Thread: Ideas for basement remodel with Halloweenish theme

Tweet

We are in the process of finishing our basement--the main thing we have used our basement for in the past is our Halloween party (side note--it's not going to be done in time for Halloween this year--so no annual party for us--really bummed because Halloween is our anniversary and this year is our 25th). It will be a place where I will entertain and have a space for my crafting/projects etc. I deciding on the decor right now and I would like to do a subdued Halloween theme for year round. Not a in your face Halloween, but more the suggestion of it.

I have some Gwen Frostic prints which are nature prints but they are done in black, oranges, and purples and are of a raven, owl, full moon. I am thinking of going with that color scheme--shades of orange and purple--these aren't knock you over orange and purple but lovely shades. I am going to have light grey walls and black cabinets and some black furniture. I am thinking when I transition to Halloween decorating this will make for easier decorating too. I don't want anything cute or country or anything extremely gory. Looking more for a haunting mood--like the basement "reminds" you of Halloween if that makes sense.

Anyway that is all just background to give you some idea of what direction I would like to go, but since so many of you are familiar with Halloween products I am hoping for suggestions or websites that you might come across that would help with the interior design aspect of the basement. I have seen some hand wall brackets that might be great in the bathroom for hanging a towel or toilet paper. But if anyone has any ideas I would really appreciate you input--it helps a lot to brain storm with others--especially with the talent and creativity on this forum!

One other thing, we are trying to think of a way to easily attach Halloween decorations in the future--like putting up a wood strip all the way around the walls at the top to hang actual Halloween decorations from for future parties--any ideas about the best way to do something like that would be appreciated too. Anything other suggestions about things we should add in the design--feel free to suggest!

On one of the forums(likely this one), I saw that someone had made a toe pincher bookshelf. Something like that may work for you?

I just saw these black and white dishes in another post--it will kind of give you an idea of the kind of things I have in mind...

http://www.halloweenforum.com/attach...-homegoods.jpg

When I think of Halloween decor, for some reason I default to Art Nouveau, with all those organic swirls and spooky lines. Think the interior of Whipstaff Manor in the live-action movie "Casper". Look for small table lamps and candlesticks with Nouveau styling, as well as crown molding. Other items to look for would be coffee pots, tea services, small clocks, inkwells, hourglasses, candle snuffers, vases, hat hooks, standing floor lamps, doorknobs, cabinet handles, etc.

Copper is a nice way of doing orange/autumn without it being overly bright, whether it be the metal or fabric dyed in a nice deep copper.

Crackled surfaces on picture frames, bookshelves and trimming might be worth looking into.

Fabric adds a ton of atmosphere, specifically when used as fringed covers for small tables and stands, or drapery hanging from shelves, mantles. Wine, purple and copper are good colors to consider, with black fringe and tassles.

Lavender might be a good option with those gray walls. I like lavender, gray and black (note my avatar) and orange, yellows and coppers really pop in those settings when used sparingly.

Think Edwardian sitting room with a dark autumn color pallette.

Minshe your basement sounds like it will be beautiful! Post pictures when you are done. My only suggestion is black and white photos in silver or black frames. Also silver candle sticks. I love the black and white with just a splash of purple and orange. Happy Decorating!

check out the halloween room pictures on here,you should get some ideas from it ,its in this section of posts

Originally Posted by Minshe

I just saw these black and white dishes in another post--it will kind of give you an idea of the kind of things I have in mind...

http://www.halloweenforum.com/attach...-homegoods.jpg

Those dishes are absolutely lovely. I could imagine designing an entire room around them.

My suggestions run more to the practical. Make sure there are enough wall outlets to plug in all the pumpkins, candles, etc. your heart could possibly desire. Consider a chandelier. Arrange furniture in a way that enables you to place small tables and chairs in a way that works for both parties and everyday. Leave exposed beams for hanging, if possible. I know wall niches are currently out of fashion, but imagine the possibilities for highlighting a candleholder or small statute if you included one. As has been pointed out, metal work should probably be to the silver end of the spectrum rather than, say, oil-rubbed bronze or brass.

As for design style, my Halloween association runs to Victorian gothic. Earlier in time than what Spats thinks of, but otherwise we're on the same page as far as objects. I also envision swag curtains in a heavy, velvety fabric. I definitely agree with the crown molding, maybe even wainscotting if the style of the rest of your house supports it. Ditto on an elaborate metal railing for the stairs.

Thanks for all the ideas--keep them coming! It is funny how some of us think along the same lines--first thing I told the electrician was to put in as many outlets as possible for all my lighting. I also have quite a few chandeliers that I use in my Halloween decorating and asked that they make sure I could hang them easily--I will probably use some of those in the regular decorating scheme. Have been thinking about seating too--would love to find something like a deep purple/eggplant tufted kind of couch or chairs--saw some at Home Goods last year and I wish I would have bought them! Also we are having the railings and bannisters made in wrought iron--they are kind of a combination of funky/creepy.

My basement is a walk-out with five full size windows and one set of double french doors so there is a lot of natural light--which for everyday I really like in a basement, but for Halloween parties I think the idea that several of you mentioned with the heavier curtains would be great.

Still looking for unique fixtures for the bathroom for the toilet paper and towel rack so if anyone finds something great along those lines let me know. I saw really cool hooks that are knives that stick out of the wall, but they were from England and a bit on the pricey side. Right now TJ Maxx, Marshall's etc. have a lot of silver items that sort of look like shiny tarnished silver if that makes sense that I think would add some shine too--don't want the basement to be too dark for everyday.

Thanks again for all your input--it gives me lots of ideas!

Spats and Bluefrog have similar ideas to me about how Halloween is furnished. Victorian and Edwardian are the eras for Edgar Allen Poe [all his work], Robert Louis Stevenson [Dr Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde], and Bram Stoker [Dracula]. Art Nouveau crosses the border between those 2 times. I've seen some beautiful toe pincher bookcases made and you could make a nice toe pincher coffin into a coffee table. Get a decent Sherlock Holmes film and look at how they decorate Holmes' Baker street home for an idea of what funishings of the period can look like. Disney's original haunted mansion in Anaheim had a lot of Victorian features to its decor.