The kitchen is one of most important rooms in house, because the quality of health and vitality produced by the cooks of the kitchen affects all the inhabitants of the house. The ancient Indian architectural science of Vastu determines optimal guidelines for kitchen design such as its location within the house, the placement of kitchen amenities, the placement of various items within the pantry, and the color of the walls and floor.
The best location for the kitchen is in the southeast portion of house, which is ruled by the demigod Agni. The kitchen is characterized by the constant interaction of fire and water, fire is the active principle. The second best location for the kitchen is northwest portion of the house. The kitchen should never located in the north, southwest, south, or central section of the house. It is not to be located beneath bedrooms or toilets. When the kitchen is auspiciously placed, the intense use of the fire element bestows health and prosperity upon the inhabitants.
The stove is best positioned in the southeast. It should never directly touch any wall. The distance between the stove and the wall should be at least 3.5 inches. The electrical appliances should be placed next to the stove on the southernmost wall. The most auspicious direction to face while cooking is east. The second best direction to face is south, it is recommeded not to face north or west. The open area above the stove is auspicious. An extractor hood above the stove disturbs the subtle flow and circulation of the fiery energy required for auspicious cooking. Sufficient ventilation may be accomplished with a window or extractor hole with a fan.
The sink is well situated in the northeast, which is the best direction for any type of water container. The refrigerator is to be placed in the northwest, avoid placing it in the northeast. If the refrigerator must be in the southwest, keep it one foot off of the wall, otherwise it creates inauspiciousness. Grains, seasonings, spices, herbs, and other similar items should be stored in the south and the west. The kitchen table should be positioned on west wall.
The kitchen windows should be located in the east and/or the west. Windows placed on opposite walls are ideal for air circulation. An auspicious entrance to the kitchen is placed in the east, north, or west. A gas cooker should not directly face the kitchen entrance.
Water should be stored at floor level in the east or the north. It should not be stored at higher levels. The colors of the kitchen walls and floor should not be white or black, but rather yellow, orange, brown, or red. Waste water should flow from the kitchen to a lower position towards the north or east. It should never flow towards the southeast, south, or west.
Adherence to these guidelines will result in auspicious, life-enhancing energy, and provide health and wellness for all inhabitants of the household.