8 Stylish DIY Halloween Decor + Entertaining Ideas

Hands down, Halloween is my favorite holiday!  So when October rolled around this year, I wasn’t short on plans for the month.  In fact, all of my extra time has been allocated to anything Halloween-related to relish in the spirit of Halloween.  From pumpkin carving to ghostly décor, spooky cocktails and creepy nibbles; here are 8 stylish DIY Halloween projects to do this month!  What are you waiting for?  Bite. Drink. And be scary!  Here's my list:

Spider Web Throw Pillow

What you'll need: 3/4 yard of gray wool fabric, ruler, marker, sharp scissors, fuzzy white yarn, white cotton all-purpose thread, dark gray cotton all-purpose thread, pins, sewing machine, all-purpose needle, 18" x 18" pillow insert, plastic spiders 

Read more: HGTV

Cheesecloth Spirits

What you'll need: cheesecloth, Styrofoam mannequin heads, sponge brush, watered-down glue gun or fabric stiffener, screw eyes, monofilament, removable adhesive hooks or painters tape

Read more: Martha Stewart

Black Magic Carved Pumpkins

What you'll need: pumpkins, miniature carving saw, plaster scraper, masking tape, black floral spray, battery-powered light, need tool or awl, waxed paper straight pins, pumpkin carving template

Read more: Martha Stewart

Adam's Scary Apples

What you'll need: 8-10 medium sized apples, 1-10 wooden twigs, 3 cups of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of light corn syrup, 1 cup of water, several drops of cinnamon flavored oil, 1/4 teaspoon of red food coloring, 1/4 teaspoon of black food coloring

Read more: Matt Bites

Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffle Mummies

What you'll need: 1-1/2 cups of gingersnap cookie crumbs, 1/4 cup of canned pumpkin puree, 1/3 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, 3 ounces of softened creamed cheese, 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips, white chocolate chips or white dipping chocolate, red food coloring

Read more: Creme de la Crumb

Get Lucky Spooky Cocktail

What you'll need: 3 blackberries, 2 oz. Flor de Cana extra-dry white rum, 3/4 oz. lemon juice, 1/4 oz. ginger syrup, 1/4 oz. orgeat syrup, 1/4 oz. acacia honey syrup, Peychaud's bitters to garnish

Read more: Death & Co

Halloween Table Top Decor

What you'll need: cheesecloth, black platters, white paint pen, pampas grass, assortment of grey and white pumpkins, black candles, dead branches

Ream more: Design Love Fest

 

Washi Tape Candles

What you'll need: gold washi tape, black candles, scissors

Read more: Julep

Coffee Table Styling

The coffee table is one of the most significant pieces of furniture in your home.  It is the centerpiece of your living room and depending on what you need it for, may serve many purposes.  So whether you have an old family heirloom, that designer piece you splurged on, a flea market find, or anything else in between, show some love to your coffee table and personalize your space by adding the right accessories.  As a rule of thumb, you should only use pieces that you love.  After all it is your space, so make it yours!   

Follow my styling tips and shop my picks below:

• Dress up your coffee table with a decorative bowl or box.  It's the perfect place to store small items that would otherwise be lost in a sea of your belongings.

• Sculptural objects are a great way to introduce texture, add color and contrast.  Depending on your design style, select pieces that compliment your vibe.

• Stack 2-3 books to add height.  Choose books with interesting topics or beautiful imagery; this can help spark conversation and is a great way to entertain guests.

• Bring the outdoors in by adding fresh flowers or succulents.  Flowers are also a great way to add color to your space and they smell great.

• Keep your table top organized by adding a tray.  They can hold coasters, candles, books, flowers, and anything else your heart desires.    

And remember, your home is a reflection of your lifestyle so look for items that speak to you and have fun with it!  Click here to shop my picks: https://www.pinterest.com/chouaaguilera/coffee-table-styling-chouas-picks/

5 Chic Table Lamps under $600

Choosing the right table lamp is just as important as selecting the right piece of art or buying the right jewelry.  It’s personal and with so many options to choose from, I’ve gathered my top five favorite table lamps, all equally chic, and all under $600.   

Jonathan Adler Charade Studded Table Lamp, $395 

Jayson Home Harding Table Lamp, $475

Arteriors Home Seville Table Lamp, $595

Jayson Home Jane Table Lamp, $550

Regina-Andrew Design Raw Alabaster Table Lamp, $555

Looking for something different?  Follow these guidelines for choosing the right table lamp for any space in your home: 

1. Scale.  Make sure you choose a table lamp that fits your space.  As a rule of thumb, a table lamp should not be larger than 1 ½ times the height of the furniture it sits on and the diameter of the lampshade should not be wider than the tabletop. 

2. Style and Color.  Home accessories and table lamps are one of the easiest ways to add color and texture or make a statement in your home.  Also, don’t be afraid to mix and match! 

3. Shade.  It’s important to select a shade that’s appropriate for your primary function.  Translucent shades are more appropriate for task lighting since it diffuses more light, while opaque shades are better suited for decorative lighting.  Keep in mind that the more opaque the shade material is, the less light it'll provide. 

4. Budget.  You don’t have to break the bank for great design style.  Some of the most unique pieces I’ve found for my clients were from second hand shops, flea markets, and garage sales.

  

Additional tips:

• The shade should be at eye level when you’re seated and the lamp’s harp should be hidden underneath the shade.

• Add a finial for a finishing touch or to personalize your space.  Chances are no one else will have the same lamp with the same finial.

• Conceal cords where ever possible.

What are some of your favorite budget friendly table lamps?  Send me an email or leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!

Welcome to my blog!

Hi there, beautiful! Yes, you! Thank you for checking out my blog!

I'm Choua! I'm an interior designer, an avid traveler, music lover, and a newbie design blogger blogging about design trends, home décor, and interior design. The city of Los Angeles is my home because this place inspires me. The sole purpose of my blog is to share my love for design and hopefully inspire you along the way.

Early in my career, I was inspired by a former boss who said that “design is a lifestyle”. It certainly is! Being an Interior Designer is like no other job in the world. When you choose to be an Interior Designer, it becomes your life. Since I discovered my passion for Design, I have been working, living, breathing, dreaming, and most of all sharing everything about it.   

Interior Design is my creative outlet and the fuel for my engine. What’s my favorite thing in the world? Seeing my client’s faces light up, followed by the question that never fails, “Do I really get to live here?” Now that makes it all worth it and it sure serves as an inspiration to create more.

Design is a lifestyle and I want you to share it with me. Send me an email at choua@chouaaguilera.com, I’d love to hear from you!