The Chinese believe that the turtle has the secret of heaven and of earth within its body because its back symbolizes Heaven and that its underside represents Earth. They love turtles and it is a great Feng Shui symbol of prosperity.

The turtle  is also associated with longevity and wisdom. Incredibly, sea turtles have existed on earth longer than any other vertebrate animal — they were here when dinosaurs evolved and became extinct, and they survived the Ice Age.

The turtle’s whole life is one of steadfastness, effort, and patience. It lives a slow and steady life of “non-doing.” There is a saying, “Home is where the heart is” — the turtle is always at home within itself.

I don’t advocate the killing of turtles for their shells. My grand father who is now 89 years old was a fisherman all his life and tought us to love and respect this beautiful creatures from the sea and earth... He ones made a guitar out of a giant turtle shell he found, which is still in my Grand parents living room in Martinique. I was surprised to actually find one just alike.

In design, which is my passion, I noticed more and more turtle lovers who surround themselves with turtle shells or representations of turtles.

Above is a beautiful warm bedroom decor where a large turtle shell is mounted on a metal stand. Note how the visual weight of it balances the large lamp.- Source NIBS

Susan Chevalier renovated her Venice, Calif., bungalow to make entertaining as easy as a day at the beach. Quirky mementos from Susan's travels include a tortoise shell given to her by a fisherman on Mustique that rests on an antique director's chair outside the sunroom - Country Living

Here is a fabulous design at La Marea restaurant at Miami's Tides South Beach hotel, decorated by Kelly Wearstler with antique tortoise shells. Kelly is a bold trend setter and a lover of all natures beauty. Source Vogue

Look at this beautiful turtle shell from Horchow , handcrafted of composites with a hand-painted antique burnished silver-leaf finish. Great way to showcase your love of turtles without going for the real shell.

I also love the look of the porcelain turtle lamps by Jonathan Adler. A great way to make your interior chic and fun at the same time!

Which one of these turtles do you like best? Would you use turtle shells in your home?

I look forward to your comments on my blog!

For more information on interior design and Feng Shui, email me at marie@marieburgosdesign.com and visit www.marieburgosdesign.com