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One of the core aspects of Vastu shastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture, is its significance to cardinal directions. According to Vastu, each direction is governed by a specific element, deity, and planet and, therefore, has a particular energy. When we align contemporary house design, especially vital areas like the living room, with these directions, we harness the energy they offer, promoting well-being, prosperity, and good vibes.

Best directions for the living room

North and northeast: The living room is often the hub of a home, the place where families come together in contemporary house design, where guests are entertained, and where, in many ways, the energy of the entire house is concentrated. Given its prominence, the placement and orientation of the living room is crucial.

North direction: Governed by Mercury, the north exposure is associated with wealth, prosperity, and career. By having your living room in the north, you invite opportunities and financial growth into your life. The north is also linked with water, ensuring good vibes.

Northeast direction: This is considered the most promising direction in Vastu Shastra. Ruled by Jupiter and associated with the element of water, a living room in the northeast is believed to bestow the residents with spiritual growth, clarity of mind, and peace. This direction is often called the 'Ishan' corner. A living room in the northeast ensures good vibes, ideal for meditation or quiet reflection.

Harmonising living room with Vastu principles

1. Colour therapy according to Vastu
Ideal colours for a harmonious living room:
Greens represent healing and freshness.
Blues induce calmness and tranquillity.
Whites signify purity and peace.
Yellows bring warmth and cheerfulness.

Colours to avoid:
Red: While it can be energetic, too much can be overwhelming.
Black: Can absorb negative energies and give a heavy feel to the room.
Influence on mood and energy: Colours play a vital role in dictating mood. Soft, pastel shades uplift the spirit, ensuring a calm, serene environment.

2. The role of lighting
Natural lighting: Windows in the north or east direction help maximise light, bringing in positive energy.
Evening lighting: Warm, even lighting sets a cosy and positive ambience, ideal for relaxation and fostering positive relationships.
Avoiding harsh lights: Overly bright or intense lights can disturb the energy balance, creating discomfort.

3. Decor and accessories
Natural elements: Plants not only purify the air but also introduce a sense of life and growth into the living room.
Avoiding broken decor: Non-functional or damaged items can attract stagnant energy. Keeping them can hinder the flow of positive vibes.
Mirror placement: Positioning mirrors on north or east walls can amplify prosperity energies.
Decluttering: Ensuring a free flow of space attracts smooth energy transitions, enhancing the room's feel.

4. Electronic gadgets and their placement
Television placement: Ideal in the southeast direction, which is associated with entertainment and enjoyment.
Avoid disturbances: The northeast corner should be free from electronic disturbances to maintain its sanctity and peace.
Managing wire clutter: Keeping wires organised and hidden ensures smooth energy flow and reduces chaos.

5. Art and symbolism in decor
Choosing artwork: Embrace images that resonate with positivity, prosperity, and harmony. Nature scenes, for example, can be very calming.
Avoiding disturbing imagery: Violent or negative imagery can disrupt the room's energy balance.
Vastu symbols: Icons like the swastika or Shree Yantra can be placed to enhance prosperity and positivity. They should ideally be positioned in the north or northeast direction.

6. Entrance to the living room
Welcoming entrance: A clutter-free entryway ensures that positive energy flows unobstructed.
Entrance door placement: An entrance door, ideally placed in the north or east direction, ensures the inflow of positive energies.
Positive elements: Incorporating designs like rangoli or motifs at the doorstep act as enhancers of positivity, welcoming good vibes.

Benefits of directional arrangement in harnessing positive energy
By aligning our living spaces with Vastu's principles, several benefits are to be reaped:

Enhanced well-being: Proper direction ensures that positive energies circulate freely in the house, leading to better mental and physical health.

Improved relationships: The living room is where families converge. A positively charged living room fosters understanding, love, and unity among family members.

Financial growth: A north-facing living room, as mentioned, attracts wealth and opportunities.

Spiritual progress: Especially with a living room in the northeast, residents find it easier to meditate, reflect, and embark on spiritual journeys.

General positivity: Aligning the living room, according to Vastu, ensures a flow of positive vibes, bringing happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Avoiding the southwest direction for main seating
The southwest direction is ruled by Rahu and is associated with the earth element. In Vastu Shastra, this direction is believed to be a repository of negative energies, where the weight and heaviness in a house reside. While it's recommended to have heavier furniture in the master bedroom in this direction to balance its energy, it's advised against using it for the main seating in the living room.

Seating arrangements: Fostering harmony through thoughtful placement

1. Placing heavy furniture in the west or southwest direction

According to Vastu, the southwest direction is associated with the earth element and represents stability, strength, and heaviness. Placing heavy furniture in this area provides an anchoring effect, grounding the energies of the living room.

The west direction is ruled by the planet Saturn and associated with discipline and systematisation. Substantial furniture pieces here can imbue the room with an air of structure and organisation.

Benefits:
Stability and grounding: Heavier furniture in these directions anchors the energy, making inhabitants feel more grounded and stable.
Balancing energies: It helps neutralise negative points that might accumulate in these zones, ensuring harmony and balance in the living space.

2. Proper placement of the main sofa and guest seating
The main sofa, often the largest seating arrangement in a living room, should ideally be placed against a west or southwest wall. This ensures that the person sitting faces either north or east, directions considered beneficial for communication and relationships.

Benefits:

Positive conversations: Facing north or east promotes open, positive, and fruitful discussions.