PRIMP IT
Go spooky - yet stylish
October 27, 2009
Jennifer Wilson-Speedy
YOURHOME.CA EDITOR
Halloween decor doesn't need to be goofy bats and grinning pumpkins. It's easy to create a spooky yet stylish look by repurposing pieces from around your home.
For a vampire vibe, cluster black and red items like candleholders, vases and bowls – extra points for goblets. Toss in a framed copy of a vintage vampire flick poster and some flickering candles to complete the look. Try making "bleeding" candles by dripping red wax on standard white tapers, a trick from the Young House Love blog (www.younghouselove.com).
To get the mad scientist look, display "artifacts" such as shells, mounted bugs or other curiosities on a cake stand or hurricane glass. Pull out beakers and vials from your old science kit. Stack dusty-looking books with creepy names nearby. Fill a martini glass with marbles or glass bead for a creepy eyeball look as your finishing touch.
If you do decide to add a few new purchases to the mix, look for gothic-inspired pieces such as a cast iron or glossy black candelabra, which can do double decorating duty for fall. Hot Halloween-only picks this season include faux crows and glittery skulls.
Read more from Jennifer in the Yourhome Editor's blog.
Toronto Star