The first real holiday of fall is Halloween and this is a favorite of many people. It is fun to add spooky design elements to your decorating like flickering candleabras and red velvet curtains along with all the ghosts and goblins. But the vampire trend of the last few years has opened our eyes to the ancient design style known as Gothic, which many people enjoy year round. The elements of gothic design include:
- Dark moody colors like black, of course, along with deep burgundy, moss green, blood red and burnished gold.
- Ironwork is important in this design scheme and can be found in stair railings, light fixtures and accessories.
- Pointed arches in doorways and furniture backs are common.
- Fabrics are thick and luxurious and include velvet, damask, tapestries and embroideries.
- Details like thick buillion fringe , large fluffy tassels and metal studs adorn furniture.
While it certainly helps to have a home designed with arched windows, gargoyle adornments and gray stone siding this time honored design style can be used in moderation in most homes. For example, cover your sofa in a sumptuous red velvet and add thick fringe to the bottom. Add some metal studs to a distressed wood coffee table. Hang a tapestry on the wall, add a few candlesticks and you have created a sensuous and moody environment that will not seem out of place even when Halloween is over.
