Vastu Shastra · Home
The kitchen is the home’s Agni—it fuels health, mood, and prosperity. Classical Vastu favors the South-East for cooking (with the cook facing East), while North-West is a reliable alternative. This guide blends ancient wisdom with modern layouts, appliances, and safety codes.
1) Best Direction & Zoning
- Primary Zone: South-East (Agneya) is the ideal direction, as it is ruled by the fire element.
- Secondary Zone: North-West is the next best alternative.
- Keep North-East Light: The NE corner of the kitchen must be kept clean, light, and uncluttered. Use it for a water pot, RO filter, or a basket of fruits. Avoid placing heavy appliances or the dustbin here.
- Avoid South-West: Avoid having the main kitchen in the SW. If unavoidable, place heavy storage on the S/W walls and keep the N/E corner of the room as bright and open as possible.
2) Layout: Work-Triangle & Counters
- Work-Triangle: The placement of the Stove, Sink, and Fridge should form an efficient triangle. Keep the distance between each point balanced (each leg 1.2–2.5 m; total perimeter 4–7 m).
- Fire–Water Buffer: Crucially, maintain 45–90 cm of neutral counter space between the stove (fire) and the sink/dishwasher (water). Never place them directly adjacent.
- Island Tips: A kitchen island should facilitate flow, not block it. It is best used for prep. Placing a stove on an island is acceptable only if you have a powerful, properly ducted overhead chimney.
- Dining Area: Ideally, the dining area should be in the West, East, or North, adjacent to the kitchen for convenience. Avoid placing the main dining table in a dark South-West corner.
3) Placement of Stove, Sink, Fridge & Appliances
| Element | Preferred Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stove / Oven | South-East counter; cook must face East | Keep well-separated from sink; ensure good ventilation |
| Sink / RO / Dishwasher | North or North-East counter run | Ensure plumbing is sound with no leaks, especially in NE |
| Fridge / Pantry | South, West, or South-West walls | Allows for heavy units without blocking positive energies |
| Microwave / OTG | East or South counters (not NE) | Vent safely; avoid stacking directly over the sink |
| Chimney / Hood | Directly above the stove with proper ducting | Exhaust should vent outside the house; clean filters regularly |
| Electrical Panel / Switches | On the South-East wall | Keep accessible and clearly labeled |
| Windows | East and/or North walls | Provides beneficial morning light and cross-ventilation |
4) Colors, Materials, Lighting & Ventilation
- SE Kitchens: Warm whites, light ochres, beige, sand. Avoid excessive red, which can amplify fire energy, and avoid black or dark blue.
- Cabinetry: Place heavier storage units on the South and West walls. Lighter or open shelves can be placed on the North and East walls.
- Countertops: Natural stone like quartz or granite is excellent. Light colors are preferred for NE counters, while warmer tones work elsewhere. -
- Lighting: Bright, shadow-free task lighting is essential over prep areas. Use warm ambient lighting for the overall space.
- Ventilation: A ducted chimney is non-negotiable for modern kitchens. Cross-ventilation from windows is also highly beneficial.
5) Apartment/Rental Remedies
- If the kitchen isn’t in SE/NW: place the stove on the SE side of the existing room and the sink on the N/NE side to mimic the correct elemental placement.
- Use color zoning: introduce warm, earthy tones near the stove and light, fresh colors (white, soft green) near the NE sink area.
- For tight galley kitchens where separation is hard, ensure the NE counter segment is always kept spotlessly clean, light, and used only for water-related tasks.
6) Hygiene & Safety (Modern Codes)
- Install and regularly test smoke and CO detectors. Keep a small Class K (for grease fires) or a multi-purpose fire extinguisher easily accessible.
- Service gas lines professionally. Ensure plumbing is drip-free—leaks in the NE are a significant Vastu defect.
- Maintain grease hygiene: wipe the backsplash daily, clean hood filters monthly, and store cooking oils away from the stove's heat.
Non-Negotiable: Vastu principles should complement, never compromise, local building, fire, and electrical safety codes.
7) Quick Zone Map
| Zone | Best Uses | Avoid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| South-East (Agni) | Stove/oven, electricals | Primary sink, dustbin | Cook must face East |
| North-East | Water source (sink/RO), fruits | Stove, heavy cabinets, clutter | Keep bright, clean, and light |
| South/West | Fridge, pantry, tall storage | Blocking windows, main sink | Ideal for heavy, stable units |
| North/East Walls | Windows, prep areas, light shelves | Greasy appliances, heavy storage | Maximize natural daylight |
| Center | Open circulation / prep island | Obstructions, storage clutter | Maintain safe clearances |
Printable Checklist
- ✔ Kitchen located in SE (or NW) of the home.
- ✔ Stove in the SE corner of the kitchen; cook faces East.
- ✔ Sink/RO in the N/NE corner; no leaks.
- ✔ A clear buffer of counter space separates the sink and stove.
- ✔ Fridge and heavy pantry storage are on S/W walls.
- ✔ NE corner is light, clean, and free of heavy appliances.
- ✔ Fire extinguisher, smoke/CO alarms are installed and working.
- ✔ Excellent ventilation via a clean, ducted chimney.
FAQs
Which direction is best for the kitchen?
South-East (Agni corner) is ideal as it governs the fire element. North-West is a good alternative. In either case, place the stove so the cook faces East for health and prosperity.
How do I properly separate the stove and sink?
The sink (water) should be in the North or North-East section of the kitchen. Crucially, there must be a buffer of neutral counter space (at least 45-90 cm) between the stove (fire) and the sink to prevent a clash of elements.
What if my kitchen is in the North-East by default?
This is a significant Vastu dosha (defect). To mitigate, keep the kitchen impeccably clean, light, and clutter-free. Shift the active stove zone to the SE corner *of the room*, use light colors (yellows, whites), and place a Vastu remedy like a bowl of sea salt. Emphasize the water aspect in the NE—not heavy, greasy appliances.
What are the Vastu rules for an open-plan kitchen?
For open kitchens, visually demarcate the space with a different floor texture, a low partition, or an archway. Ensure the stove's fire element in the SE does not dominate the living area. Proper ventilation with a chimney is crucial to prevent cooking energy and smells from overwhelming the home.
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