Philosophical Furnishings Vastu Offers Modern Furniture With Design Based on Environmental Ideas by Lisa Carroll Move over Feng Shui. Vastu may be coming to a home near you. In addition to being a trendy furniture store in Washington, D.C., Vastu is also a home design philosophy based on using the "Earthís elements, colors, spatial relationships and textures to enhance and promote the well being and welfare of the inhabitants and guests of that environment," according to Vastuís Web site. The store, located on 14th Street, offers many pieces of modern furniture and accessories that help maximize the Vastu philosophy. Eric Kole and Jason Claire, who opened Vastu in April 2003, decided on the 14th Street location because of its energy and newfound revitalization. "So far itís just going phenomenally well," Claire said. The store has a funky feel with colorful furniture dressing up the concrete floor and light green walls. Although the space itself is rather small, the numerous pieces of furniture and accessories make the store feel much larger because it takes a while to inspect all of the curious items. Most of the products are modern but unpretentious, with the store divided into several "vignette s" that make visitors feel welcome. In addition to promoting its Sanskrit philosophy, Vastu has become popular in the diplomatic community for its eclectic furnishings. Claire said the store tries to appeal to different market segments and that the diverse product line has attracted many in the international community. "A lot of our furniture comes from the United States, but is inspired by European and South American design," Claire said, noting that the store also carries a major furniture line from Brazil and an accessory line from London, as well as some products from Italy. "We appeal to that audience in terms of where our products are made and in terms of how they function and what they look like." Vastu also has an art director who rents a studio below that features various works from local and national artists. The studio runs independently of the store, but Vastu does represent several of the artists featured in the gallery. Currently, the works of Wisconsin-based Brian Jeffrey and Jeff Schaller (featured on the television show "Friends") will be on view until Oct. 19. In addition, the store holds art receptions to coincide with the exhibitions that rotate every two to three months in the studio. "As a furniture store, you can either cover the walls with mirrors and things that you might sell like that. You could buy art, but then you have the problem of the place always looking the same," Claire said. "We came up with the idea of having shows Ö and every time we rotate the art, the store takes on a new appearance." One of the most popular lines in the store is by Steven Anthony Inc., which specializes in upholstery designs. Several styles, lengths and fabrics, with almost every color imaginable, are available. The modern pieces are not just pleasing to the eye but are also comfortable, and the chairs and sofas come in a range of shapes and sizes that can match any home. One particularly stunning piece in the store is a rosewood and burl elm cabinet that costs $3,600. For those coming to Vastu looking for a less costly item to take home, the store features various offbeat accessories, including colored martini glasses that feature a glass-ball bottom. The glasses, which are used by the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, cost around $13 each. Home dÈcor enthusiasts will also find bowls made of old records, as well as bright, funky vases, oddly shaped candleholders, and lamps of various shapes, sizes and colors. Vastu relies on about 110 vendors, so the store contains something for just about anyone. As far as future ventures, Claire said there has been a boom in the interior design consulting service that the store offers. He said Vastu plans to hire more designers and do more advertising for its consulting service, which up until now has relied mostly on word of mouth. The store is also looking into the possibility of expanding into other cities or Washington neighborhoods, and possibly doing some of its own manufacturing in South America or East Asia. Vastu is located at 1829 14th St., NW. For more information, please call (202) 234-8344 or visit www.vastudc.com. Lisa Carroll is an editorial intern for The Washington Diplomat.