As an interior designer, I love that Halloween gives us permission to play with style. What’s fun about this holiday is that there’s no one right way to decorate—you can lean into the spine-tingling, moody side of the season or keep things lighthearted, charming, and whimsical. The best spaces usually reflect a balance of personality, mood, and intention.
If you love the thrill of the spooky season, go bold with eerie lighting, dramatic black accents, cobweb textures, or even a statement skeleton at the front door. These touches create that exciting, slightly haunted feel that makes Halloween so memorable.
Prefer something softer? Whimsical bats, friendly ghosts, classic pumpkins, and even playful themed dishware bring in the magic without the fright. Neutral tones, natural textures, and layered candlelight can easily carry your decor into November, extending its use beyond the holiday.
No matter your style—scary, sweet, or somewhere in between—the key is to choose pieces that bring joy to your household. Whether it’s creating thrills for trick-or-treaters or a cozy, enchanting atmosphere for your family, Halloween decor works best when it feels like you.
Here’s how I personally like to approach it, including a shopping guide with some of my favorite finds this season.
My Style Philosophy: How I Personalize
These are the principles I use:
- Start with classic pumpkins—I like real ones, faux ones, terracotta ones. They bring autumn warmth and texture without forcing a spooky vibe. Neutral tones (cream, soft orange, terra cotta), matte finishes, natural texture.
- Add personality with playful accents—wall bats that are more whimsical than scary; little ghosts or moon motifs here and there; perhaps a custom sign or shelf vignette that feels personal rather than generic.
- Bring in a theme I love—in my case, Snoopy / Peanuts. Patterned dishware, mugs, plates, serving bowls with Snoopy & Woodstock in Halloween settings can make everyday meals feel fun and connected to the season.
- Mix texture, soft lighting & muted contrast rather than harsh neon or gore. Think warm candles, string lights, lanterns, woven baskets, soft throws.
How to Pull It Together: Tips & Tricks
Here are a few tips on how to pull it all together for a stylish, cohesive – not so over the top – look.
Layer pieces—don’t go heavy all at once. Maybe pumpkins + one whimsical element (like a bat wall decal or small wreath) + theme dishware. Let one area be the “hero” (table, mantel, shelf) and gently echo theme elsewhere.
Neutral base + accent color(s). For example: creams, terracotta, muted golds or mossy greens as base; then pops of classic Halloween orange, some black (for contrast), maybe touches of ivory or soft pastels.
Scale matters. Big pumpkins on the porch or hearth, smaller ones indoors. Wall bats as a cluster rather than one lonely dramatic silhouette helps maintain joy rather than fear.
Functional pieces count. The dishware, mugs, candy bowls, serving bowls that also feature your theme (Snoopy) make decor feel lived in and personal.
Lighting & ambiance. Warm light from hurricane candles, lanterns, string lights; maybe battery-operated flicker candles in pumpkins etc. It softens everything.
Bats | Tea Towels | Terracotta Jack O Lantern | Wreath | Glass Pumpkins | Ghost Glasses | Door Mat
Happy Halloween!
Michelle
