RITU BALA ASTROLOGY BLOG ON "VASTU"

In small homes it often becomes difficult to keep things as per vastu rules and also in a tidy way.A small space can give a cozy feel but it can create a problem if it is cluttered with too much stuff.Many people who live in small houses or apartments face such problems due to cluttered space. Here are some easy-to-do tips which will make your space clean, clutter free and organized manner and also apply the vastu principles.

1. Clear all clutter in the room.A small space looks untidy if cluttered with lots of things. To make the room organized clear unnecessary stuff from small space. Place all essential articles on shelves and find out ways to get the stuff organized behind doors, table skirts. When the things are neatly arranged and out of sight, the small space will look orderly and more open. Trust me, a shelve with one showpiece can some time look a lot better than ten showpieces on it.But keep in mind that these shelves should not be in north east of your room.

2. Organize furniture properly.It’s uncomfortable to live in room where articles of furniture are unorganized. Slim rockers, open back chairs or love seat sofas rather than large furniture tend to save the space. While arranging furniture, place taller furnishings at the end of the room opposite its entrance. Before you place or buy furnishings, keep in mind the size of your rooms also. For spacious feel, utilize the furniture that has matching colors with the color of walls. There should be balance of dark and light shades to create a positive energy.

3. Use multipurpose furniture.To make small space cozy and enjoy the feel of big space, utilize multipurpose furniture like ottomans and folding items. Ottomans are very useful for small spaces because they are used as table or as foot rest and can easily be moved around the room. Futons and sofa beds are space saver as they can be converted into bed whenever needed. Use folding tables or folding sofas to provide space for dining. A small dresser or chest beside bed can be used to keep jewelry, books and other small things and to save the space.bed should be in south west of your room.

4. Make use of light colors.Light colors give spacious feel rather than dark or warm colors like blue, green and mauve, pinks and yellow do. Pick out white and cream to maximize the sense of space. For stunning effects, utilize varying tones of same colors for upholstered fabrics, textured wall finishes etc. Interior designers recommend that dark color furniture and accessories make the space look dramatic and maximize the neutral white also. You can select such shades of colors on walls as are relaxing at night and cheer up the mood during day.

5. Opt for natural or artificial lighting.Lighting plays major role in maximizing the space of your room/home. You can opt for natural or artificial lighting to make your room look larger. Open outside windows to let natural light enter your room. Track or recessed lighting can be used to make small space look bigger. To reflect light and maximize the feel of space, you can make use of a large frame mirror on a wall or stand a large frame mirror against the wall. Accent and fluorescent lighting are used to create soothing and refreshing atmosphere in the room. But before placing the mirror do see that which part or what items are being reflected in the mirror. A bed should not reflect in the mirror otherwise it will bring illness.

6. Use plain upholstery & light fabrics as they grab everyone’s attention. Make use of upholstery of plain color for furniture instead of dark colors, bold plaids or stripes to save the space. To create interest and stick to neutral tones, make use of textures. Apply soft floral vines or simple stripes to keep the space look simple. Usually yellow and white colors are good for everyone but before using other colors do see that they are suiting and are beneficial for all the family members or not. As colors play a vital role in your home. For colors read my other articles in my blog and website www.ritubalaastrology.com.

7. Fix large drawers & cabinets. Drawers and cabinets are very useful to store lots of things and make space clutter free. Large drawers built in bed are very useful for storage of things. You can use the space beneath bed with separate wheeled drawers that can be pushed under and pulled out. Provide high level cabinets to store the articles used occasionally. Use separate cabinets for hanging clothes and store other items. Recessed open shelves can be made into walls for placing colorful items without taking extra space.
try not to have any shelf in the north east direction.

8. Fix practical worktops. Good worktops provide ease at work besides saving the space. Utilize a ridge up on the top of your stove to put small items like spices and tiny objects that usually hang about on counter top in the kitchen. To make working comfortable, ensure that the levels of worktops and sinks are adjusted to suit your height. Keep shelves clean and sleek and avoid unnecessary old fashion decoration. Make an acrylic sheet or marble stone corner under open space in kitchen to store detergents etc.
avoid black marble in the kitchen.

9. Utilize rod for clothes and bedding.Rods are better option for hanging clothes and bedding’s because your closets don’t have extra space for them. This will save the space of another closet in your room.

10. Apply more space saving tips if you can.There are some more things that you can do to save the space and make your room clutter free. For example install sliding doors instead of hinged doors. Place furniture items at an angle with wall since they help in making room look bigger. Television should be mounted on wall to save the space. The color of curtains or blinds is similar to the color of walls. Utilize light colors for floors of small bedroom to make it spacious. try to keep things covered, as they then do not make a poison arrow.

But while applying all these tips you must keep in mind the directional vastu in your mind. Like, water items should be kept in north direction only whether it is of house or room. similarly fire or eclectic items should be kept in south east directions preferably.
For more details and help contact me at www.ritubalaastrology.com or www.astrofutureinsight.com

Ritu Bala
Online astrologer and Vastu consultant.