Halloween looks set to be big this year. But how do you create impact without breaking the bank?
Flowers are one of the easiest ways to create impact, says Catherine Watson, of interiors firm Bert & Wills.
Scoop out a large pumpkin (try to get a fairly level based one) and fill with flowers.
To keep your blooms lasting as long as possible, put them in a jar/vase filled with water/plant food and then place inside the pumpkin.
Pimp up your pumpkins by painting them in whatever colours you like – pink, cerise, white, black – choose colours that match (or totally clash!) with your interior scheme.
Paint the pumpkin stalk and/or the bottom or top half in a metallic colour – it doesn’t need to be a perfect paint job as this adds to the effect.
If you want to keep your pumpkin as is, push gold paper fasteners into the outside ‘grooves’ of the vegetable for a quick but effective effect.
Pumpkins are available in lots of different sizes, shapes and colours and simply arranging several options together can create a great look.
Spray your artificial plants with black paint to give an instant ‘dark’ look.
Wreaths are popular all year round and can be decorated to suit every occasion.
Use a plain wreath and spray paint it black then add cut outs of birds, ghosts, witches, broom sticks etc and hang on your door. I like to use two wreaths (one slightly smaller than the other) fastened one on top of the other as it gives a much ‘fuller’ looking effect.
A fireplace/mantel offers the perfect setting for a Halloween themed display.
Hang a black garland (just cut out several triangles and hang on two rows – be fire aware though!).
Arrange cushions either side of the fireplace in shades and textures of black and white (all usual high street stores and supermarkets will have some).
You can introduce coloured cushions if you like, there’s no hard and fast rules here.
On the mantel piece add a mix of painted pumpkins in two or three colours in different sizes, some filled with flowers and some just left as they are and you’ve got yourself a lovely, bespoke Halloween interior treat!
White honeycomb decorations provide the perfect shape for ghosts.
Cover them in a white sheer fabric such as a voile and softly drape over the decoration and onto the floor and draw on ghostly faces with a Sharpie!
Finally, Satu Interiors in Penrith have the most sumptuous pumpkin shaped cushions in burnt orange and purple velvet that add a touch of elegance to any interior scheme.
