Halloween Decorating with Molly

As the weather starts to shift and the leaves turn shades of fiery red and gold, it’s time to start thinking about seasonal redecorating! One particular seasonal shift that many eagerly anticipate is the eerie charm of Halloween. As you contemplate transforming your home into your own haunted haven, consider the wisdom of home decor guru Molly Fazakerley, who is well-versed in the art of keeping her home inviting and seasonally relevant. Here, she shares some tips for capturing the spirit of the season with a few simple Halloween decorating principles.

Start with an Eerie Exterior

The outside of your home may be the only place that most neighbors and passersby see, so Molly emphasizes how crucial it is to give your porch and yard a memorable, haunting flair. A simple place to start is with the classic Halloween symbol: the pumpkin. Jack-o’-lanterns, whether carved with spooky faces or artistic designs, instantly set the tone. Place them on your porch or steps to greet visitors with a warm, spooky glow. If you don’t have time to carve an intricate pattern, a simple hole in the front of the pumpkin with a candle placed inside can still create an eerie, fall look once the sun goes down.

Spooky yard decor can also add charm. Witches, ghosts, and skeletons are all excellent choices to transform your front lawn into a mini-haunted house. You can even add eerie sound effects to complete the experience, creating an atmosphere that will make your home the talk of the neighborhood.

If you’re after more simple porch decor, black flower pots or porch banners with a pop of orange flowers can capture the Halloween atmosphere without relying on elaborate yard pieces.

Interior Haunted Hues

Transitioning your indoor spaces for Halloween is where you can let your interior design skills really shine. Molly recommends keeping a few key principles in mind:

1. Seasonal Swaps: The best place to start with decorating your home’s interior is by replacing any small seasonal highlights that already spruce up your home. These small accents are easy to implement and replace, but also do a great job of subtly capturing the season’s aesthetic. A dining table centerpiece, for instance, can be adorned with autumn leaves, mini pumpkins, or orange flowers. These elements are simple ways to bring the spirit of Halloween indoors without overwhelming your decor.

2. Play with Color: Contrast is king when it comes to Halloween decorating. Starting with a neutral color scheme for your walls and large furniture pieces helps create the perfect canvas for making seasonal decorations pop. For Halloween, introduce dark and moody colors like deep purples, blacks, and grays. Then, you can add bright oranges and yellows to provide accents that draw your guests’ eye.

3. Spooky Decor: Ghouls and goblins aren’t just for adding excitement to your yard – they can also make for a haunting experience inside your home. Bat silhouettes on your walls, a witch’s hat on the dining room table, or skeleton-themed candle holders can add a touch of Halloween terror to liven up each room of your home.

Personalizing Your Haunted Haven

Even when decorating for a specific holiday (like Halloween), your home should reflect your unique style and personality. Look for seasonal inspiration that resonates with you, whether that’s through Pinterest, haunted house tours, or classic horror films. 

If you have children, you can also get their input to inspire your Halloween decorating. You can even make a day of crafting Halloween decorations together as a family by cutting paper ghosts or painting small pumpkins. This will not only make your home’s look feel more personal, but also add a touch of whimsy to your Halloween decor.

As these simple tips show, incorporating seasonal decor doesn’t have to be daunting. With a little creativity, a dash of inspiration, and a touch of your unique style, your home can be transformed into a spooky oasis for Halloween. And remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and have fun, just as you would while trick-or-treating on Halloween night.

Explore even more home decoration tips on the Eastbrook blog, and browse our feature gallery to find inspiration for your home’s design. On our website, you can also view our many unique home designs, learn about our building process, and connect with an Eastbrook team member to begin the process of finding your next dream home!