For Red Barrinuevo, growing up in the Philippines meant Halloween and All Souls’ Day were celebrated as one. His grandmother used to tell him stories about mythical creatures, ghosts and lost spirits and as a 10-year-old kid, he was fascinated and terrified at the same time. But those stories really sparked his imagination.
Fast forward to today, that sense of mystery has become inspiration for how Red decorates for Halloween. He still loves the dark, spooky and slightly strange side of it, but doesn’t necessarily want his house looking like a Halloween store.
For Red, a few good pieces mixed with things you already have can completely set the mood. Today, he shares his take on Halloween decor.
Gothic Glam
Think black, deep burgundy, smoky grey and touches of antique brass or silver for contrast. Add apothecary glass and aged metals to give it a richer, moodier feel, and fairy lights to bring a feeling of wonder.
You also don’t need a ton of Halloween props. A black skull, crow, a few old hardbound books and taper candlesticks will do.
Try putting a skull on your credenza mixed in with your different items like candle sticks and stack old books. Add a couple of vintage-looking bottles at different heights and maybe a mirror. Done.
TIP: Mix Halloween pieces with your everyday decor. One skull in the right spot can look cool. Ten skulls…maybe not.
Warm and Moody
If gothic isn’t your thing, this is probably the easiest one to do.
Burnt orange, chocolate brown, burgundy, camel and warm neutrals already give you a hint of Halloween without screaming it.
On your bed or sofa, bring in velvet or textured pillows, a chunky throw and maybe one small Halloween piece on the side table such as a mini ghost, dark coloured pumpkin or black candleholders. The deep moody palette can do the heavy lifting for this vibe.
Lighting can make a big difference too, layer your lights to set the mood. Add a table lamp, desk light or set your dimmer to low to get that moody spooky vibe.
TIP: Skip the Halloween-themed pillows and throws. Choose seasonal colours and textures instead, so you can keep using them well into fall.
Natural and Spooky
This one is probably my favourite because you don’t necessarily have to buy anything.
Go outside and look for fallen branches around 2–3 feet long. The more crooked and imperfect, the better. Group them together and create a wreath or place a few in a tall vase and suddenly you have something that feels a little spooky without trying too hard.
Dried flowers, grasses, moss and fallen leaves work too. On a coffee or console table, try layering a few old books, vintage art and frames, apothecary bottles, dried lavender, old wooden tray, and candles.
TIP: Don’t over-style it. Bare branches, dried flowers and fading leaves already have that slightly eerie quality. Let them do the work.
At the end of the day, Halloween decorating should be fun. For me, it still goes back to those stories my grandmother told us and the imagination they sparked.
Happy Halloween!
About Red Barrinuevo
Red Barrinuevo is an award-winning property stylist and interior decorator. He is also the founder of Red Barrinuevo Home. His work can be seen in homes across Toronto and the GTA as well as on HGTV Canada and SLICE TV.
