Secret Symbols In Your Home
How to create a deeper richness to your space through symbols.
Symbolism is a powerful tool that enriches communication by conveying deeper meanings through drawings, words, shapes, and actions. Through drawings, symbols can capture complex ideas, emotions, and stories in a visual format that transcends language barriers. For example, a heart shape universally represents love and affection, while a dove symbolizes peace. Words, when used symbolically, can evoke rich imagery and profound concepts; think of phrases like “a storm is brewing” to symbolize impending trouble or change. Shapes also play an important role in symbolism—circles can represent unity and infinity, squares can denote stability and order, and triangles can stand for balance and direction.
Bringing symbolic elements into your home can significantly enhance the emotional and aesthetic atmosphere, creating a space that is not only beautiful but also meaningful. Symbols have the power to convey deeper meanings and values, infusing everyday objects and décor with personal significance. Imagine walking into a friends home that has a cross on the wall, that would instantly create a certain feeling and speak for that family’s values. Elements like the tree of life can symbolize growth, strength, and family roots, reminding families of their heritage and aspirations.
Using shapes and colors symbolically can also influence the mood and energy of your home. Circles can represent unity and wholeness, promoting a sense of harmony and balance. Meanwhile, the use of calming colors like blue and green can symbolize peace and tranquility, creating a serene atmosphere in rooms meant for relaxation.
Additionally, words and phrases displayed as art can serve as daily affirmations or reminders of important values. Inspirational quotes or words can provide motivation and positivity, guiding the mindset of those who live there.
Symbolism in the home goes beyond aesthetics; it creates an environment that reflects and reinforces the values, beliefs, and aspirations of its occupants. By thoughtfully integrating symbols into your home, you can create a space that is deeply personal and inspiring, providing daily reminders of what is important in life.
Below are 11 ideas of how to incorporate symbols into your home in both hidden and obvious ways.
Door Knockers and Handles: Choose door hardware with symbolic designs. A lion head door knocker, for example, can symbolize strength and protection. A lion outside the home is thought to chase away evil spirits and the knocking sound amplifies this.
Behind the Walls: If you are building or renovating a space and have some access to the inner wall or perhaps below a floor board. Add something symbolic. That could be a drawing, a special stone, a small statue, a feather, and so on.
In Artwork: Choose artwork or paintings that contain symbols of significance to you. These symbols could be hidden within the composition or obvious. This can also be integrated through wallpapers, stencils, or decals.
In Furniture Design: Incorporate symbols into the design of furniture pieces in your home. This could include carving or etching symbols into the woodwork or upholstery of chairs, tables, or cabinets. For a more subtle approach, consider using hardware or accents with symbolic designs.
Hidden Sigils: Drawing sigils on the wall before painting can infuse your home with personal significance and positive energy. Sigils, created with specific intentions such as protection, love, or prosperity, act as unseen reminders of your goals and desires. This mindful practice enhances your connection to the space. Even though the sigils will be hidden under paint, knowing they are there adds depth and richness. For those following a spiritual or magical tradition, this ritual aligns with their beliefs and integrates them into daily life. Designing and drawing sigils is deeply personal and your home will reflect your inner world. Simply create your sigil, follow your instincts as you draw it on the wall and then paint over it. This process charges your home or room with personal meaning and positive energy.
In Architecture: If you're building or renovating your home, consider incorporating hidden symbols into the architecture or design. This could include using symbolic patterns in tile work, stained glass windows, or archways.
In Textiles and Fabric: Choose textiles and fabrics for your home that contain hidden symbols or motifs. Look for patterns or designs that have symbolic significance to you, such as a geometric pattern or traditional textile designs from your cultural heritage.
House Numbers and Address Plates: Use symbols in your house number or address plate design. This small touch can personalize the exterior of your home.
Flooring Inlays: A popular place for sacred symbolism is the floor. You often see this in cathedrals and stately homes. Incorporate symbols into your flooring, such as a compass rose in the entryway, a geometric p
attern in the dining room, or a word of meaning in the bathroom tile. This can be done with different types of wood, tiles, or even paint.
In Functional Objects: Incorporate hidden symbols into everyday functional objects throughout your home. This could include engraved symbols on door handles, drawer pulls, or key holders, or using custom-designed hardware with symbolic motifs.
A Blessing: Like number 5 and the sigils behind the paint. You can do the same with a prayer or blessing for your home or family. Write it on the wall and paint over.
-amanda