The Halloween and fall season is upon us, so I’ve assembled a few seasonal items to place around the house and get you in the mood. Decorating for your season — which is, without overdoing it — may be hard. How much is too much? I would advise that you set a background for the season using color, texture and disposition for a guide. I would blend oranges, grays, whites, blacks, silvers and reds. Go for a few bold and even strange textures or layouts: Mercury glass, labyrinth themes and unusual shapes evoking the haunted or even the bizarre could be so much fun. Try to find that mysterious item with a border, or opt for the happy orange item together with dashes of white to tone it down.
Trust me, this year’s decoration doesn’t have to shout in the beginning with go-to symbols such as skulls, witches and ghosts. How about creating something a little more daring and employing the power of subliminal particulars? After all, the best crime movies don’t necessarily show you the gore; it’s all about suspense and suggestion. Try it and let me know what you think! — Barbara from Chez Elza
Pottery Barn
Black House Lantern – $169
I love this spooky Black House lantern by Pottery Barn. I would take this out this month and use it as a Halloween prop.
DwellStudio
Labyrinth Lacquered Wood Tray – $148
I really like the dark, moody texture of the DwellStudio platter. I would set little Halloween orange–coloured goodies on it to contrast with the white and black.
West Elm
Gourd Table Lamp, Luster – $149
A gourd lamp base using a mercury finish provides your Halloween decoration a little subliminal je ne sais quoi. I love the way the shape evokes seasonal squash, but at a trendy, eery, crystal ball–such as material.
Round Pedestal Trays Flame – $78
This Serena & Lily fiery platter would look smashing on your Halloween table.
Restoration Hardware
1920s French Glass Cloches – $69
These glass cloches will help you produce your own cabinet de curiosités. Scary objects cleverly displayed under these will immediately pop out with great effect.
Restoration Hardware
19th C. Belgian Zinc Scroll Mirror – $1,345
This magnificent Zinc Scroll mirror from Restoration Hardware stations window architecture from 19th-century Belgium. It should present your visitors the creeps (in a fantastic way) if they enter your haunted Halloween abode.
Serena & Lily
Rope Bin Collection, Orange – $38
These orange baskets will make excellent candy bins for your Halloween party, but they also double well as fall decor during the season.
Jayson Home
Beni Side Table – $1,350
This elegant side table by Jayson Home makes me swoon! The color is perfect, and I really like the steel stuff.
Serena & Lily
Paprika Mohair Throw – $250
This orange mohair throw by Serena & Lily will be the ideal addition to your fall decor.
Jayson Home
Cullen Chair – $695
I like the smoky color of the Cullen seat by Jayson Home. I see at as a perfect addition in the living area or entry foyer.
Blu Dot
Otto Ottoman – $159
The pumpkin shade with this Blu Dot Otto ottoman is perfect. Its felted cloth gives it a soft, warm feel, and I really like that it’s concealed casters.
Thomas Paul
Parakeet/Pile Pillow, Black – $70
This whimsical Thomas Paul pillow design has a bit of an eery, magical vibe to it. It certainly puts me in the mood for Halloween.
Wisteria
French Directoire Bookcase – $1,499
This French Directoire–motivated acacia wood bookcase by Wisteria is a classic. It would look fabulous as a screen for unusual objects for your Halloween party.
DwellStudio
Compass Mirror – $1,320
The bold shape of the Compass mirror by DwellStudio is very attractive. I really like the way the sharp surround contrasts with the curved form.
Pottery Barn
The New York Times Archive, Archway Architecture – $199
Pottery Barn’s photograph of Staten Island’s Battery Pot passageway from the New York Time archives is perfectly eery.
Design Within Reach
Victoria Ghost Chair by Philippe Starck for Kartell | Design Within Reach – $280.50
You do realize these beauties are actually called “Ghost chairs,” correct? I couldn’t resist putting them in my Halloween decoration picks! Philip Stark knew what he was doing when he designed these.
CB2
Melt Hand Thrown Vase – $69.95
This hand-thrown vase by CB2 is perfect for the fall and Halloween season. I swear, it seems as though it’s been kissed by a spider web.
Worlds Away
Orange Pagoda Lamp
This orange Pagoda lamp Away puts me in the mood for fall. It is a very versatile piece in my view.
Wisteria
Mid-Century Modern Console Table, Black – $399
This console by Wisteria has a theatrical air that’s perfect for sprucing up your fall inside. Plop a mirror over it, and voilà — a perfect place to verify your Halloween disguise and generate an excellent seasonal vignette.
Next: Goth Glamour for Halloween and Beyond