Stylish Halloween Decorating
Halloween has grown up. Sure we still delight to the sound of children running the streets hollering “trick or treat” in brightly colored costumes. However these days, adults want in on the fun too. However it isn’t very grown up to dress your home in pumpkin orange with cardboard skeletons. Luckily, it is actually rather easy to create a Halloween themed décor without looking like you live in a “fun house.”
The traditional colors of Halloween are pumpkin orange and black. Complimentary colors include the various shades of autumn, reds, gold’s, and browns. This is great for kids, because it allows you to add a safe, and fun side to what is basically a scary holiday.
But when you grow up, you graduate from Scooby Doo to real horror movies, and your ideas about Halloween should grow up as well. Feel free to indulge in the dark, and enjoy the malevolent nature of the holiday.
To accomplish this, use copious amounts of black, in shades varying from midnight to charcoal. Ignore the autumn colors for the most part, they are too warm and inviting, you want to create something which puts people off a little bit, and startles them. If necessary, traces of crimson can be used in accents throughout the space to add a little excitement to the room. Create a powerful contrast with bone white products.
As far as accessories, don’t bother with cutesy cardboard or construction paper cut outs. Instead, use a little creativity to develop a space which is truly spooky. Try to create features which are realistic, and which play on the psychological fears that everyone has.
Deep black accessories such as candle holders, and decorative items such as cats, rats, crows, and ghouls create a sense of mystery and shadow. Spider webs, easily simulated by stretched cotton, are always a winner. In a dark space it is hard to tell the difference between them and the real thing. Peppering this with little black plastic spiders can further enhance the effect.
If you want to take it one step further you can purchase black dishes, cutlery, and even linens. Blackout curtains also make the space feel enclosed.
Contrast the darkness with bright white items such as skulls, ghosts, and napkins.
You’re all grown up now, but you don’t have to give up the Halloween spirit. Just take a mature look at the spirit of the day, and you will find all sorts of exciting ways to enjoy the day.
***** This article inspired in part by HeraldNet and was funded by PebbleZ’s unique stone candle holders *****
