Pagan Interior Decorating

Colors Create the Background for this Unique Décor

Feb 9, 2009 Jill Stefko

Plants, crystals and other natural objects, fountains, Pagan art and tools, aquariums, wall hangings and other items create the desired emotional environment.

Pagans respect and love nature. They believe that all, living or inanimate, are manifestations of the Supreme One, are connected and, as such, are to be respected. While décor brings the magick of nature inside, colors and accessories enhance it, according to seasons and desires, either in the total dwelling or individual rooms.

Colors

Individuals are affected by colors and their varying hues and tints. Warm colors, red, orange and yellow impart energy and vitality; cool colors, violet, blue and green, a calming and soothing influence. Neutral colors, browns and greys, are relaxing or boring depending upon one’s perception. Dark colors of any hue make rooms seem smaller; light ones, larger. Mirrors can, psychologically, expand the size of rooms.

Colors’ influence and symbolism in décor are:

Violet: sensitivity, intuition, understanding, psychicism
Blue: tranquility, harmony, healing, peace, contentment
Green: security, abundance, serenity
Yellow: inspiration, happiness
Orange: same qualities in a lesser degree
Red: vitality, energy, activity
Pink: love
Brown: grounding
Grey: dullness
Black: depressing
White: lightness
Gold: richness

Some walls have neutral paint which is ideal for seasonal decorating with accessories and slipcovers. In addition to their symbolism, these colors have psychological effects.

Spring: pastel green, yellow and blue, pink, lavender
Summer: Rich green, blue, green, violet, yellow and all cool colors
Autumn: orange, brown, russet, maroon, yellow, gold
Winter: red, green and all bright colors

Bringing Nature Indoors

Plants, fountains, seashells, nuts, feathers, crystals, pine cones and sweet gumballs are ideal for this. Fresh and salt water aquariums are soothing and add tranquility. Birds and small mammals in caged homes and terrariums with reptiles and amphibians are interesting additions. When people decorate with living things, these should be researched for their needs, symbolism and toxicity if plants are used and must be sure they have the time, responsibility and energy to give proper attention and care to the floras’ and faunas’ individual needs.

Some people’s homes aren’t suitable to growing plants. Dried flowers and silk plants, which range from small plants to trees, are excellent substitutions.

Herbs, and some flowers, such as Queen Anne’s lace, goldenrod and straw flowers can be dried.

Tie small clusters of the plants with dental floss or thread and hang upside down from clothes hangers to give them space in a dry place until they are dried. The herbs, hung from ceilings or walls, are a delightful touch to the kitchen.

Paintings, photographs, screensavers and pseudo-aquariums with animated fish, lava lights and animated nature scenes add to the environment one seeks to achieve.

A Miscellany

Figurines of deities and symbolic animals, faux fur as rugs and furniture covers, cauldrons, besoms (brooms), athames and bolines (knives), swords, chalices and other Pagan tools are pleasant additions to the décor. Incense in their burners, pot-pourri and candles with their symbolic aromas enhance the desired effects. Shamanic art, such as dream catchers, wind chimes and taped sounds of nature are other ideas for the Pagan home. Colored lighting creates different feelings.

Fireplaces, with logs aflame, are used in Fire Festivals and are welcome additions to Pagan dwellings. People who have no hearths can buy electric stoves that resemble small hearths and full-sized fireplaces as substitutes.

Décor is limited by finances, space, environment and time to care for living things, but creativity and imagination can release people from these limitations.

Pagan Indoor Garden

Sources:

Complete Home Decorating, Connie Dodds Devitt, Ed, (Galahad Books, 1978)

The Magical Household, Scott Cunningham and David Harrington, (Llewellyn Publications, 1996)

Psycho-Decorating, M. H. Harmon, (Wyden Books, 1977)

The copyright of the article Pagan Interior Decorating in Paganism/Wicca is owned by Jill Stefko . Permission to republish Pagan Interior Decorating in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.