Vaastu Shastra

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Contents

What is Vaastu Shastra? ...................................................................................................................................... 2

Vaastu — Living in Harmony with the Five Elements .................................................................................. 3

History of Vaastu Shastra ................................................................................................................................... 3

Necessity of Vaastu Shastra ................................................................................................................................ 4

Why and how to follow Vaastu ......................................................................................................................... 4

Is Vaastu a science? .............................................................................................................................................. 5

Role of Vaastu Science in 21st century .............................................................................................................. 5

How colors influence Vaastu / Vaastu Shastra? ............................................................................................. 6

CREATING MOOD WITH COLOR .................................................................................................................. 8

NURTURING NEUTRALS: ............................................................................................................................ 8

INTELLECTUAL COLORS: ........................................................................................................................... 8

PLAYFUL COLORS: ........................................................................................................................................ 8

HEALING COLORS: ....................................................................................................................................... 8

ROMANTIC COLORS:.................................................................................................................................... 9

PERSONAL STYLE: ......................................................................................................................................... 9

KNOW MORE ABOUT THE COLORS ............................................................................................................ 9

THE COLOR WHEEL ....................................................................................................................................... 10

Know more about your paints ......................................................................................................................... 11

How to decorate house with Vaastu Shastra? ............................................................................................... 13

The factors to be considered while designing the exteriors ......................................................................... 14

How to manage the interiors with Vaastu ..................................................................................................... 16

Designing a Kitchen ........................................................................................................................................... 17

Bedroom .............................................................................................................................................................. 20

IDEAL BEDROOM ........................................................................................................................................ 21

IDEAL BATHROOM ..................................................................................................................................... 24

UNDERSTANDING THE LIGHTING SYSTEM ....................................................................................... 25

MAINTAINING THE LIGHTING SYSTEM .............................................................................................. 26

READING ROOM LIGHTING .................................................................................................................... 26

BEDROOM LIGHTING ................................................................................................................................ 27

SWIMMING POOL / FOUNTAINS LIGHTING ...................................................................................... 27

GARDEN LIGHTING ................................................................................................................................... 27

LIVING ROOM LIGHTING ......................................................................................................................... 27

DINING ROOM LIGHTING ........................................................................................................................ 28

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KITCHEN LIGHTING................................................................................................................................... 28

Vaastu for placing doors & windows ............................................................................................................. 28

Vaastu at a glance............................................................................................................................................... 30

The Fundamentals of Vaastu ............................................................................................................................ 32

Example of a Good Vaastu Two Bedroom House & Description of Details ......................................... 32

The Fundamentals of Vaastu ............................................................................................................................ 34

Principle One: Auspicious & Inauspicious Directions ............................................................................. 34

Principle Two: Height & Weight ................................................................................................................. 34

Principle Three: Downward Slope .............................................................................................................. 35

Principle Four: Open Space .......................................................................................................................... 36

Dictionary of Vaastu Shastra ............................................................................................................................ 40

Vaastu Shastra

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Contents

S

E W

N

Black

WATER

House of Kuber

TRANQUILITY RELAXATION

SEXUAL RELATION MEDITATION

Gray

METAL

House of Vayu

ORGANIZE LEAD

Blue

EARTH

House of Shiva

MOTIVATION PURPOSE STUDENT

Red

FIRE

House of Yama

SUCCESS FAME

Yellow

EARTH

PHYSICAL SPIRITUAL HEALTH

White

METAL

House of Varun (Lakshmi)

LOVE OF FAMILY PROSPERITY OF FAMILY

Green

WOOD

House of Indra (Sun)

CONTENTMENT OPTIMISM

Pink

EARTH

House of Wind

STRONG RELATIONSHIP PRACTICALITY

Purple

WOOD

House of Brahma

WEALTH CREATIVITY

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What is Vaastu Shastra? Universe is one of the beautiful creations of nature and everything stands alive only in the limelight of truth. Just like every subject of human aspect is governed with rules, regulations & acts, similarly the nature has also got certain key factor principles for smooth governing of its residents, in which "Vaastu stands for nature law" and ignorance of law is not an excuse anywhere.

Vaastu is an inherent energy concept of science. We cannot see energy with our naked eyes but we can realize and see its application in different forms and fashions. We all know that "upto the knowledge of mind is called Science and beyond the knowledge of mind is called Spirituality." Hence, Vaastu is not only a science, but is a bridge between man and nature, thus teaching us the Art of Living.

Vaastu Shastra is the ancient science of architecture that teaches how to live in harmony with Nature and how to influence Nature so that it works for your benefit. It is part of a vast body of Vedic knowledge written over 5.000 years ago. ‘Vaastu’ means dwelling and ‘Shastra’ means scientific treatise — the science of designing and building homes according to the eternal laws of Nature. There is a natural order and structure to Creation and Vaastu sets forth its principles. Although the same Nature exists everywhere, every location is different. Vaastu shows us which places and homes are best to live in.

Whether you live in a simple thatched hut or a substantial estate, if it has been built according to the rules of Vaastu, you will have a heaven — a refuge from the chaos and confusion of the outer world. Nature’s bounty will flow in your life and its severity will be subdued. By living and working in such an environment, Nature will support you and your life will progress in a smooth and beautiful way.

The science of Vaastu as a very practical, effective way to solve many of life’s problems. He says, “Good Vaastu creates the main things we need in life — peace, prosperity, power and happiness. If you follow the principles of Vaastu your life will be successful. Vaastu can and will change any person’s life. You can fix your life by using Vaastu. Seriously, it will change your life. In buildings where the secret force of the elements supports you, positive vibrations will flow strongly into your life. I can’t say you will be a huge billionaire, but your life will be so happy. You will be living in bliss. When your land, its surrounding walls, the house and its interiors are built according to Vaastu, it brings a lot of peace prosperity, power and happiness. What else do you need? These are the major issues in human life. 80 % of your problems can be solved through Vaastu. Your life will become very happy and blissful.”

Your home’s Vaastu impacts every aspect of your life. It affects you whether you believe in Vaastu or not. Good Vaastu in the places where you live and work brings good fortune, while bad Vaastu creates unnecessary suffering. By following the principles of Vaastu you can transform the quality of life. You can transform anyone’s life. You can change your experience and alter your destiny. With good Vaastu, health, happiness and success come much more easily. While with bad Vaastu, obstacles, problems and hardships will come, seemingly without reason.

Vaastu Shastra is essentially the act of correct settings whereby one can place himself in such a manner so as to absorb the maximum benefits of the Panchbhootas (the five elements) as well as the influence of magnetic field surrounding the Earth.

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Vaastu — Living in Harmony with the Five Elements

Simply put, this ancient science of architecture teaches not only how to live in harmony with Nature but also how to induce the forces of Nature to work for your benefit. Sri Kaleshwar says, “Following Vaastu means following Nature — living in harmony with the Great five elements. Each of the elements has a proper position on our property and in our home. When the elements are correctly positioned, they become balanced and create the perfect vibrations. Then the positive effects of the elements will flow. Nature automatically cooperates with your soul and your life. In order to live a happy and successful life, you have to take protection in God’s elements, the roots of the tree of Vaastu, the Pancha Pranas, five life forces of Vaastu.

“Each of the five elements behaves in two ways: they have a positive effect and a negative effect. If they are used properly, they give good results. If not, they give negative results. It is necessary to make use of them in the right way. If the elements are not cooperating with us, if we are not accessing their vibrations perfectly, we will receive terrible sicknesses, unnecessarily create enemies, and without our notice, lose a lot of money. You cannot make spiritual progress or receive enlightenment that easily.”

History of Vaastu Shastra The historical background:

In the Vedic period, people built homes, temples and hermitages with a view to have a peaceful and harmonious living. But, in the modern world people build concrete clusters, mainly for the high rate of return. This race to make buildings not in line with the ancient by laws of Nature has led the world into pollution, environment and ecological problems with no peace of mind under any kind of shelter.

Vaastu Shilpa Shastra, the ancient mystic science and the art of designing and constructing buildings finds its origin in Stapatya Veda, which in turns is a part of Atharvana Veda, one of the 4 Vedas. Vedas are not new to the other parts of the world and there have been people of all levels who have appreciated the depth, inspirations and insight of Vedic thoughts for many years. Our saints knew various mysterious and mystics of this vast universe even before western scientist could start finding them out. One of the systems discovered by them was VAASTU SHASTRA.

Meaning – Because of VAASTU SHASTRA, the whole universe gets good health, happiness and all round prosperity. Human beings attain divinity with this knowledge.

Followers of VAASTU SHASTRA get not only worldly pleasure but also experience heavenly bliss. With the above Sloka, it is very much clear that VAASTU SHASTRA is universal. It is not confined to any particular group of people in the development of all human being irrespective of any caste, creed or religion.

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Necessity of Vaastu Shastra Why Vaastu is necessary?

Vaastu is the bridge between man and Nature. Everything is made up of basic 5 elements – FIRE, WATER, EARTH, AIR and SPACE. All these elements are only found on Earth that is why it is the only planet that supports life and Nature. If the residential and commercial buildings are constructed without any regards to these elements then how would it will give any benefits? From each of the basic elements we are getting a strange precious gift due to infinite powers of the universe.

All materials in the world, irrespective of their size, shape, color, physical or chemical compositions have embedded their origins from one of the Panchbhootas. They enjoy peculiar vibration levels, which is evading the intelligence of human beings.

Vaastu is in a position to reduce the gravity of the problems faced by human beings as well as industries particularly those suffering from sickness through vibrations of Panchbhootas which has anchored their roots in the body of the human beings as well as the external and internal building configurations.

Why and how to follow Vaastu Our sages and saints in India always wanted to ensure happiness and prosperity not only to mankind, but to everything living being in this world. Nowadays we hear a lot about the importance of ecology, pollution–free environment, Nature and all in big seminars and conferences. Our ancestors knew the secret of how to live in perfect harmony with Nature and enjoy all that it bestows in plenty for the upliftment of mankind. According to Mayamatam, Vaastu is used to designate dwelling or buildings and both the terms appear in the list of synonyms.

Vaastu as a legend in Matsya Purana, was born out of the sweat of Lord Shiva, while fighting and killing a giant called "Andhkasur”. A spirit originated out of the perspiration of Lord Shiva and consumed all the blood from the body of the devil. His hunger was still not satisfied. He then undertook penance. Lord Shiva was impressed and highly satisfied by his penance and offered him a boon. “Whoever constructs building on Earth shall offer Pooja (worship) to him and make offerings if they want to enjoy health, wealth, wisdom and prosperity in their new building. However, only those people who do not offer you prayers shall be at your mercy and you may trouble them in anyway.” There is a possibility that these stories were added in the olden scripts only to scare people and make them conscious about the subject. The science of Vaastu Shastra is however no mythological story and has stood the test of time for thousands of years. Vaastu Shilpa is divided into two parts:

(1) Deva Shilpa: It deals with all aspects of temple and religious activities including idol, Yagna etc.;

(2) Manav Shilpa: It deals with houses, residential buildings, schools, commercial buildings etc.

The transmission of the knowledge had to take a corresponding form and integrate all the sciences as one seamless discipline. It is for this reason that the Sthapati or Vaastushilpi, the priest architect had to undergo a process of integrated learning. To this day, the Sthapatis take recourse to the collective knowledge of related discipline as to give shape to their creations. To understand Vaastu, one should understand the VAASTU PURUSHA MANDALA. Purusha and Mandala are associated with Vaastu (site). Vaastu encompasses the house with the site and its environment. According to the Vedic thought, Purusha is not only the cause and life behind all Prakriti, but also behind all creations of Man. Purusha is consciousness, the life source. It is also called Atman. Vaastupurusha Mandala is a

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grid of square, regarded as a perfect figure, is conceived to be a fundamental form in architecture and all other shapes are derived from it. Vaastupurusha Mandala offered the formula to determine the functions of the building in relation to its orientation. Vaasturatnakara assigns specific functions to each direction. The South-East for example, is dedicated to Fire and North-East to the element Water. Invariably, the correspondence with the elements would determine the position of the rooms in the house. The space assigned to the region of fire, for instance, would be used for building a kitchen or reserved as a source for heat and warmth. The Mandala also served as a guide to locate the buildings on site and determining the position of the shrines in a temple complex.

Is Vaastu a science?

Vaastu science is founded upon the laws of Nature. The equilibrium we observe in the Nature is easily perceivable by us in all moving bodies, but unfortunately we are unable to note this equilibrium in static bodies. The basic source of energy of the whole world is stored at North and South Pole. It flows uninterruptedly from North Pole to South Pole in the form of magnetic waves. Therefore Southward portion of every building should be higher than the Northward portion so that there may not be any hindrance to the flow of magnetic waves.

The cars are so accurately balanced that even deflation in any of the tires can cause a serious accident. Similarly, when a building is constructed without observing the rules of Vaastu science, various calamities, diseases, accidents can occur. This is the eternal rule of the Nature and it has no place for any logic, doubt or debate.

Role of Vaastu Science in 21st century Our ancient Vaastu Shastra has been founded in such a way, that the inmates can derive maximum benefits from sun rays and the energies of the sun like heat light, UV rays – the only reliable source of Vitamin D (which is absorbed by the blood directly when the bare skin is exposed to sun), which is vital for sustenance of life on the Earth.

Uttaraayana and Dakshinaayana too are of great scientific importance since daytime will be more than the nighttime in the Uttaraayana facilitating availability of more sunlight.

It is only some years ago that the modern scientists have discovered that the white solar light could be split into segments called visible rays and invisible heat spectrum. But thousands of years ago, our ancient Indian Sages, not equipped with any kind of appliances were able to discern many natural phenomena in a scientific manner and according to the visible spectrum had distinctive names with specific functions besides colors like: Jayanta, Parjanya, Mahendra… to Bhrsha and Aakaasha, which correspond to VIBGYOR.

Other than that, sunrays consist of 7 colors (VIBGYOR) and their effect on human body is immense as it cures several diseases.

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The modern astrophysics, during the last few decades, has divided the atmosphere into several zones like stratosphere, ozonosphere etc., but several centuries before this discovery, the atmosphere over which Varuna held its way was divided by our sages into Bhu, Bhuv, Swar, Jan, Tap and Satyalok.

The Eastern direction assumes a great significance because the sunrays of early morning emit more light and less heat, hence the best. In the afternoon, sun moving towards West, grow hot emitting infrared rays, which are detrimental to health. Thus, due to all these reasons, it is explicitly laid down in Vaastu Shastra that more open space, more windows and doors fixed, more balconies and verandas should be provided towards the East and North side than to the South and West side.

The most important aspect considered while formulating Vaastu Shastra is the magnetic field of the Earth, which has significant influence on the human life. Human body itself acts as a magnet with the head, the heaviest as North Pole. If the head is directed towards the North while sleeping, the North Pole of the Earth and that of the human body repel each other affecting the blood circulation, causing disturbed sleep, tension and other problems. Thus, it is said by Vaastu Shastris that ONE SHOULD NOT SLEEP FACING HIS HEAD TOWARDS NORTH.

Now-a-days many hi-tech instruments are available by which one can detect Vaastu defect of a house by measuring the energy level of the person residing in. By using Feed Back Energy tester, one can not only detect Vaastu defect by measuring the energy of the human, but the same person can restore the energy with the help of ‘Yong Yang Deep Stimulator’. Another device to measure the human energy field is ‘Lecher Antenna’.

In the most recent survey of the Gujarat earthquake effected regions, the maximum houses destroyed were not according to Vaastu and those intact were constructed on the principles of Vaastu.

How colors influence Vaastu / Vaastu Shastra?

Colors are most powerful in influencing the human mind and body. It is also the least expensive, easiest and quickest to use, to change and to create a decorating scheme. In Vedic periods, all colors were taken out from vegetables and flowers, which were more permanent in shade, soothing to eye and natural tint. At an early period in human history the symbolic use of colors was made. During early period heart, which was the seat of life and the blood was identified with life and consciousness and was colored red. Yellows were possibly the color of fire and white that of the day. Vaastu Shastra provides vital guidelines as to how to decorate our homes etc. in decent manner to derive maximum delight with dignity and décor.

According to some Vaastukars, the color schemes should conform to the Rasi (constellation / zodiac sign) of the owner to bring good luck and happiness.

If a room has poor daylight, it should be painted in light color and if a room gets good amount of natural light throughout the day, it can be painted in some deep color. If a room has only a North window, which admits cold light, we should not use blue on the walls. If a room gets much direct sunlight, it is not advisable to paint the walls yellow or peach. It is nearly better to have ceilings white and the ceiling temperature should be less than the human body temperature. Some scholars suggest different color to the direction the building faces. They are really the colors of the planets governing these directions.

Color contrast in value is perhaps the most important factor in a composition or a design. Maximum contrast is obtained by the use of colors of extremely strong chromes. A strong yellow on a black field

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is an excellent example of maximum visibility. A bright strong yellowish red would be considered as a powerful color. The color of an object depends upon the light it emits or sends back to an eye. Opposite contrast colors are quickly changed when mixed as for black which makes colors both brighter and lighter in looks. Surrounding an intense color with a grey increases the apparent colorfulness of the intense color making. It appears even brighter or brilliant. Surrounded by yellow, a grey color may appear slightly blue. Surrounded by red, it may appear slightly green and surrounding by grey with a bright color on other hand may influence the eye to discern in the greying of the complementary of the bright colors.

One must always bear in mind that no individual is completely white (good) or black (bad), but is an amalgam of the two grey. A sensible good blending can create a forceful creation.

A particular color can activate or can control human glands by different bodily functions. Such as for good appetizer or to give excitement for the low blood pressure patient, a light limited soothing color atmosphere is recommended. Similarly blue color is to stop overeating habits. For a high blood pressure patient, a light limited soothing color atmosphere is recommended. For quicker healing, green color is used in hospitals. For a good, healthy, tasty food, golden yellow or tinted brown color is recommended.

Colors affect our body and mind very much. The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love colors the most.

The cool colors are blue sea or mainly blue in cast.

The warm colors are red or mainly blue [red] in cast.

The warm colors are red and yellow in cast.

Red makes you feel gay while man can work best when surrounded by blue, but too strong blue or red cause depression.

People often feel cold in blue room and warm in a red room. It is the color that makes them feel that way.

Zodiac sign Colors suggested Direction Color suggested

Aries Coral red East (Sy / Sun) Shining white

Taurus Milky white West (Sa / Saturn) Blue

Gemini Green North (Bu / Mercury) All greens

Cancer Rose red, pearl white South (Ma / Mars) Pink, coral red

Leo Ruby red, dim white North-East (Gu / Jupiter) Golden yellow

Virgo Emerald green South-West (Ra / Rahu) All greens

Libra Cement color, milky white South-East (Sk / Venus) Silver white

Scorpio Pink, coral red North-West (Ch / Moon) White

Sagittarius Golden yellow

Capricorn Dim red

Aquarius Pink, blue

Pisces Yellow, pure white

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CREATING MOOD WITH COLOR Color has a profound effect on our mood. In clothing, interiors, landscape and even natural light, a color can change mood from sad to happy, from confusion to intelligence, from fear to confidence. Particular colors have different effects on each individual. Response to a color may be influenced by a number of factors such as the body’s need for a specific color, a sad or happy memory associated with a color. In previous decades, certain colors or group of colors dominated every palette. Now in millennium, the stopper is out and uniqueness and personal preferences are really in. There are no absolutes in the world of color. Some colors make you want to get out of your chair, others make you want to nestle down and read. Some colors are articulate and must be listened to. Others are very quiet. Some colors indicate that you have travelled or are well-read. Yet others create a desire for closeness, intimacy and love. Following are some of the most typical responses to various color groups.

NURTURING NEUTRALS:

These colors create a sense of peace and well-being. They foster quiet conversation with family and friends and can dispel loneliness. Throughout time, mankind has found a sense of peace and tranquility when in touch with “Mother Earth“. It follows that colors which impart a sense of warmth and serenity come directly from the Earth. In addition to the Earth colors in the neutral group are colors associated with sea such as sand, shell, coral, pearl, stone, seaweed. GREEN is a color which helps us to adjust to new environments and situations. It will always be found among the ‘nurturing neutrals’. The BLUES represented here will range from winter sky to stream to midnight. The neutrals are somewhat like the furniture while other palettes are more like accents or accessories.

INTELLECTUAL COLORS:

These are the sharp, witty and unique colors which convey a message that the owner has travelled, is well-read and has something to say. These colors will command respect without being overbearing. This palette also starts with Earthy, warm base. Grey is a color which promotes creativity and will often be found in foundation of an intellectual palette. These greys will be warm and gentle. Some tones of blue suggest communication and trust, so it will naturally be found in the intellectual palette. Navy blues will often find their way in this palette, but its effect is warm and never cold and fragile. Red also appears in this intellectual palette, but the shades will be Earthy and complicated burgundy, cranberry.

PLAYFUL COLORS:

These colors are exciting and used for a fun providing environment these playful, whimsical palettes create their own kind of music, like the sounds of children playing. There are highs and lows, lights and darks and always movement and activity. Used in active spaces within the home, a ‘playful’ palette can add energy and vitality. But if overdone, this type of palette becomes irritating and stressful. The foundation of this palette is WHITE. This could be anywhere from vanilla ice cream to snow drifting to winter moon. Then the bubble gum pink, buttercup, wintergreen, all the berry colors and crayon colors. Many of these colors will be cool, and even in lighter tones there will be brightness and clarity. The bottom line in creating this type of palette is that the colors should suggest a sense of freedom, play and downright fun.

HEALING COLORS:

This palette includes the colors which are very refreshing and rejuvenating. Like nurturing colors, ‘healing colors’ also begin by getting in touch with Nature. The first group of colors considered in this

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palette is GREEN. Because they have the power to help us adjust to new environments, skillful designers use lots of plants and other forms of green. Healing greens may be warm or cool, but not muddy or mysterious like those in the intellectual palette. Healing palettes also take inspirations from warm Earth tones. These palettes usually contain contrast as well as clarity of color that is inspiring. They will include a range of lights and darks but will never be muddy.

ROMANTIC COLORS:

Many species including the human beings attempt to attract the opposite sex with colors. RED is the color of sex and lust and is often called the most romantic of colors. It is no accident that red is the chosen symbolic color for the Valentine’s Day. In interior design, however, a less intense, softer tone of red is far more conducive to romance than the pure hue. Often referred as PINKS, these colors vary from cool to warm and from light to dark. Pinks have an interesting quality that seems to halt the body’s ability to stay angry. PURPLE is another color which is definitively romantic because of its passionate, unpredictable and quixotic characteristics. Paler, less intense tones of ORANGE such as apricot and peach are often included in the romantic palette, suggesting purity and innocence. BLUES in the romantic palette will be cool and inspired by water.

PERSONAL STYLE:

There are no trends in color as important as personal style. Today, most designers draw from many historical periods as well as contemporary influences and mix them together to create unique personal spaces. The most effective color palettes reflect and enhance the interests, collections and activities of the people who live there as well as architectural features.

The effects of color on mood will vary from individual to individual. Color schemes have emotional messages too. An awareness of the emotions generated by different colors is helpful in planning personal palettes that will be pleasant to live with, but it must be understood that this information is not absolute. Subtle changes in tone can increase or decrease the emotions evoked by a particular color, allowing it to be included in many diverse palettes.

KNOW MORE ABOUT THE COLORS Color is the most powerful decorating element in our homes. Color is memorable and above all personal. An understanding of color can really help us achieve the goal of a pleasant, personal and comfortable home. There are hundreds of options but only one decision maker, that matters and that is you. The people who eat and sleep, entertain, play and rejuvenate in the spaces are the ones whose well-being is affected.

If we understand the basics of the color, then we can make a perfect color scheme.

The colors are divided into three categories:

Primary color

These are the three basic hues, red, blue and yellow. They are the foundation of the color wheel and all other colors are derived from them.

Secondary color

When two primary colors are mixed, they form a secondary color. They are orange, green and violet.

Tertiary color

When two secondary colors are mixed, they form a tertiary color, like citron, olive, and russet.

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Neutrals

Using neutrals does not mean not using color. Any low intensity color that is used as a background for other accent colors, features, furniture and objects in a space can be classified as neutrals. Neutrals are practical and by changing accessories and fabrics the look of space can be dramatically altered against the same neutral background.

THE COLOR WHEEL The color wheel is a complete picture of all the colors available, once you understand this, there will not be any problem in forming any color scheme. In the color wheel at the right, the primaries form a triangle with equal sides with in the circle, and the secondaries form another triangle opposite to that. Each color has a ‘complement’ which is located directly across from it on the wheel. Thus, green is complement of red, orange is complement of blue.

A perfectly balanced color scheme might use equal parts of three colors which are equidistant on the color wheel. Interior designers often compensate for intensity by either tinting (adding white) or toning (adding black) or by graying (adding complementary colors). In these way they create contrast through a change in value (lightness and darkness) or intensity (brightness and dullness). With even this limited information, it is easy to see how the possibilities for combining colors are infinite and inviting. Using the tints and tones, the total effect is lively and pleasing but not overwhelming, a beautifully colored room. Now here are some of the colors with their effects and the Nature they depict and the places where they are suggested to use.

RED

Red is the most dramatic, emotional and active of the three primaries. It is an especially versatile color in its effects, enlivening interior spaces by creating excitement, warmth and elegance. The use of red suggests a bold and confident attitude. It is used in those areas where one needs excitement like the bars. It is less often used in sleeping area because of its energizing quality. The complement of red is green.

BLUE

Blue is the only color which is the most universally equated with the beauty. Blue is timeless, linking the present with tradition and lasting values. It is the most versatile in expressive values. Psychologically, blue is associated with tranquility and contentment. In interior design, softer and lighter blues are generally preferred for the larger areas.

YELLOW

It is a powerful color, both light in value and extremely intense in its purest form. It evokes a sense of energy and excitement. Yellow is a perennial favorite in interior design, combining with greens to provide the natural freshness and with red for gaiety and richness.

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GREEN

Green is the most common choice of the designers. It is often used as a dominant room color. Green goes with every other color and makes it a natural neutral. It represents the greenery of the Nature and thus provides the room with liveliness.

VIOLET

It seems to be a color of emotional contrasts. Its paler tints are unabashedly romantic, fragile and quiet feminine. It enjoyed the popularity in the Victorian era and now as pure colors emerges again, beautiful violet is certain to be a player.

ORANGE

It is amazingly versatile, capable of emitting great energy in its purest form and as an Earth tone, it evokes warmth, comfort and reassurance. Nowadays, the lighter orange, popularly known as peach, is common in use as it gives a cool effect.

PASTELS

Pastels are simply lighter tints of any hue, white added to red yields pink and light pink is a pastel. There is not any particular definition for a pastel color but when colors become so light that they almost seem to be white, they are pastels. The pastels are becoming more and more popular as they crate the most sober and elegant look.

Enjoy color, take these tips from the professionals and then you can become creative. You must think about the people in your home who matter the most for you and then imagine the things you do together and then finally go for a final color scheme.

Know more about your paints

Paint has been used for centuries to decorate all kinds of homes and in that time a huge variety of finishes and effects have been employed beyond the flat coverage of a simply painted surface. Many of what are now regarded as traditional paint effects have their origins in the great houses of the European aristocracy and were later adopted by the rising merchant classes who wanted to share in those splendors themselves. Paint effects are a wonderful way to express your character and that of your home and the people who live with you.

Transformation, illusion, or more frankly deception, was usually the guiding principle, whether the effect was one of rough stone, luxurious marbling or the opulence of gliding. As early as the fourteen century, for example the art of gliding – applying thin layers of gold to surfaces such as wood or plaster, became an immensely popular way of imitating the real gold decoration that only the richest could effort. Wood graining, for example, allowed people to enjoy the beauty and elegance of expensive woods without the cost, as the finishes were applied over cheaper timber. Today great houses may have the best preserved examples of traditional paint finishes, but there are other good examples of wonderful effects in much simpler public buildings, in homes or apartment. For example, the color blue-grey represents the traditional Scandinavian interior, the dazzling blues, soft pinks and warm ochre’s that outface the Mediterranean sun and the sober tones remind of the interiors of United States. These are styles and finishes firmly rooted in the often harsh climate and economic or social realities of a particular region, perpetuated over centuries by people whom the concept of style has often, for one good reason or another, been meaningless.

Many of the materials used in the past are still available and experts working on great old buildings and antique furniture undertake restoration work using the same equipment and techniques.

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Materials of today are less toxic and many are available in a wider range of colors, they offer an attractive alternative. Painting walls has often had greater significance than the simple imperatives of domestic decoration and display. Many ancient civilizations decorated the insides and outsides of their temples and state and public buildings with paint.

Choosing the color and finish for the walls are probably the most important decision you make when decorating a room. The paint should reflect the character of those who live and work there and the atmosphere they want to create. However, daring to try something new is fun and may reveal a new side of you, the possibilities are endless.

Creating the right wall finish for a period interior was once time consuming and expensive. Today successful substitutes have been found for the unusual and expensive products required using the different permutations and combinations, one can easily reproduce the interiors with an authentic look. Any style of interior is now within your range – from a country kitchen to a baronial hallway. Paint techniques can also be used to disguise some surface imperfections, which is much cheaper than having your walls re-plastered. Thus, one should always consider the following tips while doing the paint.

A poor surface treated with the right paint technique can be transformed into a wall of character. Equally, a perfectly smooth new wall can be given instant interest and texture.

Each room must be treated individually, even though you may want a cohesive scheme throughout your home.

Remember some areas suffer extra wear and tear; certain finishes may not be practical for kitchens or bathrooms, and others need special attraction.

Always choose the color according to the space. Pale colors give a sense of space and darker ones make a room even smaller.

Remember too that the color of the base coat will greatly alter the glaze coat applied to it. The most striking color effects are often achieved by using white as the base color.

Here are some of the effects of the paints that one can create apart from the flat surface, but one should be aware of the effect, one desire to create.

COLORWASHING

Color-washing is among the group of finishes that have their beginnings in fine art, they are often known as broken-color technique. Specifically, it involves the application of thin washes of glaze in which the brush marks are left apparent to give the finish texture and depth. It provides an interesting alternative to flat color and can be used to decorate period or modern town or country interiors .

SPONGING

Sponging is a modern broken-color technique. Natural sponge, moistened with water or soaked in glaze and used over the opaque base coat to produce a softly mottled effect – either by removing or adding color. Usage of sea sponge creates more interesting textures that normal household sponge.

STIPLING

Traditionally stippling entails the reworking of newly applied paint to create a finely textured, matt finish. A well prepared surface is essential and a steady hand. An elegant effect which adds subtle ageing to a room, it looks good on wood paneling, furniture and frames.

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DRY BRUSHING

In this technique, the brush is kept relatively dry as glaze is applied lightly over a base coat to create a cloudy effect. It can be subtle if applied in soft tones with soft strokes or bold if you use hard bristled brushes and strong colors. An easy way to give texture to modern interiors, it is also used to create an aged finish for period settings. It is ideal for highlighting architectural moldings and because it is extremely resilient, for furniture.

MEDITERRANEAN LOOK

The word Mediterranean gives us impact of wonderful chalky colors of sun baked, painted house. It gives a very country look kind of the atmosphere. Random brushing and hard rubbing create the characteristic roughness and depth of tone. It can be used on a variety of surface but is natural suited to uneven plaster and textured surfaces.

TEXTURING

There are many different ways to texture paints. The obvious advantage of texturing is that it is a wonderful disguise for imperfect wall. But it can bring character to any surface, or a tough finish to a garden room or exterior wall.

WOOD FINISHES

Paint finishes on wood can be as authentic and fantastic as you wish. Color is the determining factor but with today’s wide choice of colors, the scope for experiment is enormous. Paint effects can also ‘age’ new wood quickly. This is an important period setting, where new wood is often ill at ease. Stairs, handrails, floors and frames can also be aged to add a period feel to any home.

BORDERS

Borders are nowadays becoming very common and people are having a keen interest in them. Painted borders are a neglected way of bringing additional interest to wall surfaces. Borders painted by hand are essentially individual. One can choose color and patterns one wants and can make them simple or complex.

How to decorate house with Vaastu Shastra?

Great importance is given for the decoration of the house with the paintings, idols and especially the main door decoration. The main door was considered very important in ancient days and even today as the people used to think that all the prosperity and money comes from the main door.

The following Sloka explains the rules relating the above things:

"Grahe Na Ramayan bhatatha hawan chitram kurupanahvamindra jalikam . Shilocha yaarnyamayam sadhasuram bheeshmam kurutha krindhanaram thvanambaram.

Vaarah shaardhul shiva prudhakavo grudhabi golukapothavayasaa Sashye nagothadhi vakadhi patrino vichitratha no sharane shubhavaha."

Meaning - To display the following in a house is not good - war scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata, fight scenes using swords, Inderjall (magic) scenes, stone or wooden statues of terrifying giants or demons, scenes of weeping and crying people in tears.

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Paintings, portraits, statues: Decorative lights, chandeliers, bookshelf, vases, flower pots and furniture etc. should be meticulously and tastefully selected and placed in appropriate settings so that they look attractive and follow Vaastu principles etc.

The pictures, painting or models of the animals like pigs, snake and birds like eagle, owl, crow, pigeons, vultures should not be placed in a house.

All pictures or wooden or metal figures of wild beasts like tigers, lions, wolves, bears, jackals, and wild asses, hounds etc. should be avoided.

The heavy furniture should be placed in the Southwest side of the room and the light furniture can accommodate in any corner.

Symbols like Swastika, Om, Rangoli decorations stop the entry of evil spirits and evil influences in the house.

The photographs of the ancestors should be placed on the Southwestern side of the house.

The clock should be placed on the Eastern, Western or Northern wall.

Installation of Idols in homes and other buildings: A Pooja or worship place is a must in a home; it is better to have one in office, factory, schools, colleges and other buildings too. The appropriate place is the North-East corner of the building and if not then the North-East corner of the room in house and central chowk or garden or lawn of other buildings. The deities like Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwar, Surya, Inder should face East or West and four-headed Brahma, six-headed Kartikeya, five-faced Shiva can be placed facing any direction. Hanuman-ji should face Southwest.

Whatever is exhibited should be pleasing to the eyes and mind bringing joy and cheer to those who view them; aesthetic and cultural aspects also should be borne in mind, while selecting decorative pieces or paintings and pictures and placing them in our home.

The factors to be considered while designing the exteriors

Whenever we buy a plot, the first thing that is done is to prepare a site plan for the approval of competent authority before preparing the building plan. Once it is approved, one goes for the building plan. For each type of building the requirements are different as prescribed by developmental authorities, but Vaastu Shastra apply the same basic principles to all the buildings used by humans whether it is a house, office or shopping complex. Here one has to meet the requirements of Vaastu as well as the authority to make a building plan. So here are some points which one should always consider before designing the plan.

The open space around the building: We have to carefully examine the space given to us around the building and make sure that you are leaving the maximum space in North and East side and less on South and West sides. The construction should never be on the Northern and Eastern wall as this violates the basic principle of Vaastu. The left area in North should not be less [smaller] compared to the open area left in the South as this is very bad according to Vaastu so one must correct it defect before developing this plan.

The proportion: The ratio between the length and breadth of the building should normally be 1:1 or 1:1.5 or maximum up to 1:2, it should never exceed this limit in any circumstance, otherwise it will

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become a ‘long bar’ shaped plot and is not at all auspicious for anyone. The building dimension should preferably be longer in North–South and shorter in East–West.

The levels: At any level, whether ground level or first level, the West, South, South–West sides should be more elevated than the North, North–East and East sides. Basically the flow of water should always be from the South to North or West to East as it creates a lot of positive energies.

Roofing: The roofing slope should always be towards East and North so that the water always flows towards North and East. Nowadays, it’s a fashion to keep the roof sloppy, for that one must always be careful to make the slopes in North and East sides. Slanting towards South or West should be avoided as it causes serious health problems.

The height: The height is another criterion, which in one way is again related to weight. The height either be kept equal everywhere in the building or it will be preferred to keep the South and West higher than the North and East as the South, West sides will automatically get heavier and this is very auspicious. But never keep the North and East sides at more heights than the South, West.

Terrace / porch / portico / balcony: All these should always be located in the North, East or North–East sides of the building to bring the health, wealth and happiness. The balconies should always face the North, East or North–East.

Compound wall: The compound is the wall that covers the boundary of the house. The compound wall either should be of same height and thickness in all 4 sides or it will be best if it is thicker and taller in Southern and Western sides as compared to the Northern and Eastern sides. This is preferred as the thick wall of the South and West sides will prevent the infrared rays of the afternoon sun and the setting rays of the sun, which are harmful for the humans. Light walls in North and East sides will allow the beneficial morning rays to come and penetrate in the house, they are full of Vitamin D and are the only source of obtaining it. This way the South and West sides will also become heavier than the rest which is very auspicious.

Garage / out house: The best place to construct them is the North–West and South–East corner and care should be taken not to block or cut the corners at the South–East or North–West and the quarter walls should not touch the wall at the East or North side.

Guard’s room: A concrete or wooden shelter is made either in South–West and the shelter should be facing the East or North but it is important to ensure that the watchman is able to see every movement.

Over–head tanks: These tanks should be placed either in North–East as water is considered good in this direction or in South–West as the tank becomes very heavy. North–East is not to be over loaded with overhead tank though water in North–East is considered very good.

Underground reservoir: It should always in the North–East, the place of God supreme and should never be in South–East. Another choice is East or the North zone.

Well / bore well / tube well: These should be placed in North–East or Eastern sides preferably in between the mid North and North–East as it brings all round prosperity and new opportunities for growth.

Thus, if we consider all these points, we will never make a mistake to design a house which is against Vaastu and then the people will stop suffering from the defects of Vaastu.

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How to manage the interiors with Vaastu The stone of Vaastu is to make us live in harmony with Nature taking advantage of the magnetic fields, gravitational effects etc. of the Earth, the rainfall, the galaxy and the whole of the Nature and the universe and duly invoking the blessing of the Gods of the directions. Doing interiors with Vaastu is a bit difficult job but if everything is planned carefully, one can open the doors of the prosperity for themselves. Now we will discuss every room in the detail. Every room has their eight directions again, so one must be aware of the facts how to design the rooms.

Worship / Pooja room: It has been known the Pooja room is best suitable in the North-East corner of the house, now Pooja room has its own directions. The deity should face West, can face East or North but it should NEVER face South.

North-East zone is considered most appropriate for worship for another reason also. In the morning the sun’s rays straight fall on North-East side of the house which is most auspicious and good for health. It keeps our mind fresh and the soul pure and clean - a thing needed utmost for real prayer. Placing Pooja room in the North-East will bring all the happiness, prosperity, monetary gain, health, wealth, peace of mind and happiness with the blessings of God.

Main door decoration

Care should be taken to decorate the main door. The objects of the main door as prescribed in the text are:

Kula Devata: The image of the family deity. Its dimension should not be more than one Hasta (18") of length.

Two Prathiharis (sentinels or guards): Well decorated in ornaments bearing staff and swords in their hands, well clothed, glowing with youth and beauty, along with lady Prathiharinis and placed on both the sides of the door.

Dhaatri (a dwarfish nurse): Her maid companions should follow it, the happy jesters i.e. Vidhushakas.

Shanka and Padmanidhi emitting coins.

Asthamangala: On the seat of lotus wearing a sacred garland of 8 auspicious symbols.

Lakshmi: Lotus-seated and well decorated and being bathed by elephants.

Cow with her calf and well ornamented with flower garlands etc.

Motifs of serpents, giants, owl, wild animals, elephants, Daityas, nudes, fight between God and demons, hunting, house on fire, trees devoid of flowers should not be placed on the main door.

Nowadays people in their over-enthusiasm to decorate the house use figures of Gods like Krishna, Ganesh, Vishnu etc. and also many other prohibited motifs.

Bathroom with WC

As we have already discussed that bathroom should be either in the South-West direction or the North-West but should never be in the North-East corner of the house. Now if we come to the bathroom layout, following things must be considered:

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Now the bathroom will also have a North-East corner, in this corner either a shower or a floor trap should be placed. One must make it a point not to make a WC in North-East corner of the bathroom, as there is no remedy for it.

Mirror should always be on the East wall.

WC should always be on the North-West side and facing East.

The dirty linens should be placed in the West side of the bathroom as setting rays are very harmful for bacteria and kill them.

If there is almirah, it should always be on the South-West side of the bathroom.

The geysers, heaters and all other electrical equipment should be installed in the South-East corner.

The entrance of the bathroom should preferably be in North or East.

Designing a Kitchen There is no ambience in the home more loved and lived in by all the members of the family, the best of the family, the best place to savor the pleasure of being together with all the tastes, memories and daily habits of the family. These are feelings which need a suitable ambience, where the warmth of wood combines with the strong character of the stony materials, such as marble and granite of table tops and the counter.

The hob also has a central position with a canopy formed by its hood which destroys odors and fills the ambience with light at the same time. The electrical appliances are carefully concealed beneath the worktop. Function and harmony from the dominating characteristics of the present collections.

The basic concept is to finish this ambience which is the most lived in the entire family with the aim of making it a place in which it is pleasing to be together. To create, therefore, a little domestic paradise in which several people, all there together will find it easy to move about among extremely functional articles. There is no need for large spaces, but it is attractive and welcoming, perfectly in tune with the surroundings with the reminder and exaltation of stories, traditions and rediscovered family values.

The marked personalities of this modern and innovative kitchen bring into the home the soothing atmosphere of colorful and lively activity. There are as many as 4 colors which gladden the eye and communicate a note of joyful serenity of the ambience which they furnish, creating together a happy scene.

A kitchen layout should be customized to the specific requirements and needs of the users. Hence, it is important to ascertain the individual preferences overall lifestyle and eating habits of the direct users.

The kitchen is probably the most used (or misused!) room in any home, requiring an efficient combination of storage spaces, working counters, seating areas and free passages. It has to be functional, practical, elegant and comfortable, all at the same time and hence, great emphasis should be laid on the overall layout design of the kitchen, especially the small (and seemingly minor) details.

There are various practical points that must be considered and discussed before commencing the designing of a new kitchen or the modification of an existing one.

The style of cooking (which varies greatly due to influences of country, state, religion, health and personal choice) would greatly influence the design and layout of a kitchen. Importance must be

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given to the type of materials, ingredients and mediums used as well as the appliances and working space required for that particular style of cooking.

A minimal, modular, straight lined no-fuss work area where the emphasis is on efficiency, workability and cleanliness. There are no wasted spaces and no unnecessary display of items or clutter. Most of the appliances are built-in and the work areas are easy to maintain and clean.

According to the theory, an efficient and practical kitchen layout is one where ideally the 3 major elements, sink / washing area, refrigerator and cooking range, are conveniently located so that the user can work and move about easily. The distance between the refrigerator, the cooking range and the washing area should not be less than 6 meters.

This working should not be broken by full heights, fitments doors or passages.

The flooring, mostly used is mosaic, ceramic tiles, marbles. Stone flooring or ceramic tiles are recommended for Indian conditions, keeping in mind the surrounding dirt and dust since the material is impermeable, hard and stain / scratch resistant .

The walls in most kitchens are usually painted. Good quality plastic emulsion paint for areas under the sink and near the wash area.

Cabinets are usually made of 19mm commercial block.

The best location for the kitchen is the South-East corner. When the entrance of the house is from East or South, then the kitchen may be shifted to the North-West corner of the house. In the layout of the kitchen, following rules should be followed:

The cooking platform should be towards Eastern sidewall of the kitchen, as good results can be achieved when one faces East while cooking.

The sink should be in the North-East corner of the kitchen.

The slope of the water flow should be from South-West towards North-East.

The cylinder should be placed in the South-East corner.

The Geyser should be installed either in the South-East corner or the South wall.

The electronic gadgets should be placed on the Southern platform.

The storage for all the food grains, utensils, the overhead almirah should always be on the Southern and the Western walls and not on the Northern and the Eastern walls.

The fridge should be placed in the North-West corner of the kitchen.

The exhaust fan should be installed either in the North-West corner or the South wall.

There is a saying goes that "To way to a man’s heart is through is stomach", so kitchen is the only place from where one can win anyone’s heart. For a housewife, this is a place where she has to spend the maximum of the time and for a working woman, it should be so that she feels fresh as she enters the kitchen tired. There is no ambience in the home more loved and lived in by all the members of the family, the best of the family, the best place to savor the pleasure of being together with all the tastes, memories and daily habits of the family. These are feelings which need a suitable ambience, where the warmth of wood combines with the strong character of the stony materials, such as marble and granite of table tops and the counter.

Every family has different expectation of their kitchens as they follow different cultures. While the basic function of the kitchen is to serve as an area for the preparation of the food, the need of each individual household differ and often the kitchen has to cater to additional and varying requirements. A kitchen layout should be customized to the specific requirements and needs of the users. Hence, it is important to ascertain the individual preferences overall lifestyle and eating habits

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of the direct users. There are various practical points that must be considered and discussed before commencing the designing of a new kitchen or the modification of an existing one.

DESIGNING

Before designing the kitchen, one should identify the tasks to be performed in the kitchen. A kitchen should be designed to match the preferred style of the individual user and the general décor of the rest of the house. It may be designed in a country / farmhouse, contemporary, colonial / English, laboratory, futuristic / high-tech, European / Mediterranean or ethnic style with matching decor and finishes.

PLANNING

Kitchen planning revolves around the three main work centers – storage, washing and cooking. These form three corners of the triangle. These centers should be connected with the work counters. The work pattern generally moves from the décor to the functional flow of traffic in the kitchen.

STORAGE

The most important aspect of the kitchen design is a well-planned storage. It can facilitate or impede the main task of cooking and keep the kitchen either tidy or a mess at the end of the day. Storage units have a variety of internal arrangements and dimensions to suit the items they are going to contain.

FLOORING

Flooring should be non-slippery, resilient, hard wearing and easy to clean. Marble is the most common choice but one can also go for Kotah stone too. Granite tends to be slippery when wet.

LIGHTING

Kitchen lighting should be bright and functional. Care should be taken to ensure that the light does not cast shadow on the major working areas. Light fitted on the underside of the overhead cabinets light up the counters effectively.

VENTILATION

Ventilation is the most important aspect that should be taken care of properly. Kitchen is an area which generates lot of odors and smoke, thus this has to be immediately emitted out. An exhaust fan is a considerable help in dispelling smell and for air circulation also.

The hob also has a central position with a canopy formed by its hood which destroys odors and fills the ambience with light at the same time. The electrical appliances are carefully concealed beneath the worktop. Function and harmony should be the dominating characteristics of the present collections.

Kitchen walls should be able to withstand all kinds of fumes and splashes. The walls in most kitchens are usually painted. Good quality plastic emulsion paint for areas under the sink and near the wash area.

The sink plays an important role in overall efficiency of the kitchen, linking cooking accessories. Even if you have a dish washer, a roomy, easy to clean sink is still essential.

The counter top is the most wear tear area. Materials such as stones, glazed enamel tiles, stainless steel, laminates can be used for counters and each has its own pros and cons.

Thus, the basic concept is to finish this ambience which is the most lived in the entire family with the aim of making it a place in which it is pleasing to be together. To create, therefore, a little domestic

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paradise in which several people, all there together will find it easy to move about among extremely functional articles. There is no need for large spaces, but it is attractive and welcoming, perfectly in tune with the surroundings with the reminder and exaltation of stories, traditions and rediscovered family values.

Bedroom After the day long toil and turmoil every living being earnestly requires a rest; for that only the Nature has endowed us with day and night. For the bedroom, South-West is best for the master bedroom. Generally the eldest sleeps in the South-West room, the elderly in the South-Eastern room, the next in the North-West room and only the children should sleep in the North-Eastern room but not the couple. Now there are some points, which one should always remember:

The bed should be located in the middle of the room or should be in the South-West corner of the room. The idea is to keep moving space around the bed and if Vaastu is taken care of, South-West becomes heavy as we put the heaviest bed there.

Bed should not touch North or East walls, but may touch South or West walls when we keep our heads towards South or West for sleep.

A shelf of books may be kept in South-West or West side of the room. A reading table with chair may also be kept in this corner of the room.

If there is some TV or electrical equipment, they should be placed in the South-East corner of the room.

Now the biggest question is why not sleep legs facing towards SOUTH? This is the most common question that Vaastukars face nowadays. I have seen most people had a misconception in their mind that you should not sleep facing the legs towards South as South is not a good direction and it causes ill effects. But this is the biggest myth, no direction is bad, there is a scientific reason for not sleeping with legs towards South.

The thing is ONE SHOULD NOT SLEEP FACING THE HEAD TOWARDS NORTH. We all know that all of the body, the head is the heaviest and consists of all the iron and other elements. The North direction has an ill effect on the blood circulation and the organs of the body, which are away from the brain, will not get sufficient blood resulting in headache, irritation, insomnia. Bedroom is a place to unwind, let your hair down and put up your feet - all very casual and private activities. For all the time spent and the intimacy it demands, a bedroom takes very careful and detailed planning. Not because it is the most personal room in a house but because it is a room WHERE YOU DREAM!!!

What is life without dreams? And what is a better place to dream in than your own bedroom? So that is what a bedroom really is a place to rest and relax, to share a few quiet moments with yourself, to sleep away the weariness of a long, hard day.

As the most private, personalized space in a home, the bedroom must necessarily reflect its user's lifestyle, his practical needs, aesthetic preferences and also his dreams, and this is exactly why a bedroom decor poses a challenge to interior designers. To design an ideal bedroom for a client, the designer must get to know the client's innermost thoughts and ideas, his cultural background and upbringing, his temperament and his personal conception of a dream bedroom; besides the more tangible factors such as his needs in terms of the storage space provided or his taste in terms of the color scheme he would like best. All these diverse factors govern aesthetic decisions, which explain

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the high degree of subjectivity involved. That is why one can’t really set up aesthetic byelaws; nor can these byelaws find an easy acceptance, if indeed they are made.

The first thing to do when your home starts feeling cramped is to analyze the way you are using available space. All too often, there is too much unrequired furniture. Even clearing out stacks of old magazines, empty bottles and worn out clothes, will make you realize how much space you have and how incorrectly you have been using it.

The basic principle of not breaking up a room into little bits is equally applicable to the floor. This is why a room with a wall-to-wall carpet looks much bigger than a one with rugs scattered all over. However, given the Indian climatic conditions, maintaining carpets and rugs requires a huge effort; and can only be risked in air-conditioned and dust free environment. The latest option is laminate flooring, and it does seem to have a lot of advantages, while also being aesthetically appealing, and free from the hassles of ordinary wooden flooring. It should be noted that the same flooring sweeping through several rooms gives a better, more spacious effect.

Lighting in a home must do more than dispel darkness. Most rooms benefit from a combination of functional and decorative lighting, relying on the former to set the scene and the latter to add interest. So every room must have primary as well as secondary lighting. The primary lighting fixtures (tube lights) are essential for daily household chores like cooking and reading; but for dramatic effects, shades and shadows, secondary lighting (spotlights, dimmers, up lighters ) is extremely important.

Bright colors and bold patterns advance and make up the space look smaller; while pale colors and small, all-over patterns recede, reflect light and make the space look bigger. Contrasting colors and textures in a room break it up into several different areas and make it seem smaller.

The way a room is decorated has a major effect on how spacious it looks. Even though you have not actually pushed out the walls or raised the ceiling, you can use color, texture and pattern to create that effect. The colors for walls and ceilings, the choice of flooring, the treatment of windows and design of the lighting system are all important aspects of décor. Also, there are a few other aspects specific to bedroom decor such as bedspreads, quilts and cushions which must be given due consideration.

For centuries, sumptuous bedspreads, coverlets and quilts have been important elements of bedroom furnishing. These accessories should be seen as a part of the whole bedroom scheme. Cushions, although small, have the potential to pull a scheme together with accents of pattern or color.

Windows let in light and are usually a prominent focal point of the room. Decorative window treatments can lend style to rooms that have no distinct character of their own or accentuate architectural details that already exist. Curtains, which give life to any room, come in unlimited colors, designs and fabric. Only the heaviest tapestries and weaves are unsuitable because of their weight and bulk.

IDEAL BEDROOM

The bedroom is usually a smaller room which can be seen in its entirety with just one glance, for this reason it is important that the furniture matches, and if all the pieces are not the same style then should at least have uniformity of color and texture.

The walls and the lighting should be tenuous and not be concentrated around the head board.

The essential function of the bed is to provide a surface which is neither too hard nor too soft for the back and body to response in the correct position.

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Choosing the right mattress is also complicated as there are many different types to choose from: foam, latex, spring, and combinations with one side for summer and the other for winter, anti-allergy, traditional wool ones, and a sybaritic tendency to place several mattresses one on top of other, one spring and other latex.

Wardrobes and beds are usually combined in the bedroom and are designed to make the most of the space available; they incorporate comfortable details such as doors which open with just a light touch and the indispensable interior lighting.

Wardrobes are usually from 1.90 to 2m high and 55cm deep and have interior steps for adjusting the shelves. If the wardrobe has only two doors it is a good idea to put mirrors on the inside to be able to see oneself from behind as well as the front.

When deciding how to finish the walls and the ceiling in the bedroom one must know the kind of atmosphere desired and how to maintain it. Normally it is recommended to paint the headboard wall a more outstanding color than the other three which should all be the same relaxing, warm color. So if the furniture and the upholstery have already been chosen, the walls and ceiling should be their appropriate background.

Carpeted walls are another alternative for the bedroom which normally is considered when the floor is carpeted as well, very appropriate for colder, more humid climates for their insulation and warmth.

Bedroom lighting should have a special treatment, the tone of the light should be warm and cozy, to achieve this, apart from the ceiling light and the lamps on the night table, we recommend that the light intensity might also be adjustable. The regulator of light intensity, also called a dimmer, is a mechanism which permits, apart from the normal function of a light switch, gradual control of intensity of the light, allowing one to choose the exact level desired between the total lighting and the total darkness of the room.

Interior door frames should be as decorative as the doors, highlighting their design and quality. If the frame should expand or contract due to wood's movement it will have to be carefully planned, checking the measurements regularly, re-hanging the door to check the progress until it is correct, and remembering that there should always be a little pay.

When decorating one's bedroom one usually mixes and matches coordinating fabrics, in the curtains, bedspreads, pillows, lampshades, headboards, walls, but avoid overdoing it.

Whites and creams adapt to both classic and modern styles and are found in fabrics made of cotton, polyester, wool and embroidered linen.

Fabrics with a natural design create a bucolic atmosphere, with light lovely colors, with fabrics like cretonne, polyester and cotton chintz, silk, faille, taffeta.

One romantic finish is to cross two embroider muslin blinds held open with two wide velvet bands.

There is nothing better than a wooden rug to warm up a room, placing one at the end of the bed is not only a basic decorative element but also an object which adds warmth, calm and intimacy. The choice of a rug depends primarily upon the floor, furniture, walls, upholstery, luminosity, space and if the bedroom has a specific decor, one will be obliged to choose a coordinating rug which is essential to create the right atmosphere.

Bedspreads, sheets, blankets, quilts, comforters, and pillows all enter into the play in the decoration of the bedroom. One need only know the decorative style and have bit of extra fabric to combine walls, curtains, canopies, headboards, lampshades etc. with the indispensable bedding.

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The fabric is the body and soul of the bedroom set, such as jacquard, tapestry inspired elegant and noble lines which shine through somber tones.

Bathroom has come a long way from the tiny, dingy little cubicles that our ancestors rushed in and out of as fast as they could. Spending any thought or money on doing up these rooms was considered a sheer waste until very recently. The bathrooms of today are different in quality and style - ranging from the practical to luxurious.

Every individual's idea of luxury differs, as do the features they would like to include in their bathrooms. The possibilities are endless: His and Hers wash-basins, bidets, Jacuzzis with underwater lighting and adjustable slide jets with an option of water, heated air or both, sauna, steam bath, whirlpool or a reading nook with bookshelves and two comfy chairs! Then there are bathrooms located in a secluded corner of the house beside a glass wall that brings the outdoors within.

Whereas earlier the sink, WC and bathing area were placed just where they fitted in conveniently, often resulting in the users having to traipse the length of the room to wash their hands, today a lot of thought is given to the placement of each fixture in the bathroom.

Dressing walls in the bathroom is easier, as much material can be used. A simple look requires just a coat of paint or ceramic tiles. However, water as well as soap suds are bound to splash on the walls in the bathing area and if the material is not well-selected, it will leave ugly stains with the passage of the time. Lighting in the bathrooms give the whole space a well-lit look. Fluorescent tube lights are accepted as a rule, but a couple of bulbs fitted near the mirror would produce a clearer image.

The minimum fixtures in any bathroom are a WC, washbasin and shower / tap. But the tempting variety available today both in design and color offer different combinations. Bathrooms are been given much more attention, particularly in size the budget allocated for decoration of bathrooms has also increased substantially.

New and popular flooring options available today are more in terms of color than any change in material used. Italian marble and ceramic tiles still hold the market, but the changes seen are in the colors and the ways of laying them. Basic Earth shades are being mixed and contrasted with bolder shades to draw attention to the floor. Walls can also sport the new look of plain, patterned, embossed or marbled ceramic tiles which are offset by printed borders.

A variety of WC's are now available in different shapes, flushing styles and the capacity of the flush which ranges from 5 to 7.5 liters. Wall mounted WCs are available in two options: standard and concealed flushing apparatus. Wash basins, with pedestals or fitted into a counter, come in a host of shapes - be it the standard one or the triangular shape that fits perfectly into a corner of the bathroom and avoids wastage of space.

Bathroom fixtures available in the market today have sleeker designs and come in a variety of power-coated colors of deep blue and vibrant red versus the chrome, black and ivory which were popular years ago. The designer taps may vary from a single tap to options like three tap hole basin mixers with pop-up systems and swivel spout mixers. Acrylic bath-tubs are now available in many shapes - from standard rectangular to the more unusual triangular, D-shape and the rounded variety.

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Readymade acrylic bath trays, another new entrant, come in the standard size of 3' × 3' or 4' × 2.3' in a square or rectangular shape.

Luxury options like Jacuzzis are popular with those who can afford the steep rise, while shower cabinets find very few takers in the market today. Jacuzzis made of acrylic and reinforced with fiber glass are available in designs. Saunas are popular because they help the excess fat in the body to melt away.

Bathroom accessories are color coordinated with the rest of the like the soap trays, bathroom shelves, towel rails, toilet paper holders, hooks and toothbrush holder. Walk in wardrobes adjacent to the bathroom are also a common feature. A lot of stress is also laid on exhaust and fresh air fans.

The color schemes popular today are contrasts between a basic Earthy shade like a fawn, beige or black, with a bolder color like a deep maroon or forest green. If bathroom space permits, Jacuzzis and bath tubs find their way in.

Vaastu is very prevalent here, and bathrooms are carefully planned accordingly - from where the WC is placed to the wall on which the mirror is hung. According to Vaastu, the bigger and better planned the bathroom, the more prosperous you will be. Current lifestyles often demand that bathrooms offer extra facilities beyond the purely functional. Besides the now mandatory closet storage, make-up table-cum-dresser, washing machine or even a little nook used as a dressing space, you could find a bed or a dance floor in your private retreat next - depending, of course, on the space available.

IDEAL BATHROOM

The ideal bathroom is such which provides the essentials where you need it, when you need it.

The ideal position of the bathing area would be one that allows you to step out of your bath on to dry ground.

Family size has an important role to play in the design and layout of bathrooms. The larger the family, the larger the bathroom in terms of square footage and storage space.

Plumbing fixtures should be comfortably spaced, with storage facilities and furnishings well arranged so that there is plenty of free space left for maneuvering.

Tailoring the bathroom to suit the age requirements of all its users is sensible. If toddlers use the same bathroom as the adults, the towel stand could be fixed a little lower so that a child has easy access.

In situations where one bathroom has to be shared by four or more people, separating the WC and the wash basin from the bathing area will allow two people to use different areas of the bathroom at the same time.

A WC should be placed near a window or an outer wall, so that an exhaust fan can be fitted alongside.

The bathing area should be kept away from the windows to protect it from drought.

A dry and free area (unencumbered by fixtures) is needed to allow an adult to dry off and dress after bathing.

Floor should always be skid resistant variety.

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A Jacuzzi should ideally be fitted with its access panel and electric points under the flooring, directly below the tub.

Color scheme should be according to the age factor. Women prefer soft colors and designs, while children's bathroom sport cartoon characters. The middle income groups there are a marked preferences for pastel shades. The trend should be sober and not flashy.

UNDERSTANDING THE LIGHTING SYSTEM

Light can define space, substance and style. Outdoors, with the shifting sun and atmospheric conditions, light and the shadows change the appearance of things natural and manmade. But in the indoors, the play of natural and artificial lighting largely determine both function and decoration.

Today lighting is considered to be a very important element of decorating scheme. The invention of the incandescent bulb in 1978 revolutionized lighting systems as it allowed light to be easily manipulated. Apart from exploiting natural light by using opaque or transparent glass walls, sky lights, large windows etc. for offices, architect work out the detailed light fittings which are conducive for a work environment. In homes, a careful selection of lights extends and enhances the aesthetics of interiors. Similarly for hotels, showrooms, museums, gardens, water bodies, individual lighting requirements are worked out. Artificial light falling from various angles and heights on different surfaces guide us to perceive various features and dimensions while creating a specific mood. With technological developments and the stress on precision lighting, a variety of lighting fixtures are readily available with options which offer manifold possibilities in terms of effect.

The choice of fitting according to the room, gets very difficult, one gets puzzled off as there are so many varieties in lights like the table lamps, spot lights, clamp lights, recessed / surface mounted lights, up lighters, halogens, incandescent bulb, pendants, fluorescent fixtures and lots of others. Once the basic idea of the space, mood, interior design, highlighting, function of work have been specified, one can then consider the basic types of lighting. Initially only the planned positions of lights need to be decided. Later, the selection of bulbs and the exact effect can be created. One should always keep in mind some of the basic rules while designing the light.

Every activity that takes place in the interior must have lights of the right kind, intensity and the right direction. The eye prefers even lighting with the minimum of contrast between the brightness of the room surfaces and the lighting fixtures. The eye works best when the work surface is more brightly lit then the surroundings. The eye is stimulated by the contrast of tone and sparkle. When room lighting change, color changes or disappear, thus objects become more or less important in the room.

There are three basic types of lighting which are categorized according to the intensity of the light used.

1) General lighting - it supplies an overall illumination in the area; 2) Task lighting – it supplies the required illumination for specific tasks such as reading, painting

etc. It directs strong local illumination without high general illumination as required for activities carried in a particular area;

3) Accent lighting - it offers a decorative element to the area by highlighting the particular objects or features in the area. They are auxiliary to the general lighting and provide an added, and at times, dramatic dimensions to the scheme.

Spaces can be provided with one, two or all types of these lightings, depending upon the requirement. With different types of lighting in each room and dimmers to adjust the intensity of light, an ordinary space can be infused with much dramatic look to convey different moods to suit different times of the day.

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MAINTAINING THE LIGHTING SYSTEM

The term lighting refers to the useful energy output of a system consisting of light sources, fixtures to support them in appropriate locations, wiring channels to activate the light sources and the convenient electrical controls. Here are the tips on how to maintain the lighting system in different rooms according to the ambience.

Planning and designing is a tedious job. Today’s bathroom wears a well-dressed look, its design recognizing people’s needs to begin and end their day in pleasant surroundings. It is after all an intimate personal place - perhaps the only room in the house where one can be totally private and get much needed peace.

For a relatively small room, the bath area can use a no. of different types of lighting.

General lighting is essential in a compact bath, a central ceiling may suffice.

Medium size and large size baths and especially those with sectioned areas for tub, shower and toilet will require several overhead fixtures.

The lights are general, recessed into the ceilings or those over a tub or a shower must be watertight and vapor proof. A minimum of 100W incandescent or 60W fluorescent lamp is sufficient.

The most critical lighting in a bath centers around the mirror area, this is the basic for good grooming. For shaving, make-up applications, hair care, light should be soft and diffused without glare or shadow.

Avoid lighting the mirror itself rather light of the person looking into the mirror. The most efficient to light up a person’s face is to use three fixtures, one on either side of the mirror or one overhead. Side fixtures should be mounted 30" – 36" apart on the wall and install about 60" above the floor.

Incandescent fixtures should have a minimum of 75W bulb and fluorescent tubes on either side of 20W and one tube of 30W or two tubes of 15W overhead. Additional bath lighting for specific purposes may include plant lights to take the advantage of bath humidity for growing the flowers and ferns.

READING ROOM LIGHTING

The study is the most important room for the intellectuals, for students as this is the room where one builds his career. In the reading room, one should plan the lights very carefully as the intensity affects a lot on the eyes thus on the health.

In a study, the priority is to provide adequate illumination for reading and writing. For maximum pleasure of reading and for easier concentration, reading lamps must have a proper quality and quantity of illumination and be placed so that the light falls comfortably on the open page.

The complete room may be lit with powerful up lighters, down lighters, or the general lighting may be reduced to be supplemented with task lights as required. For the study it is necessary that task lights be supported with general illumination even if it is of low intensity to avoid eye strain.

Care should be taken where computers are placed; the task light should not produce glare or reflections on the screen. Task lights for writing should be positioned so as to avoid both glare and shadow.

If floor lamps are used as reading lights, then it should be 40" - 49" from the floor to the bottom edge of the shade. The shade should be moderately illumined to softly diffuse the light and eliminate glare thus open top shades are preferred.

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BEDROOM LIGHTING

The bedroom is a place where one can be totally oneself. It is the room where we spend the maximum amount of time – to sleep, relax and unwind, after a long tiring day and rejuvenate oneself for the tomorrow.

The lighting should be a soothing general illumination. If wanting to highlight some paintings or photographs, one can go for a task lighting in this area.

Up lighters look very beautiful, dimmers can be very useful to play with the intensity of the light as per mood.

Lights should be planned in such a way that it must create a light, romantic, relaxing environment. Table lamps or hanging lamp shades provides the room a very aesthetic look.

SWIMMING POOL / FOUNTAINS LIGHTING

Water presents a challenging and rewarding medium for lighting. Swimming pools, fountains, waterfalls magically come to life with lighting effects at night.

For effective swimming pool lighting, the lights are generally set below the water level, into the sides of the pool.

This should be done while the construction of the pool so as to keep the wiring away from water.

The lights should be placed to shimmer down the deep end of the pool.

Fountains are effectively lit by submerged narrow beam sources set near the base of each jet or falling on the flowing water casting a color and sparkle on it. Waterfall comes to life when lit from behind.

GARDEN LIGHTING

Garden is a place where man interacts and is near to the Mother Nature even at the time when we are on the verge of destroying it.

Lighting should be planned according to desired landscape lighting effects as well as providing adequate light for walking, security etc. all lights, wiring and metal work should be able to resist weather conditions for a prolonged period of time like dust, moisture and corrosion.

The lighting should illuminate selected areas, should create striking effects and keeps what is to be concealed in shadows.

Thus, the way of lighting drastically changes the way of living and mood of the environment. So one must be very careful while planning the lights and choosing the fixtures as in the end, if worked carelessly, it can result into mismatch of everything.

LIVING ROOM LIGHTING

The living room is the core of domestic life. People decorate them according to their interest, but the one element that is common to all is the intangible style, which is not dictated by prevailing trends or large amounts of money. Here are some basics how to illuminate it properly.

Establish an adequate general illumination level to reduce the accent light, brightness, contrast. Illuminate an entire wall with overhead fixtures to provide background for room furnishings.

Feature window areas with the cosmic lighting. Indirect light like that under a pelmet or above a cabinet will supply soft uniform illumination.

Use dimmers to program lighting moods. Play up with the architectural features like aala, niches, mantles etc. Highlight artwork and plants with individual lighting arrangements.

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Be sure that the floor, table and hanging fixtures have adequate shades to prevent glare.

Plan adequate lighting to handle a variety of family activities like rack for display.

Bar area could use incandescent light to play up sparkling glassware. Lighted shelves or fluorescent fixtures under the front edge of bar are effective.

DINING ROOM LIGHTING

The decor of dining room depends upon the culture of the family. A dining room can change the style of eating. So one should be careful while playing with the lights to make the environment relax and easy.

One must keep the visual emphasis off the ceiling and walls and on the décor of food and guests.

Ceiling down lights should fall and focus primarily on dining room table surface.

Candles and fuel lamps in decorative holders can add special touch to any meal.

Buffet or service areas and chinaware / silverware / crockery displays deserve special lighting emphasis.

KITCHEN LIGHTING

Kitchen is a place where a lady spends her maximum time so it should have comfortable and fresh feeling. Today’s kitchens are far removed from the dark dingy spaces one saw earlier.

General lighting for a kitchen should be well distributed, uniform and as shadow-less as possible.

Fluorescent fixtures reduce the energy demands without sacrificing illumination.

Even if there is window in the kitchen, install down lighting over a sink for cloudy days or nights.

Special lighting for key work areas can be installed in the ceiling or in the upper cabinets.

Provide light for storage areas in pantry or wall cabinets overhead or shelf mounted brackets will do the job.

Vaastu for placing doors & windows The doors and windows need a great attention. Besides outside settings and interiors too, there are several other aspects, which need consideration while planning and designing, and this is one of them. There are some points that one should always consider before designing the doors and the windows.

The best thing is if the maximum number of doors and windows open in North and East sides of the building as compared to the South and the West side.

The main door should be the tallest and other doors should not be superior in size or in beauty to the main door. It is also written in Braunth Sanhita as: "Mool Dwaaram Naanayyarabhisanthathi Roopdurya, Gatpal Patra Pramathibhishch Thanmadulau shrich nuyath".

Doors in all rooms should be of equal size but if wanted to make some bigger ones, then the doors in South and West side should be bigger than the North and the East side and not the other way.

The number of doors and windows in the house should be in even numbers like 2, 4, 6, 8 etc.

While fixing the doorframes in an internal wall, it must be ensured that the doorframe is not fixed contiguous to the main wall of the house. At least a minimum of 4" pad should be built before fixing the doorframe to a lateral wall.

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While fixing the doors and the windows, cross-ventilation should be taken care of. It is essential to fix doors and windows opposite to each other to have better light and air.

Doors should not be placed in the center of the wall; they should always be off centered.

If a house faces East, the entrance should be fixed towards East, so that the main door falls in the Northern half of that side. Such a door yields good results and is very auspicious.

If a house faces West, the entrance should be fixed towards West, so that the main door falls in the Northern half of that side.

When the house is North facing, the entrance should be fixed towards North, so that is falls in the Eastern half of that side.

If the house is South facing, the entrance should be fixed towards North, so that the door falls in the Eastern half of that side.

Main entrance or the gates of the two houses opposite to each other should not open exactly towards each other.

For making doors and windows, as far as possible one type of wood should be used. Teak is the best wood for this purpose.

Irregular shaped doors or square doors are not recommended and are considered inauspicious. The door size should be in ratio of 2:1 in respect to height and width. The normal sized door is 7' × 3'.

Windows also should have symmetry in height though sizes of width may differ.

If only one door is to be fixed in a house, it must be fixed either Eastern or Northern side of the building. If the house has two doors, they can be placed in North and South, in East and West, in East and North but never in South and West.

Placing doorways in the three directions except East are not auspicious. Avoiding a doorway in the South and keeping doorways in other directions are auspicious.

Main entrance should always have threshold or doorsill. The main entrance of a house is compared with the mouth of a human being. Just as the face has two eyes, a nose and a mouth, the main entrance of a house is supposed to possess windows on either side, or a sill or threshold below the doorway. The purpose of lips is served by the frame shutters, and the threshold. It is said that the threshold protects the household from perils, diseases and paves way for prosperity.

It is better to make the door consist of only one panel or shutter; or by joining three or five shutters. Frames can be four or maximum five in a door.

There should be no obstructions in front of main door such as rails, staircase, big trees etc. Opposite to it should not be a temple, lamppost or any kind of obstruction.

If there are more floors in a building, one door over another door brings poverty and financial crisis and this condition should be avoided.

One should take utmost care of several things like; if the door closes itself automatically, that will make the inmates lunatics; if the door closes itself, it will destroy the children; if it is oversized or under sized, it should be changed immediately.

If a door is making screeching sound while movement, such a door along with chowkhat should be replaced immediately.

It is better to have doors both at the beginning i.e. down below and at the end, i.e. in the top of the staircase.

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Vaastu at a glance Downward slope

Property should slope downward from the South to North and / or from West to East. (This applies to the property, surrounding land, floor levels within the house and the roof).

Height & weight

Must be in the South-West, South or West. (This applies to the property, surrounding land, buildings and rooms).

Open land

Must be more open land to the North and East than to the South and West.

Bodies of water

Must be located in the North, East or North-East of the property. Water should flow to the North, East or North-East.

Give Priority to the North-East

Pay close attention to the North-East quadrant and give it top priority whenever possible. Extend it or place water features there. Never cut it off! Never put height and weight, kitchens, staircases, toilets, sewage tanks or garbage in the North-East.

Extensions

Top preference should be given to the North-East. After this, it can be given to any auspicious direction. This applies to both the property and buildings.

Streets

Streets must hit your property at auspicious directions. Top preference is given to roads in the North and East.

Compound walls & fences

It is essential to have a wall or fence to create boundaries around a property. They should be built before any other construction begins.

Morning Sun

Should shine into as many rooms as possible from the East.

Auspicious shapes

The best is a square or rectangle with the North-East extended, even if only by a few inches.

Auspicious movements

Movements should be auspicious and bring you to the North-East.

Entrances

Top preference is given to the North-East quadrant. After this, any auspicious direction is acceptable.

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Room orientation

Rooms should be located in the correct locations of the house. Master bedroom in the South-West; kitchen in the South-East or North-West, toilets anywhere except the North-East; and no bedrooms in the North-East

Staircases

Staircases should never be located in the North-East or create negative extensions. When landing, you should face North or East.

Roofs

Roofs should be highest in the South, West or South-West; extend or slope more to the North, East or North-East. Rainwater should flow to the North or East.

Cooking

Cook food facing only East or North.

Sleep

Never sleep with your head to the North. Priority is given to the South, next is West and finally the East.

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The Fundamentals of Vaastu The following is a brief introduction to a few important principles of Vaastu. This gives an idea of the effects of Vaastu and how the elements (Earth, Fire, Water, Sky and Air) are influencing the experiences in our lives.

EXAMPLE OF A GOOD VAASTU TWO BEDROOM HOUSE & DESCRIPTION OF DETAILS

House Plan

Property shape House shape North-East extention North-East water

South-West master bedroom

North-East slope

Auspicious entrances

South-East kitchen

Face East to cook

North-East Slope

North-East Slope

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Interpretation of ancient knowledge of Vaastu differs from many of the prevailing ideas. For example, he teaches that some South and West entrances are acceptable, like the South-South-East entrance depicted in this illustration.

Shape and alignment

The property is aligned to the cardinal directions.

The house is aligned to the property.

The South-West corners of both the property and house form perfect 90º angles.

The property shape is an auspicious East-West rectangle.

A compound wall surrounds the entire property.

The patio creates a powerful North-East extension to the house.

The East-South-East garage is not attached to the house. (Otherwise, it would create a negative East-South-East house extension.)

Downward slope & open space

The property slopes down to the North-East.

The house placement creates greater open space to the North and East.

Placement of water

A below-ground swimming pool is located in the North-East quadrant. (Only rounded water bodies are acceptable in the North-East.)

Entrances, doors & windows

Property entrances in the North-North-East and middle South.

The middle South property entrance is exactly centered.

The driveway entrance is in the South-South-East.

House entrances are in the North-North-East, East-North-East and South-South-East.

The main entrance in the South-South-East is aligned to an opposite-facing door.

All the interior doors are located in auspicious directions.

There are large windows on the East and North sides of the house.

The House

The roof and floor levels follow the Principle of height: highest in the South-West, then South-East, then North-West and lowest in the North-East.

The North-East room of the house is open and unobstructed.

There are no bedrooms or bathrooms in the North-East quadrant of the house.

Master bedroom is located in the South-West quadrant; child's room is in the North-West.

The kitchen is located in the South-East quadrant of the house.

The stove is situated so that one faces East while cooking.

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The Fundamentals of Vaastu PRINCIPLE ONE: AUSPICIOUS & INAUSPICIOUS DIRECTIONS

The four directions — North, South, East and West — are divided into sub-directions. These sub-directions are considered to be either positive or negative. Vaastu shows how to emphasize or diminish a sub-direction's influence by indicating what should be placed in that area of your home or property.

Auspicious & Inauspicious Directions

This diagram illustrates the positive and negative directions and the locations where the elements have their greatest influence on your property. This chart is used to determine the positions of streets, gates, driveways, entrances, property extensions, cuts, doors and windows. The green area indicates where to favorably locate these features; the red areas indicate where it is detrimental for them to be placed.

PRINCIPLE TWO: HEIGHT & WEIGHT

The Principle of height and weight shows the correct distribution of height and weight on a property or in a home. Height and weight decreases the influence of a direction. The most height and weight should be in the South, West and especially South-West, because height and weight suppresses the negative vibrations of these directions. The least height and weight should be in the North, East and North-East because of the positive vibrations which reside there. The Principle of

height and weight applies to surrounding land, property, buildings and even interior rooms. Height and weight refers to features such as mountains, hills, trees, buildings and furniture.

Height & Weight in the South-West

Benefits: Very Auspicious. When located inside or outside of the property, it brings happiness, peace and prosperity. Creates soul commanding ability. If any problem comes, you can solve it. Your name and fame will grow. The world will recognize who you are and what you can do. You will not be able to sit idly in your house because the height and weight will naturally inspire you to work.

Height & Weight in the South

Benefits: Very Auspicious. Whether inside or outside a property, prosperity has to come and stand with you. Creates happiness, peace and soul commanding ability for both material and spiritual endeavors. People with hills or mountains in their South will experience a lot of happiness.

Height & Weight in the West

Benefits: Very Auspicious. Whether located inside or outside of a property, it inspires you to work and be industrious. Brings progress, financial stability, willpower and social standing. The world will recognize you and your capabilities.

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Height & Weight in the North-East

Results: Very Dangerous. Whether inside or outside of a property, it is the worst placement. Avoid at all costs. It blocks the beneficial influences of this holy direction. It will ruin your life. There will be financial loss, relationship problems and illnesses for children. Whatever work you try to do, it will take a hundred times more effort. Without your notice, enemies will come into your life and want to stab you in the back.

Height & Weight in the North

Results: Very Dangerous. Whether located inside or outside of a property, avoid at all costs. You will go broke! There will be no financial success and all types of headaches will come, illness, relationship problems and defamation of character. Even if someone gives you a billion-dollar check and the property as a gift, don’t take it! You will have a miserable life.

Height & Weight in the East

Results: Very Dangerous. Whether inside or outside of a property, avoid at all costs. Don’t stay. It will ruin your life. It causes great irritation and stress. You won’t have any success. Big financial problems will come. Even if you make money, you will go into debt. Health will deteriorate. It is a life risk, especially for men.

PRINCIPLE THREE: DOWNWARD SLOPE

The Principle of Downward Slope reveals the correct placement of slopes and lower elevations on a property. A downward slope amplifies the energy of the direction towards which the slope flows. Downward slopes should be to the North, East and especially North-East.

The North-East should always be the lowest point on a property and the South-West the highest. No matter what, the North-East should never be higher than any other part of the property. If the land is completely flat it is acceptable. Slope applies to the property, land surrounding the property, roofs, and floor levels within a building and a room. Generally, the slopes that influence Vaastu of a property the most are the slopes of the surrounding land and the property itself. Note: The arrows always point in the direction of downward slope.

Downward Slope to the Northeast

Benefits: Very Auspicious. A property or its surrounding land with a slope down to the North-East is one of the most beneficial features in Vaastu. A North-East slope brings wealth, peace, name, fame, and success in both material and spiritual endeavors.

Downward Slope to the North

Benefits: Very Auspicious. This is the second most powerful downward slope. A slope down to the North brings tremendous prosperity, material success, peace, name, fame and the ability to solve problems.

Downward Slope to the East

Benefits: Very Auspicious. The influences of an East slope are those associated with the benefits of the morning sun. An East slope brings noble qualities, peace, clarity, wisdom, inspiration, name and fame.

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Downward Slope to the South-West

Results: Very Dangerous. It is a life risk. Avoid at all cost. Never stay—simply get out. Brings unnatural deaths, accidents, suicide, murder, financial ruin, illness, fighting, jealousy, enemies, mistrust, worry and depression. It negatively affects character, leading to immoral behavior.

Downward Slope to the South

Results: Very Dangerous. It is a life risk. Brings accidents, terrible financial loss, confusion, depression, chronic illness, heartbreak, enemies and addictions.

Downward Slope to the West

Results: Very Dangerous. It is a life risk. Brings failure, enemies, addictions, illness, heartbreak, relationship problems, depression, confusion and doubt. You will not be able to make money. Crazy things will start in your life. You will want to run away but you can’t because it is hard to escape this negative influence.

PRINCIPLE FOUR: OPEN SPACE

The Principle of Open Space recommends that more open space should exist in the North, East or North-East than in the South, West or South-West. Even if it is only greater by a few feet or inches, it is still acceptable. The Principle of Open Space is related to the Principle of Height and Weight. Both of these principles protect the divine energy of the North-East.

For a property, open space refers to the distance between the house (or main buildings) and the property boundary. More open space in one direction will increase the influences of that direction. Following are two examples of open space created by the building placement on the property.

Northeast, North & East Open Space

Benefits: Very Auspicious. A building placed in the South-West quadrant of a property creates height and weight in the South-West and more open space in the North, East and North-East. Brings success, prosperity, commanding ability, happiness and good fortune.

South, West & South-West Open Space

Results: Very Dangerous. A building located in the North-East quadrant of a property creates height and weight in the North-East and more open space to the South, West and South-West. It is a life risk. Brings accidents, illnesses, perpetual money struggles, business failure, depression and no spiritual success. Your life will be miserable.

Important Points about Water Placement

Water has a very powerful influence on Vaastu because it acts as a huge energy generator. Any water feature on a property will bring either strong positive or strong negative results to the inhabitants, so it is crucial to determine Vaastu of any water features. However, accurately understanding how water is affecting a property requires considerable experience and knowledge of Vaastu.

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Basically there are two aspects that determine Vaastu of water:

1) Placement and 2) Direction.

Water on or near a property should be located in the North, East or North-East. There are, however, a few exceptions. The surface level of water located in auspicious directions should always be below the ground level of the rest of the property.

Water in the Northeast

Benefits: Very Auspicious. One of the most beneficial features in Vaastu. Brings the greatest divine blessings and success to every aspect of life. Creates material and spiritual prosperity, success, name and fame, health, happiness, harmonious relationships, peace and good fortune.

Water in the North

Benefits: Very Auspicious. Having water in the North is another top feature in Vaastu. Brings great material prosperity, success, peace, willpower, happiness and good fortune.

Water in the East

Benefits: Very Auspicious. Water in the East increases the effects of the morning sun and is highly beneficial. Brings brilliant thoughts, name and fame, knowledge, wisdom and peace. Improves social status and increases noble qualities.

Water in the South-West

Results: Very Dangerous. One of the worst features in Vaastu. It is a life risk. Creates fear and disaster. You cannot survive on such a property. Brings unnatural death by accidents or chronic and fatal disease; also divorce, immoral behavior, defamation of character, fighting, enemies and financial ruin. You cannot live peacefully here. You will want to leave but you will not find it easy to do so. It is responsible for every kind of destructive occurrence, except fire.

Water in the South

Results: Very Dangerous. It is a life risk. Brings accidental deaths, illnesses, financial loss, mental stress and depression. Affects women most strongly.

Water in the West

Results: Very Dangerous. It is a life risk to men. Brings unnatural death through chronic diseases, financial ruin, and defamation of character, undesirable relationships, unbalanced mentality and strange, immoral behavior.

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Important Points about Water Flow

The direction of flowing water has an incredibly strong impact on Vaastu of a property. Rivers, streams and creeks must flow to the North, East or North-East when they are on or near a property. Determining Vaastu of flowing water requires great skill as it is a very powerful feature—either very positive or very negative.

Water Flow to the Northeast

Results: Very Auspicious. One of the most beneficial features in all of Vaastu. Brings tremendous prosperity, material and spiritual success, name, fame, happiness and all angles of great fortune.

Water Flow to the North

Benefits: Very Auspicious. This river has both auspicious placement and direction of flow. Brings tremendous prosperity, success, name, fame, happiness and all angles of good fortune.

Water Flow to the East

Benefits: Very Auspicious. This river has both auspicious placement and direction of flow. Brings enormous prosperity, success, brilliant thoughts, peace, happiness and good fortune.

Water Flow to the South

Results: Dangerous. Although the river is located in a positive direction, it flows South and, therefore, is unacceptable. Water in the East will bring some benefits but the South flow will cause depression, anxiety, illness, financial problems and accidents.

Water Flow to the West

Results: Very Dangerous. The river has both negative placement and flow. Causes unnatural deaths from accidents, chronic illnesses and suicides. Enemies, financial loss, depression, defamation and relationship problems will occur.

Important Points about Fire Placement

The Fire element has the capacity to transform, such as when you use fire to cook food or to heat and light your home. But great care must be taken with the placement of the Fire element within your home. Fire transforms, but is also can turn everything to ash. An unbalanced Fire element creates disturbance in relationships, health problems and unnatural fear. Stoves, fireplaces and to a lesser degree boilers, furnaces, water heaters and electrical fuse boxes all constitute Fire element features in a home.

Fire in the South-East or North-West

The South-East is the home of the Fire element and the North-West is the home of the Air element. Because of the interconnectedness of these two elements, Fire features should only be placed in the South-East or North-West of any room, building or property. This includes kitchens, stoves, fireplaces, open flames and outdoor cooking features.

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Fire in the North-East or South-West

A Fire feature should not be situated in the South-West or North-East quadrant of a property, building or room. A kitchen or fireplace, for example, in the South-West brings conflicts and arguments. A kitchen or fireplace in the North-East will cause whatever money you make to ‘burn up’ and go away. It also brings health problems, conflicts and arguments.

Important points about room placement

Activities in your home should take place where they will be in harmony with the 5 elements. Therefore, room placement is very important. Correct placement of the kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms is crucial.

It is easy to determine where the activities in the house should take place. Just keep in mind the placement of the 5 elements: Water in the North-East, Fire in the South-East, Earth in the South-West and Air in the North-West. The natural placement for the kitchen, therefore, is in the South-East, the home of the Fire element. This placement brings physical health and harmony in the family’s relationships. By coordinating your actions with the elements your activities will go smoothly.

Bedroom Placement

Bedrooms can be placed anywhere except the North-East quadrant, as this brings chronic health problems. Whenever possible, the master bedroom should always be in the South-West — the place of ‘commanding’. Heads of the household should sleep in the South-West so that the household runs smoothly. If children are in the South-West, they will dominate the family and be overburdened with responsibilities inappropriate to their age. The master bedroom may also be placed in the South-East if the South-West is used as an office.

Important points about bathroom placement

Bathroom Placement

Bathrooms with toilets may be placed anywhere except the North-East quadrant. Toilets in the North-East bring serious health problems, especially cancers.

Important points about sleeping position

The direction your head faces while sleeping has a strong effect on your physical and mental well-being. Head placement refers to the direction the top of your head points when lying down.

Head to South

Benefits: Auspicious. The best position for sleeping is with the top of your head pointing to the South and feet pointing North. Brings health, industriousness and increased longevity.

Head to North

Results: Dangerous. Never sleep with the top of your head pointing to the North and feet pointing to the South. Brings terrible dreams and disturbed sleep. You will feel miserable. Irritability, frustration and emotional instability will develop. It sucks your positive vibrations while you sleep. You will lose 50% of your willpower and your soul power will not increase while you sleep. Your physical

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and mental health will suffer.

Important points about direction to face while cooking

The direction you face while cooking has a strong effect on the vibrations of the household and the health and happiness of the family.

Cook Facing East or North

Cooking should only take place facing the East or North, with the East as the first preference. Never cook facing the South or West — you will ‘cook’ the entire household! Arguments, misunderstandings and conflicts will arise.

Dictionary of Vaastu Shastra Aagney - It is the lord of Fire, and is positioned in the South-East direction.

Aap - Means Water, which is one of the 5 elements that constituent our universe.

Aakash - Means Space, which is another element that constitutes our universe.

Aura - It is defined as a luminous radiation, a radiant light around a person's head or body. The different colors appearing in the aura have been studied by physics, and various tints of each color suggest different characteristics.

Atman - The individual Consciousness.

Brahma - The Creator of the universe.

Istaka - The brick, as known in the Vedic times.

Jiva - the Soul.

Kalpadruma - The wishing tree.

Purusha - The Consciousness, the life source.

Parmataman - The Universal Consciousness.

Prana - The Life.

Prakriti - The Nature.

Samadhi (Sthiti) - To sit with folded legs on the ground in one posture for meditation.

Shankh - The conch, a sea shell through which the sound is produced and is mostly used in religious ceremonies.

Shrishti - Creation of the entire Universe.

Sthapati - The Architect, as known in the Vedic times.

Sutregrahi - The draughtsman, as known in the Vedic times.

Takshaka - The carpenter, as known in the Vedic times.

Vardhaki - The mason, as known in the Vedic time.