Step into any well-designed kitchen and you'll likely notice the harmony between its colors and the overall atmosphere. This isn't mere coincidence; in fact, this secret lies in the harmony of Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian science and art of architecture and design that aims to create a balance between human life and the universe. According to Vastu, the correct use of colors in your kitchen doesn't just make it visually appealing, but also creates a positive energy flow and influences the overall health and well-being of the family. Let's delve into how you can use color combinations in your kitchen according to Vastu principles.
Before we begin, let's understand the basics of Vastu. The five elements of nature- Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space play a crucial role in Vastu. Each of these elements correspond to certain colors and directions, which in turn, influence specific aspects of our daily lives. By understanding these correspondences and applying them to our kitchen design, we can create a friendly, inviting, and auspicious space.
The Zone Theory
In Vastu, kitchens are associated with the Fire element that represents the Agni Devata (God of Fire), responsible for digestion, both literally and metaphorically. According to Vastu, every kitchen should be located in the South-East or South direction. However, apart from the location, color combinations are also critical and they vary based on the direction in which each zone of the kitchen is located.
Remember, kitchen colors should balance the element of Fire and not stimulate it too much, as it could otherwise increase health issues like stomach troubles and acid reflux. With that in mind, let's explore the color palette for various kitchen zones per Vastu.
Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets, typically located in the South-East or South direction, should ideally be light-colored to balance the fiery zone. Colors like shades of white, light yellow, or soft blue, which represent the Water element, can be used on cabinets. These colors are soothing, create a sense of calmness, andpite water to your fire element zone. You can further accentuate these cabinets with metal hardware like brass or copper, as metals are known to pacify the Fire element.
However, if you have cabinets in the North direction ( representation the Water element), opt for warm colors such as pale reds, pinks, or light orange to create harmony. These colors can be used for the upper part of your designer cabinet sets or as wall cabinets. Please note, cabinets in the North direction should be only in warm colors and not the intense ones to avoid increasing the pacified Water element.
Countertops and Flooring
Countertops represent your workspace and are best when kept in light yet warm colors like coffee, grey, or light brown. These colors complement the kitchen cabinets and help create a balanced vibe. For instance, if you have white cabinets, consider grey or coffee-colored countertops.
Flooring should ideally be done in cool colors like blue, rose, or grey to balance the heat from the Fire element in the kitchen. Use a combination of light and dark shades to maintain this balance - darker shades for higher traffic areas and lighter ones for less used spaces. Moreover, using cool-toned flooring can help with keeping your kitchen cool when cooking, especially during summers.
Additional Vastu Color Guidelines
Besides the zoning theory, here are some more general color guideline for your Vastu compliant kitchen.
Colors for the Walls
Walls should be painted in soft colors to create a balance between the warm colors on cabinets and Floors. Consider colors like light green for growth and renewal, pink for longevity and good health, or peach to create harmony in the kitchen.
If you want to incorporate vibrant colors, choose deep blue or emerald green for one of the walls, but consider them as accent walls and not for areas where you keep your cooktop or sink. Remember, too many vibrant colors can create a chaotic atmosphere, so use them sparingly.
Colors for Appliances
Appliances should also be in colors that balance the Fire element. For example, refrigerators, which are usually placed in the North-West direction, can be in white, cream, or silver to represent the Air element present in that direction. But keep in mind, never place your cooktop in the North-West direction as it's inauspicious according to Vastu.
Cooktops can be in shades of yellow, orange, or pink to represent the Fire element. But if your cooktop is in the North-East direction ( Water element), it's advisable to have the cooktop in a calm, subdued shade like light blue or blue-grey to balance it out.
Remember, a Vastu compliant kitchen isn't just a decorating project; it's an opportunity to harness the power of colors and elements to create a space that's not just beautiful, but also promotes health and positivity. So go ahead, create your dream kitchen with colors that align with the ancient wisdom of Vastu and bring alive your space.
So, there you have it! With these Vastu principles in your mind, you can transform your kitchen into not just a space to cook, but a vibrant and harmonious sanctuary. Don't forget to plan your smart design according to these guidelines and you'll unleash the power of colors in your kitchen to create a stunning space you'll love to spend time in. Happy cooking!