How to Create a Whimsigothic Home
Everything you need to create a whimisgothic homes.
Recently a new home decor and fashion trend called 'whimsigothic' has begun to emerge on social media. As the name would suggest, this style combines the opulent dark and heaviness that is associated with goth with the lightness and whimsy of cottagecore and even bohemian aesthetics. Here are a few must-have for creating your very own whimsigothic home.
What Is Whimsigothic?
Whimsigothic is basically an amalgamation of dark and light trends and styles, all mixed together in a witchy cauldron. Think '90s influence of magic dotted with romanticism and the macabre to create a spooky appeal. The most essential aspect of this interior design trend is whimsy. Take the moody and shadowy and counterbalance it with soft and playful, and just a sprinkling of cluttercore for the perfect whimisgothic home.
1. Add Apothecary Elements
The emergence of whimisgothic has heralded the season of the witch and the magical materials that follow suit. Switch out your old storage jars for delicate apothecary jars to add a charming flair to your kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom. These fanciful glass jars are a fun and easy way to lean into this intriguing aesthetic.
A plethora of plants and greenery are vital to creating a whimsigothic home. Try to picture an enormous conservatory filled with fresh herbs and flowers waiting to be picked for your favorite meals and herbal teas. Add a touch of vintage by using old suitcases as a display stand for all to enjoy. Read Decorating With Plants: How to Style Plants for a Stunning Display for additional tips.
Whimsigothic is a collection of the mystical, gothic, and astral, so let all things celestial guide you – whether through mirrors, tapestries, or artwork. The moon, stars, and sun are all signs of the ethereal and mystical, so you should try to fill your home with your favorite interstellar pieces.
It is important you curate a collection of gothic items for yourself, as long as you ensure they combine that mix of whimsy and goth. Skulls, flowers, and stained glass create perfectly contrasting elements to suit the theme.
Moody lighting is a surefire way to create an eerie atmosphere. Pick ornate lanterns with gorgeous jewel-tones or tall candelabras in rich gold, copper, or silver. Don't forget the candles to create that magical mood intrinsic to a whimsigothic home.
Textiles allow you to balance the light and fun with the dark and serious that whimsigothic decor is known for. Pick opulent fabrics like silk, velvet, and lace in deep purples, blues, and reds, and match them with upholstered leather seating to obtain that contrast vital to this style.
Go theatrical with your seating and choose a chaise lounge to show off your eclectic personal taste. Pick elegant fabrics in lush colors and make sure to layer with textured accent pillows, throws, and area rugs to create additional depth. Read our guide, Is a Chaise Lounge Right for You? to see if one of these unique pieces is right for your space.
When it comes to a whimsigothic home, there should be no white, gray, or beige walls in sight. This is your time to go as maximalist as you want. Select Victorian-style wallpapers with damask patterns or unique prints and read How to Apply Peel & Stick Wallpaper: Your No-Fuss Guide to get some tips and tricks.
If you prefer to paint to wallpaper, just make sure not to shy away from color. Pick sumptuous stains that command the room. Be careful not to lean too much in one direction – too many dark elements will take you to the gothic side, while too many light elements will begin to remove the moodiness that is needed for a whimsigothic home. Touches of high-class gilding in fixtures and hardware are always an option to consider.
For those who love home DIY and are looking for a fun project, consider upgrading your kitchen backsplash. Match this goth-adjacent style with unusually patterned tiles, while keeping your walls to those deep tones. Bring in some light with warm copper and gold storage and utensils to create a spell-binding effect.
The name whimsigoth is an oxymoron in itself, which is exactly why creating juxtaposition is a part of this fun design trend. Head to your bathroom and pick out delicate antique-looking elements like a clawfoot tub, a hanging chandelier, and even a large lace drape, and contrast them with inky walls and tiles to hit those Halloween-like vibes.
Authentic antique and vintage-inspired elements are a must-have when it comes to whimsigothic. Pick distressed-looking furniture to top with black and white photos, crochet or lace tablecloths, lovely lanterns, and your favorite glassware to design a mysterious tablescape.
There is something about incense that conjures up images of witches, warlocks, and magic spells. Pick a quirky incense holder to light up your favorite scents and surround it with other trinkets to create a sense of magical wonder. If you prefer not to burn but instead use oils, you have a wide range of diffusers to choose from and give your home your favorite aroma.
Using magical decor to create your very own whimsigothic home is easier than ever. Browse our massive selection to begin your adventure.
