One of the most popular blog posts on my site is on the topic of decorating for Halloween all year long. Written three years ago, in 2013, most of the ideas are timeless so I thought it might be an appropriate time to share it again. Read on to see how I might update the ideas for today’s trends.
Halloween decorating all year round? But I don’t want to look at witches and pumpkins in the middle of summer and I certainly don’t want ghosties and goblins surrounding my Christmas tree. Relax! I have found items that certainly celebrate the Halloween holiday (even if in name only) but don’t really have anything to do with the celebration. Don’t believe me? Check it out—–
I see dead chairs. Ever heard of the “ghost chair”? (Insert scary laugh and maybe a high-pitched scream) This acrylic chair is appropriately named as it is see-through and is one of my favorites. In fact, I use this chair as a desk chair in my home office as it is surprisingly comfortable and very sturdy. Can you even spot them in the photo below? Now you can have ghosts in your house all year long and no one will ever know.
On to something many of you may appreciate even more than the ghost chair–vodka! The makers of the highly prized Crystal Head Vodka skull bottle hit the jackpot with this design. I didn’t know it was designed by Dan Ackroyd, did you? Anyway, no well-stocked bar is complete without this scary skull, especially during Halloween, but it looks pretty cool all year long. Check out this site and you might get lucky and find a “rehab” bottle turned into a vase or candy dish.
Pumpkins and gourds are harvested during the autumn season and so, are naturally, a Halloween tradition. But these blown glass gourds and pumpkins are way too beautiful to be hidden in storage after the festivities are over. Chef and styling extraordinaire, Lisa Leonard, supplied us with this gorgeous photo and she keeps her own collection on the kitchen counter year round.
Skulls have made their way into the mainstream of interior design and can be found on fabrics, in artwork and wallpaper. Designs range from the whimsical
to the elegant
to childlike and everything in between. One might say there is a skull for every season (or not).
And owls. How could we not include the ubiquitous owl? While not exactly a Halloween motif they do seem to make an appearance this time of year. Regardless of whether you prefer something whimsical or realistic, they are definitely a year round accessory. I have this little owl pillow in my living room and I love seeing the shine and sparkle every single day.
And we mustn’t forget the worst creepy crawlie of all…spiders! This adorable burlap lampshade with a spider motif would delight the budding scientist in your family.
Do you believe me now? These beautiful items will add a designer look to your home and do not have to be hidden away after the holiday, but rather, enjoyed year round.
Update-September 2016
What is it about skulls? They continue to make an appearance in home decor but I am here to tell you that they are not in my home. However, I can appreciate a good design so here are some of my favorites:
This chair is just so cool…I might consider it in a teenager’s room.
By Geoffrey Bradfield for Kyle Bunting
While not for my home, this skull artwork showcases artist Ali Gulec‘s talent
The ghost chair has multiplied and morphed into pretty much any item of furniture you need as evidenced by the set of nesting tables in the room above. Console tables, benches and occasional tables are all now made in this ghostly material and available in all price ranges. Check out affordable sources like CB2, All Modern, DWR or even Neiman Marcus.
So how do you decorate for Halloween all year long?
Empty Nest Remodelers 