Up the Luck in Your Home
No need to pillage the garden for shamrocks. These 10 good-luck totems and décor options may work like a charm
St. Patrick's Day naturally has me thinking about the luck of the Irish. I'm not one to burn sage in a new space before living there, nor am I about to go overboard with luck-totem purchases, but I can't help but think about how I can bring more blessings and positivity into my own home. So I did some digging and found a few manageable tweaks and additions.
1. Shamrock patterns. The four-leaf clover is famous for bringing good luck to the Irish. But who says you're just limited to one? Throw pillows and walls make perfect canvases for shamrock art. Create your own shamrock-filled space by using this DIY stencil pattern ...
... or replace the coffee table with a pair of upholstered, nail-trimmed four-leaf clover accent tables, like the ones in this shabby chic sunroom.
3. Lucky numbers. I've known people who have bought homes because of the house number's auspiciousness, and no number is believed to be as lucky universally as eight: There are eight days of Hannukah, Buddhism has the Eightfold Path, it's the atomic number of oxygen, and it's the sum of unmoving stars in the sky symbolizing a perfect alignment of planetary energy. Add up the house numbers in the picture above and you get lucky number eight.
4. Sapphire. The blue gem is said to protect its wearer from misfortunes, accidents, unexpected and natural calamities, and mental tensions — and what could be more agonizing than watching a televised game of your favorite team against their number-one rival in your media room? If you can't afford loose sapphire gems, experiment with sapphire paint. This otherwise neutral man cave is enveloped in a lovely sapphire blue, bringing elegance and richness (and hopefully luck) to a masculine space.
5. Koi fish. A koi pond on one's property is said to be one of the most powerful feng shui symbols of wealth and good fortune.
If a pond is simply not within your budget, paintings of koi swimming, like in this paperweight sink, can also bring luck, wealth and a happy marriage.
6. Dream catchers. The Native American dream catcher, said to have originated from the Sioux Nation, is believed to catch bad dreams in the house, leaving its inhabitants with a peaceful and calm mind. If hanging one over your bed doesn't mesh with your design style, consider dream catcher artwork or décor like this nautical window in blown glass in the design of a dream catcher.
7. Bamboo. Heralded as one of the luckiest feng shui symbols, the enduring and hydroponic bamboo plant brings peace and luck to any environment. Bamboo also doubles as a durable barrier and decorative plant in any Zen-inspired garden or walkway.
Hazelnut New Orleans Gold Coin Pillow
8. Gold coins. Don't we all wish we could have gold coins lying around the house to throw in the air for good luck? Never mind the fact that gold bullions and art are two of the most reliable financial investments you can make; apparently, a few gold coins that are either glued to a path leading to the front door, or placed around the door, invite wealth and abundance into the home or business. I wonder if a gold coin throw pillow on the entryway slipper chair would suffice for good luck?
9. Wishbones. Common lore has it that if two people tugging on a wishbone from a Thanksgiving turkey make a wish, after the wishbone breaks, the person with the bigger piece gets their wish granted. I hope that you all stick to actual turkey wishbones and stay clear of any tugging on these blue Hans Wegner midcentury wishbone chairs.
10. Elephants. The elephant totem is believed to be a harbinger of good luck, wisdom and strength in many cultures. Some think of the large creature as being one of the smartest animals on earth, and I have to agree. Elephants' average life span is 70 years, so they must be onto something. Wild, beautiful pachyderms are celebrated in this nursery's wall art ...
... and gilded in this elegant Hollywood Regency–inspired console vignette.
Houzzers, tell us: How have you invited luck and blessings into your home?
More:
Bringing Symbols of Luck Into Home Design
Guest Picks: Good Luck in the New Year
Easy DIY St. Patrick's Day Décor
Houzzers, tell us: How have you invited luck and blessings into your home?
More:
Bringing Symbols of Luck Into Home Design
Guest Picks: Good Luck in the New Year
Easy DIY St. Patrick's Day Décor