Sometimes I find that Halloween seasonal decor is a little bit too Halloweeny. Kitschy decor can be fun and if that’s your thing that’s OK-no judging here- but this post might not be for you. If on the other hand you like seasonal Halloween decor that’s chic not kitsch read on. I love Halloween, don’t get me wrong. I especially like seasonal decor that keeps us in touch with the changes in nature as we move through the year. It’s just that I think seasonal decor works best when it blends harmoniously with your existing decor. It should complement-not clash.
The problem is a lot of the decor available doesn’t really work with the colors that many of us have in our homes. I posted a Halloween decor post a few weeks ago with some great finds that are chic and easy to add this season. This post focuses on some of the challenges posed as we add seasonal decor and how to solve them. I’m not a matchy matchy person so I’m open to introducing more color for seasonal touches. It is more about incorporating new elements for the holidays without compromising the feel of your style. If you work hard to create a space you love you might think it is best left untouched. Because of this, some choose to forego incorporating seasonal decor altogether except for Christmas or Hanukkah. Others take on the task of making elaborate changes to their entire design scheme in the effort to make it all come together. It can be frustrating but here is the good news! It doesn’t have to be. Homes are ever changing and evolving things that adapt to the changes in our lives. That is as it should be.
There is a great way to add some seasonal elements that will easily complement your design aesthetic if you just apply a few rules. To that end, this post features some ideas and guidelines that can help you achieve seasonal infusion into your home without straying from your style. As a surface pattern designer, I am using some of my design work to demonstrate how this can work for any style.
Consider Color
Traditional Halloween colors are black and orange. If you have orange in your color scheme that is great. If you don’t, therein lies the rub. It is fine to omit orange from your seasonal decor. Black can ground any color scheme and add a bit of Halloween drama. Here are a couple of designs shown as table runners. These were inspired by autumn. For a more dramatic look I created these with Halloween in mind on a black background. These options that can work for either a traditional style (left) or a bit more modern and whimsical (right).
Another way to make color work in your favor is to select seasonal decor that limits the number of colors to those that are complimentary to your design scheme. Here is a design that I created in green and black as I channeled my love of Shakespeare’s way with words to capture the essence of the season. I work a lot with nature inspired furnishings too so green is one of my go to colors but it really could be done in any colors that you are drawn to. Here is an example of how you can incorporate Halloween decor without the traditional orange and black.
or some fun and whimsical cocktail napkins as shown below.
Pay Attention To Pattern
Do you have a lot of pattern in your existing furnishings? If so, you might want to keep your seasonal accents simple. If you don’t then you can add some fun with more pattern. Mine is somewhere in between. I have a lot of pattern going on in my vintage rugs but have very neutral furniture so pillows and tabletop decor I choose can be soft or bold but needs to be of a different scale than that of my rugs so that they don’t compete with each other. This is a photo of my rug paired with a neutral pillow in cream and gold of 3 pumpkin motifs. The motifs in the pillow are larger than the rug pattern. It is difficult to capture in the photo but the pillow also has some beading in gold that adds texture and it has a neutral color so it pairs well with the rug. I could have just as easily pulled one or two of the colors from the rug and chosen a different pattern in either a smaller or larger scale than the rug for a bolder look. I actually do that from time to time but that is another post.
Some easy tried and true rules for pattern can help you select table top decor and soft furnishings that will work well with your existing furnishings.
- Use the 60/30/10 rule for pattern selection. If you have one pattern as I do (the rug) that takes up 60% of your space choose one more pattern for 30%, and another for 10%. The most important thing to remember is that the scale of each of these needs to be different.
- Color can act as a bridge between the patterns. Again, in the example above, the rug has reds, blues, and various hues of beige and brown. Pulling those colors from the rug and repeating them in your seasonal decor is one way to ensure that you are maintaining the harmony of your style. A side note: Reds can be really beautiful when paired with oranges too. (see next section). Don’t be afraid to branch out on the color wheel as long as you use some restraint.
- If you prefer less pattern, choosing table top decor and soft furnishings with one simple motif can often be exactly the right touch too.
Look To Nature
Mother Nature doesn’t make mistakes. Look at what is outside your front door for inspiration. Bring a few twisted branches inside, add some faux leaves, or gather berries and pinecones to add to your existing vases or bowls for a nod to the season. This is one of the best ways to add seasonal decor that is authentic, natural, and chic.
The above wreath is a mix of faux and natural materials that was added to a lazy susan and used as a table centerpiece. The colors are muted, and work perfectly with the other natural surfaces.
Composition and Order
Most of the above images are from a friends collection of vintage handmade Halloween decor that she bought from various artisan shops mostly in Richmond, Va. when living back east. They are placed in groups on bookshelves. Priceless and a great way to showcase collections.
Know Your Style
I have learned to follow what speaks to me. Sometimes that is a really bold floral statement but just as often it is a simple motif that marks the season. What makes it work is authenticity. Designers can help guide you on your journey to avoid costly mistakes. A good designer will listen to you, learn what you love, and can help you select wisely. Ultimately though, it comes down to what feels right to you. Following your instincts will infuse your home with your own unique style.
My blog focuses on design and decor inspired by nature with original content and curated content from around the web. My own design work is featured routinely in the designer spotlight section of the blog and on my instagram page. All of the soft furnishing designs featured in this article are by Badalucco Design Studio, my design company, and can be purchased through Spoonflower.com. I am in the process of uploading designs so all may not yet be available. If you have questions or would like to know more about a specific design please contact me via inquiry through the contact page. Thank you for stopping by!