Sam Wakefield Sam Wakefield

Spooky Chic: Elevate Your Home’s Interior Design for Halloween

With a little forethought you can make halloween atmospheric and suit your style.

Why do Brits celebrate Halloween?

Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, has grown into a significant cultural event in England. Its origins are rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of harvest and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred. Over time, as Christianity spread, Samhain merged with All Hallows' Eve, adding religious significance.

In the 20th century, American customs like trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving influenced the celebration in England. Today, Halloween in England involves dressing up in costumes, attending parties, and community events. It is a time for creativity and fun, fostering a sense of community through shared activities and traditions. While its roots are ancient, Halloween has become a beloved occasion that blends historical and modern influences.

find out more

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, Halloween is just around the corner—a perfect time to bring a touch of mystery and magic into your home. Integrating Halloween themes into your interior design doesn’t have to be all about cobwebs and cauldrons. With a few thoughtful touches, you can create a space that’s both spooky and stylish.

1. Embrace Autumnal Colors

Begin with a color palette that reflects the essence of Autumn. Rich oranges, deep purples, and dark greens can serve as the foundation for your Halloween décor. These colors not only evoke the spirit of the season but also add warmth and cosiness to your space. Consider incorporating these hues through throw pillows, blankets, or even a bold accent wall.

2. Set the Mood with Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in crafting a Halloween ambiance. Swap out standard light bulbs for softer, dimmer options to create a mysterious atmosphere. Lanterns and string lights can add an enchanting glow, while LED candles offer a safe alternative to traditional candles, casting flickering shadows that enhance the spooky vibe.

3. Incorporate Natural Elements

Bring the outdoors in with natural elements like dried branches, autumn leaves, and pumpkins. A centerpiece of mini pumpkins and gourds can add a touch of whimsy to your dining table. For a more sophisticated look, consider white or metallic-painted pumpkins, which blend seamlessly with modern décor while still celebrating the season.

4. Spooky Yet Sophisticated Decor

Choose décor that adds elegance to your Halloween theme. Think about incorporating vintage-style mirrors with ornate frames, which not only serve as conversation pieces but also add depth and drama to any room. Elegant skeleton figurines, velvet fabrics, and crystal accents can create a luxurious yet eerie vibe.

5. Personal Touches

Finally, add personal touches that reflect your unique style and the spirit of Halloween. Display family photos with fun, spooky filters or frames, and hang artwork that nods to the season. Whether it’s a DIY project or a cherished heirloom, these elements can make your Halloween décor feel personalised and meaningful.

By blending traditional Halloween motifs with stylish design elements, you can create a home that is both festive and inviting. Remember, the key to successful Halloween interior design is balance—keeping it fun and spooky without sacrificing style. So, get creative, have fun, and let the Halloween spirit transform your home into a chic and mysterious retreat.

Read More
Sam Wakefield Sam Wakefield

Athens

Inspiration can be taken from objects, lifestyles or history amongst other things.

Athens is a place full of historical importance. There is a lot to see in and around the town's old buildings. It's amazing to think that these buildings have been standing for hundreds of years, showing the skills of the builders of their time.

Did you know, the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896, reviving the ancient tradition. 

A sample of the items inside the National Archeological Museum.

explaining why UNESCO sites are a good idea.
Read More
Sam Wakefield Sam Wakefield

Lulworth Castle Visit

Every day is a school day.

Learning about places is to be inspired.

Lulworth castle dorset, stone arch
information on Lulworth Castle Dorset

My family and I have a yearly membership with English Heritage and The National Trust. Visiting these places and seeing how life would have been all those years ago is good talking point.

I love seeing all the art, and workmanship of the times. This particular building was destroyed in a fire so you can really see the bones of it all.

This is the view from the top of the castle, here you can see the church

English Heritage protects
Read More
Sam Wakefield Sam Wakefield

Changing rooms

Making a new room from stuff already in the house.

Our home is a working progress and has been this way since we moved in.

Over time the needs of the rooms and house have changed with the four children growing.

The time has come to rearrange the smallest room in the house. Using only items we had around, the room has been transformed and only in 5 hours.

We did some bed and furniture swapping. There will be a few changes going forward, such as replacing the ceiling light and installing some shelves and a mirror.

Read More