Home Decorating - House & Bounty

Your Guide to Witchcore & How To Get the Look at Home

September 23, 2021

You may be wondering what Witchcore is. Well, so was I until I took a deep dive into this topic a couple of days ago. I’ll get into the specifics below, but first, let’s talk about Tiktok aesthetics. Like you probably know, aesthetic means the ways something looks. But when we talk about TikTok aesthetics, it’s a group of specific looks that usually have a strong theme or source of inspiration. The aesthetics are broken down into their core elements but often go beyond how something looks and evokes a whole lifestyle. This can include fashion, make-up, interior decor, hobbies, and even values.

For example, cottagecore (inspired by cottages) is huge on Tiktok, but they have more obscure ones too, like fairycore, goblincore, neoncore, dark academia, light academia, and many more. I really enjoyed researching all the different aesthetics and was impressed by how the elements were broken down so clearly (the design decomposition was top notch!). Plus, the spaces felt so unique and interesting, with so much personality (you already know how I think personality is essential for interior design!).

I bet you won’t be surprised to hear that Witchcore is one of these aesthetics. Since we’re nearing Halloween, I thought it would be fun to talk about this aesthetic and even touch on how to incorporate a little bit of the witchy vibe in your house during the holiday or maybe beyond if that resonates with you.

What is Witchcore & Where did it come from?

Alright, let’s start with the basics. Witchcore is an aesthetic inspired by witches and witchcraft (I bet you aren’t surprised!). The look is a mix of Halloween and Victorian gothic elements. There is a focus on dark colors, gem/crystals, herbs/plants (I guess for spell making?), tarot cards, apothecary, astrology books, potions, incense, palm reading, and some general spookiness (like skulls, smoke, taxidermy).

It also shares some aspects to another popular aesthetic, cottagecore. Both witchcore and cottagecore have natural elements interwoven into the general look. This includes natural woods, dried flowers, and the use of plants.

Witchcore fashion is all about dark hues, natural elements, lace, wide-brim hats, and goth-like components. There’s also a fair amount of vintage clothing, including old wedding dresses and nightgowns, homemade flower crowns, and capes. Witchcore emphasizes comfy shoes, velvet fabrics, and long maxi skirts or dresses. Victorian-gothic vibes like ruffles and corsets can also add to the Witchcore wardrobe.

So, where did Witchcore start? The origin of Witchcore is hard to identify. Part of it comes from TikTokers who self-identify as witches and have created a community (#WitchTikTok) on the app. Other roots may come from movies, television shows, and books that most GenZers are probably familiar with. This includes Harry Potter (although some may argue that it is a whole aesthetic on its own), Hocus Pocus, The Craft, Sabrina The Teenage Witch, The Witches (Anne Hathaway movie), Fantastical Beasts, and Bewitched.

Witchcore For Interior Design & Decor

Some people bring the Witchcore aesthetic into the home year-round, and others embrace it during Halloween. Some take inspiration from their favorite witchy movies, like Practical Magic, a 1998 Sandra Bullock movie, or Hocus Pocus.

An adorable cottage – Perfect for a witch!

However, it would be expensive to recreate the Practical Magic house or the Hocus Pocus Cottage. Hence, an easier way to incorporate this into your home is by focusing on some core elements of the Witchcore aesthetic. This would be especially relevant if you’re just decorating for a season, like me. I’ll review 6 elements that you can use to create this vibe in your home.

Jars/Glass Bottles

Glass jars filled with spices, dried flowers, or other “spell” ingredients can make a big impact on any shelf or wall. My favorite bottles have cork tops. I also like when they are labeled. It would be so fun to name them for Halloween, especially gross things, like toenails or toad tongues. For a Harry Potter theme, you could take inspiration from some of the spell components in the books, like dragon hairs, beetle eyes, or frog brains (check out this website for lots more inspiration).

Achieving this look is super affordable, especially if you use smaller bottles. However, Amazon sells any size or shape that you can imagine, so you can display whatever potion ingredient strikes your fancy. I love the round bottles (#2). They feel very sciency. Also, the large jars with sphere corks (#6) are really cute and modern. I would use those things year-round for sugar, flour, and other cooking supplies I need to grab quickly.

Gemstones and Crystals

All good witchcore homes need to have gemstones and crystals. You’ll never know when you’ll need to heal or protect yourself. People in history believed that rocks had energy and vibrations that could be transferred to people. The different types of stones had different vibrations and were therefore used for different problems. For example, there are stones to bring opportunity, peace, wisdom, or courage.

Luckily, gemstones and crystals are widely available today because they are so beautiful! Above I rounded up 6 of my favorite ones I found on Amazon. I love the ones with the pointy tops and flat bottoms (#3). They feel especially witch-like, and they seem easy to display in a bowl or standing up. I also love the quartz logs (#6). They would give a little glitz and glam to a space and are an unusual shape/size that you often don’t see in the stores. These could easily be stacked on a shelf, fireplace, or, maybe, even a cauldron.

Dried Flowers

Dried flowers are another popular element of the Witchcore aesthetic. While I just love the look of dried flowers, witches believe that some flowers have magical powers. For example, they believe rose petals are good luck and ward off evil. In addition, lavender, one of my favorite flowers, is thought to attract people and is often used for love spells.

The flowers are often displayed in bunches hung upside down. I’m sure this is part of the drying process, but it can also be a design decision if you want to evoke the witchcore feel at your house. Of course, you can dry your own flowers, and this website walks you through a couple of different ways to do it. But if you don’t have the time or flowers, you could always purchase dried flowers available on Amazon. I rounded up my five favorite varieties below. For me, dried flowers are the perfect fall decor. Drop a handful of stems in a vase, and suddenly your interiors are a prettier version of what is happening with nature outside.

Of course, I especially love the lavender (#2), but the baby breath (#4) is also really good. I love that it has some volume, and the monochrome color can even make it look chic!

Accessories

Technically, everything we’ve talked about thus far is considered accessories for your house, but I needed a general category for all the witchcore items I didn’t include in other lists. These include essentials like sage, tarot cards, and even crystal balls.

I really like when there is a large display of lit candles at night. It creates a warm mood but can also feel spooky with suitable candles and the right arrangement. I think these black candles (#1) will go along with any witchcore room (although white would totally work, too!)—the more candles, the better, in my opinion. I also think leaning into taxidermy, like the beetles (#5), would be fun too. While real taxidermy is fine if that is your thing, you could use paper beetles and bugs displayed like taxidermy for Halloween (or just as cool art). This Etsy store sells paper beetle assembly kits. It could be such a fun DIY!

Witchcore Wall Art

If you have a blank wall, you may want to hang art related to witchcore. Popular themes to pick from are tarot cards, phases of the moon, palm reading charts, spell guides, or botanical charts. I particularly like tapestries because they are so large and can make a significant impact on a large empty wall. A good alternative is a collection of smaller prints with the same topic and color scheme. This will make the room feel cohesive.

My favorite ones on Amazon are the botanical mushroom tapestry (left, #2) and the Charms and Spells (right, #5) poster. Although, the phases of the moon (right #1) would definitely be the most on theme. For Halloween, the Witchcraft Knowledge poster (right #4) would be a good one. If you have kids, it may generate a lot of laughter and curiosity.

Bed Canopies

Okay, this last witchcore item is for the bedroom. A bed canopy, especially a dark one, will create an eerie mood. Harry Potter inspired me for this item. The movies showed the students’ dormitory with four-poster beds and thick velvet curtains surrounding them. It created privacy for the students in the film but is a fun way to make a bedroom feel a little magical at home.

Luckily, there are tons of affordable and easy options. I particularly like the grey velvet canopy (#2). It’s on the smaller side but creates a luxurious feel with the thick fabric. I also really like the large round canopy with ruffles (#5). It has a little bit of that Victorian/Gothic vibe that goes so well with the witchcore aesthetic.

Alright, there you have my exhaustive list of ideas to make your home feel more witch-like. I’ve already started planning what I want to include in my house for Halloween (hello jars with spooky ingredients and paper beetles taxidermy). I’m also really into the dried flowers. That might be a future DIY. Is there anything on this list that you want to incorporate into your home for Halloween or permanently? Or is there some other witchcore element that I missed and speaks to you? I hope you have a spooky day!

Affordable Geometric Green Wallpaper

September 7, 2021

Green has been a trending color for several years now, and I couldn’t be happier. It is my favorite color, after all. Recently, I went on a hunt to find affordable green geometric wallpaper for a project I’m working on. I definitely found a lot of fun ones that could go in a variety of different rooms. For practical reasons, all of these are non-woven and paste-the-wall application-style (installation is pretty easy for this type of paper, see my tips here).

Some feel modern and simple, and others feel more classic and complex. Which ones are your favorites?

Top: Left, Center, Right | Bottom: Left, Center, Right

10 Ways to Infuse Personality Into Your Home

August 20, 2021

Have you ever looked at a home, and it felt generic? Maybe it had a hotel vibe. The design is appealing. Each piece is in the right proportion, and the fabrics are coordinating, but something is just missing. For me, the missing piece is usually a person’s personality! I recently watched a home tour on Architectural Digest, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the art. It seemed so generic, especially for the owner’s personality. It felt like the art was picked and placed because the wall needed something and not because it fit the person.

Not long after, I watched another home tour (also on AD). The home struck me as so fun and personal. The personality of the space instantly made it feel warmer and more interesting. I kept thinking about that space and wished that AD would feature more homes like that one. I also asked myself–Does my home feel like my personality? Am I showing who I am?

For the most part, yes! I definitely think the rooms are me (some more than others). So I’ve been thinking about easy ways to infuse personality into a space. Here are 10 ways to make your home feel more like you.

1. Color Palette

This is a fun one if you love the color. Why hide it in your house? Try to incorporate your favorite colors into the space. Don’t think colorful interiors can be sophisticated? I challenge you to prove yourself wrong.

2. Art

I’m finding that I have strong opinions about art. Not necessarily in the, you should like this type art, but more in the, I don’t know if you can outsource the art selection for your house. I know that sounds strict, but everything about art is so personal. What attracts you, what makes you happy, what is interesting or important to you.

3. Textiles

I think textiles are magical, and I am somewhat obsessed with them. (I am seriously looking for a book or online class to learn more about textiles- please recommend a few to me if you know of any!) Textiles can bring so much personality into the room by picking different textures, prints, and types. I particularly think mixing textiles and patterns level up rooms in both the design sense but in the personal/personality way, too. It’s also a skill that takes time to perfect but 100% worth the effort.

4. Unique Items

Pick up that weird picture frame or odd-looking crane sculpture. Those unique items will let people see who you are. My wood snail is one of my weird things. It’s probably not everyone, but that’s also the fun part of it.

5. Collections

Collections can instantly make a room feel personal and give a glimpse into who you are and what you like. I absolutely adore the image above, where they have a collection of dog prints on the wall. I can guarantee that person likes dogs!

6. Books

I guess it’s a thing to buy books only because they have a pretty spine and will look nice in pictures… It seems like a waste to me, but books are a great way to incorporate what you love. For example, do you love military history? Pick up a coffee table book or two that you enjoy looking at and use that as your coffee table decor. Sarah Johnson styled the above coffee table with stacks and stacks of books.

7. Unexpected Touches

It’s funny how something little can totally transform an object. For example, a standard throw pillow can instantly be elevated by adding the right piping or trim. These small touches can also convey personality. Bonus points if the person does it themself and it’s executed well. I particularly love the hand-painted armoire above.

8. Wallpaper (or stenciling)

It’s hard not to show personality when picking a wallpaper. There are a million different options out there, so covering all the walls in a print/pattern can’t help but give a little glimpse into who you are.

9. Statement Furniture

A bold chair, table, or sofa can go a long way. It could have a unique shape, pattern, or both. It will probably be memorable, and people will never forget it! Just make sure you love it, and don’t just go bold for bold sake. Kelly Wearstler may be the queen of bold statement-furniture. Sometimes I look at her stuff, and I think it’s pure craziness, but it always works.

10. Family Photos

Oh, the controversial family photos. Some people hate them, and other people love them. For me, I think thoughtful family photos add warmth and happiness to a house. I’m all for it and like when I visit people’s homes that celebrate their loved ones.

The Year of the Scallop (A 2021 Interior Design Trend)

August 5, 2021

I know I’ve been late with the last two posts and skipped an entire week in the middle of July. It’s been a busy summer and we just got back from vacation (our first vacation in over 2 years!). Thanks for understanding and continuing to check on the blog. I appreciate it so much and promise a more regular schedule moving forward. Today, we are talking about one of my favorite design details – scallops and boy are they are everywhere! This sweet little detail can be found on furniture, accessories, soft lines (curtains/bedding), and everything in between.

The scallop is simple but makes any space feel a little more charming, whimsical, and feminine. It works for kids or adults and can be used in any room. I’ve been slowly saving my favorite scalloped interiors on Instagram and Pinterest and thought I would share them here.

The first image is by Edith-Anne Duncan Design (remember when I linked her Instagram back in December). In my opinion, Edith is the queen of colorful traditional interiors. She also records a fun “Coffee and a Chat” series on Instagram where she’ll answer design questions and give general advice (a fun little watch with lots of helpful tips). She recently shared this sneak peek of a set of Jack & Jill vanities at one of her new projects and, wow, they are stunners. The scallop trim transforms this otherwise simple vanity. Plus that color is FUN!

I must have a thing for scallops in bathrooms (this is the second of 4!). This bathroom vanity is by Reusch Interior Design, a firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio. She also picked a bright color but used a large-scale scallop on the face of the vanity. Her whole design is cheerful and the trimmed-out scallop plays right into that feeling.

Oye. Heidi Callier can do no wrong. This scalloped (marble?) backsplash is out of this world. It makes that whole bathroom feel classy and fun!

Scalloped mirrors are always a win.

Photo: Decor Pad | Designer: Amanda Teal Design

This cute little console table is so adorable with the scallops. I love that the scallops have breaks in between them. It’s a fun variation.

It’s official. Scallops can go on anything – no matter how large or small. Just look at the adorable stool and bed (next picture down).

I love this bright green sunroom. It has a fun scallop pattern above the windows and the pattern is echoed on the ottoman.

Image posted on Secrets of a Hostess | Design By Madcapcottage

I cannot get over this scalloped-edged shelf. Adorable!

That scalloped trim on the crib is perfection.

Image from Louise Roe Home | Design by Gadabout

This next image is pretty unique. The window cornice box has an inverse scallop pattern. Nice to see a unique take on the scallop trend.

Scallop, scallops everywhere! Even on this adorable, tiny lampshade. Don’t forget to check out the scalloped pillowcases, too!

Image by _havensent_ | Designed by Mark Sikes

Oh, hello scalloped bed canopy, very pretty. I also totally respect that whoever made this lined the pattern up perfectly (like this fabric was made for these scallops).

Image Posted at Shop_Wallis | Designed by Katie Ridder

Scallops on the edge of curtains seem like a no-brainer.

I’ll end with two adorable outdoor sheds with scalloped trim. Very sweet!

Free Artwork For Your House

July 30, 2021

A couple of years ago, I learned about public domain art. Basically, it’s art that is no longer protected by any copyright and is free for any personal or commercial use. With the help of the internet, many museums have made this artwork downloadable, making it possible for people to download high-quality images and sell them. Indeed, Etsy (and other websites!) has a thriving market where people sell prints of these paintings/drawings/illustrations, etc. (just check out this article). I’m not against anyone profiting from this. Those people are spending hours sifting through thousands of pictures and curating the best ones. In some cases, even trying to enhance them digitally. But I am bummed that many of the sellers don’t give credit to the artist or provide the name of the painting/print. One of the best parts of art is learning about who made it.

Etsy listings when searched “vintage prints.”

The good news is that anyone can search through these digital archives to find great art, and I fell into that rabbit hole over the weekend, sorting and scrolling through thousands of images. I downloaded any artwork that spoke to me. I learned about some really interesting artists and discovered the styles I like best. I’ve created a gallery page linking all these images on the blog (I’ll link it below). Maybe that will save some of you time if you’re looking for affordable art.

While searching, I realized there is an extensive amount of artwork out there just waiting for people to enjoy. It makes me sad to think that great art isn’t everywhere–especially when it can be nearly free! There should be a nonprofit organization or a staff member at every museum who consults with local businesses and government to have art in all public places and offices. Of course, it could be curated for the individual business or setting. It would be a great way to expose everyone to all this art just waiting for people to appreciate it.

Where to Find Free Art

This is a short list of websites where you can find public domain art. Of course, many smaller museums will also upload their artwork too, but this list will keep anyone busy for a while!

Smithsonian

The Met

National Gallery of Art

Art Institvte Chicago

RawPixel

Biodiversity Heritage Library (Flickr Account)

My Curated Collection

As mentioned above, I created this page on my blog to curate my favorite free art, and there was so much more that I saw that stood out to me but didn’t have enough time and capacity to download. I’m hoping to update the page slowly over time. Some of my favorites are below. For example, I love the North Woods Club and For to Be a Farmer’s Boy. Happy hunting!

Funny Artwork

August 14, 2020

For a long time, I found curating artwork in my house challenging. I didn’t know what was “good” and I didn’t know where I could find art besides big box stores or small art shows. Eventually I just leaned into putting things on the wall that made me happy. Oh and the internet definitely helped with finding art.

My art preferences generally fall into 3 or 4 categories, one of which is “funny artwork.” It’s usually quirky and weird but makes me smile. While looking for art for my son’s room, I came across several pieces that I thought were fun. I love finding art on Etsy or Society6 because you can connect and follow the artist/curator which usually means finding more stuff that you like.

Below are 8 prints that are especially fun for a kid’s room.

Rock and Roll Skeleton Art Print: This skeleton looks happy and like he’s ready to party. The print is created by Original DNA Plus who has a wide range of prints of skeletons doing everything from riding a bike to kissing.
Rainbow Cat Art Print: This cute print is by the illustrator Lim Heng Sweet. I love the playfulness of the design and the movement of the cats. Their rainbow bodies make the cats feels youthful and a little magical.
Burger Plant: The burger plant makes me smile every time. It’s silly and nonsensical, but totally works! Jonas Loose has a ton of other quirky prints that will make you smile.
Pug Yoga Art Print: Chalermphol Harnchakkham is an illustrator that has a whole series of different animals/things doing yoga. It’s silly and can be especially fun for a kid if they have a connection to one of those animals (like the pug).
Sassquatch Art Print: Bigfoot is funny enough but add a little attitude and sassquatch is a home run. Sophie Corrigan is a children’s book illustrator who has a fun sense of humor that completely comes out in her art. She has so many prints that are silly and totally kid appropriate.
Brilliant Disguise- Goldfish with Shark Fin: I love everything about this print. The concept, the colors and the realism. Vin Zzep has a very sweet bio on his Society6 page that talks about his journey to becoming a full time artist. If you love this print, then you’ll surely enjoy his other quirky art.
Living in Reality art Print: Side Dimes takes classic paintings and make them modern by adding elements of current culture. I like this lady with her red and blue 3D glasses. I think we’d be friends.
Party Cat Printable: I want this print to be titled Grumpy Cat has a birthday. Frankie Print Co has a ton of other prints (and other home decor items!) that would work well in a kid’s room.

I’ve already purchased #4 and #6 for my son’s room (his picks!). Which one do you love?