windows, light, and sinks in ensuring that the said kitchen space is auspicious for good health, prosperity, and cohesion among family members. Regardless of whether a new kitchen is being constructed or an existing one redone, the principles of Vastu will make a marked difference to the way in which the space feels and functions.
Applying such Vastu tenets can transform the kitchen into a place for positivity and well-being, which feeds the body and spirit.