*Straighten and sweep the living room.
Setting the timer is a motivating way of staying focused on a period of work. I have instilled the habit of dressing up at home in a way that is feminine, yet allows me to move freely as I use my cleaning tools. My personal style is Romantic Vintage Gothic / Antique Gothic (steampunk without the gears and googles). I also make a point to wear makeup, no matter the occasion. If you haven't tried getting completely ready for your work at home, try it for yourself and see how much more productive you can be! In this video you can see some of our Halloween décor as well.
Looking to furnish your home with simple classy Halloween displays? Minimalist layouts and tasteful decorations will be your guiding principle. You can always rest easy when it comes to minimalist home decor. You automatically have given yourself permission to decorate with less. Though Halloween Hauls can be fun and inspirational, sometimes it may make you want to "compete with the Jones'. Here are a few advantages to sticking with a Minimalist Halloween or Fall Decor aesthetic.
Begin with a clean slate. Put away any residual summer themed decor. Clutter should be out of site. This is a paramount first step toward a "Classy or Elegant Halloween" theme. If you celebrate Halloween year-round however, most likely this would not be a concern of yours!
Minimize synthetic materials! Made-made Chemical Synthesis has been used to create artificial fibers. Though the intent was to improve upon God's perfect design, the results are generally perceived as less aesthetically appealing. Though plastics were a marvel near the beginning of the 1900's, time has proven otherwise. Not only will flimsy plastic material fail to last the test of time, it can appear low in quality. Modern day man-made synthetic material may appear cheap. Opt for vintage style materials such as glass, brass, cloth, wood, burlap and iron. Styrofoam, aluminum cans and disposable wares were not around in the 19th century. If your having a Halloween party you may eventually want to transition to using all mason jars and glass plates.
For Classy Style stay clear from anything aesthetically grotesque. I'll spare you the details of what this could entail. It is recommended to avoid decor inspired by modern gratuitous horror films.
Select a color palette. Basic Orange, black and brown is a go-to choice for those aiming for simplicity. You may wish to decorate in a style and color palette that easily transitions into Thanksgiving. A rustic country theme in these traditional hues would be perfect. Simply omit the black and anything overtly Halloweenie. Purple and Black are also a very popular color palette. Bonus as you can also furnish your place in matching Disney's Haunted Mansion inspired items such as the Grim Grinning Ghosts Jewelry Box or The Haunted Mansion Hourglass (affiliate links).
Choose focal points you would like to feature. For example: The mantel, front door, and the wall behind your bed. It's much more effective to group your decor, rather than scatter throughout the home. Visit Pinterest for inspiration. I regularly use the site as a powerful tool, you can follow my Boards to see what I'm inspired about.
Rustic Halloween Banner. Banners have been the rage on Pinterest and Instagram for a few years now. Though it may be technically a retro design. What's not to love about festive elongated triangles of fabric or quality paper. I've also posted a video tutorial, DIY Vintage Fall, Thanksgiving or Halloween Banner, where I share how I made one of our families favorite Halloween decorations. Once you learn how to create a flag style banner you can repeat the same principles with other themes. A bedroom flag banner would look amazing as well! Visit JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores during September or October and you could pick up some spooky Victorian brocade, or cute patterns.
Create a Rustic Fall Centerpiece made of branches. My video DIY-Fall Halloween Centerpiece shows how I create this using uniform cut branches from our backyard. Then we brushed on black paint. While still wet, sparkles were scattered on. This truly makes the piece look magical. Finally I wrapped the sticks in twine, placed in a mason jar and tied it with a bow. I believe this same look could be achieved on the front porch.
*Here is an affiliate link to a branch trimmer that you may find useful.
Plant an outdoor Autumnscape. I'm gradually working on improving my gardening skills. 2018 was the first year I was able to see the actual fruit of my work. I was shopping at our local Meijers grocery store and saw a packet of Jack O Lantern pumpkin seeds. Being inspired by a post from the extradinary, whimsical and inspirational Spooky Halloween Blog by Miranda, I decided to give it a go. I filmed a video planting a pumpkin patch with our son and created a wonderful memory while at it! Though we had no pumpkins, it was a success as lovely orange blooms were clearly visible from our kitchenette window.
Display mysterious vintage style portraits. You can easily customize this to your own taste. Buy an 8 x 10 print of Morticia Addams, Lily Munster or a historical figure from the late 1800's. Next buy a vintage inspired frame. Another idea is to take a photo of yourself , your significant other, or adventurous friend and take a few dramatic photo's in the cemetery. You can use a filter effect before ordering a print on a site like Shutterfly. Of course once you order this, you may wish to keep up your photo year round! This is where I got my frame: https://amzn.to/2C2lU1X (affiliate link). Of course retailers will often have spooky portraits available, which come framed.
Saving money. Rather than spending a few dollars here and there, accumulating a mass collection, your purchases may be more expensive yet higher in quality! In the long run you are actually spending far less than someone who regularly makes impulse buying decisions.
Saving time. Set up and tear down will be far quicker. Many pieces could also transition over into November.
Needing less storage space. This could be the year that you almost bought another orange storage bin. Yet because of minimalism, you may very well be creating room in your basement or storage area!
Many of these decoration ideas you can leave up through November. Simply remove anything that is overtly Halloweenie. Fall signs, pumpkins and foliage can last through the fall. Enjoy your Minimalist Halloween Decor journey! Welcome your new Autumn Lifestyle.