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Whimsigoth Is the Witchy Trend of the MomentHere's How Designers Bring It Home
If you've ever pined after the home in Practical Magic or wished your mom would've let you dress like Buffy from Buffy the Vampire Slayer growing upEvan Collins, describes the moody aesthetic was initially popular in the late 1980s through the '90s (think Interview with the Vampire and Tim Burton), but it's currently making a comeback in the world of interior trends.Dark spaces that are injected with humor and a bit of mystery are the essence of whimsigoth, says designer Blair Moore. With a heavy display of jewel tones mixed with soft pastels, the style isn't nearly as dramatic or dreary as fully gothit has a notable playful element to it that helps balance out the seriousness. You can even find whites and creams interspersed in whimsigoth decor, just enough to add an ethereal element but not enough to feel airy and bright. For more trending aesthetic inspiration:"Whimsigoth gives people a way to infuse a little fantasy into their daily lives, with unique textures, eclectic pieces, and just enough mystery to keep things interesting," Inara Tirkkonen, an interior architect and the Art Team Lead at Redecor, tells House Beautiful. With the confirmation of a second Practical Magic movie, the release of spooky TV shows like Agatha All Along, and witchy icon Stevie Nicks trending (when is she not?), it's not at all surprising why this aesthetic is popular again. Get all the detailsand a curated shopping listbelow.The Design Elements that Make Up Whimsigoth DecorThough there are different subsets of gothic style, you can safely assume that the main color used is black. With whimsigoth, that is not the case. You'll find a rich tapestry of jewel tones like emerald greens, midnight blues, and sumptuous burgundy paired with lighter hues like pale lavenders, misty grays, and creamy ivory, Moore says. The colors aren't so much the focus as the shades, which must be mostly dark with bits of light sprinkled throughout to create depth. How you play with texture in whimsigoth decor is just as important as the general color scheme. A whimsigoth interior must be cozy yet mysterious, plush yet delicate, grand yet inviting. Velvet, lace, gilded accents, dark wood tones, aged and colored glass, antique brass, filtered lightall of these materials, textures, and layering elements help to envelop you in this enchanting style.Whimsigoth is a maximalist aesthetic at its core, and it uses a collection of nature-inspired patterns along with saturated colors and layered textures to prove that. "Motifs weave throughout the design, from celestial patterns that evoke the mysteries of the night sky to intricate floral designs that bring a touch of natures whimsy indoors," Moore explains. These three design pillars are used to tell a story, one filled with wonder, history, and fantasy. "Whimsigoth should make you feel a little bit like youve stepped into a dream, or maybe even an old storybook," Tirkkonen says. "Its the kind of space that makes you want to stay a while, wrapped up in a blanket with a cup of tea." Yes, Whimsigoth Is Different from Goth StyleA true goth aesthetic is more somber and macabre in its decor. Black monochromatic palettes and an eerie vibe with an emphasis on the dramatic and melancholic make up this style. Whimsigoth, on the other hand, is where you get some variety in color and a bit of playfulness, according to Tirkkonen. It's less brooding and more curious, and there's a definite sense of fantasy that isn't present in goth. Though they're both dark and associated at least in part with witchcraft, whimsigoth isn't so heavy and brings more eclectic elements so "whimsy and darkness coexist in perfect harmony," Moore adds.How to Style Whimsigoth in an Elevated WayThe whimsigoth aesthetic is not really something you can craft all at oncein that sense it's an example of "slow decorating." High-quality pieces, preferably vintage, are necessary to capture the ideal vibe. Whimsigoth tells a story, after all, and you can't really tell an enchanting story without a few statement and one-of-a-kind pieces. However, combining these antiques with modern touches keeps the space feeling fresh and more balanced.As with any design aesthetic, you need harmony to create an elevated atmosphere, from lighting to textures to color. Turn off the big light and go with ambient and natural lighting instead to add depth and an inviting glow. Decorating with a lot of candles, ideally in antique candelabras, captures that ethereal and storied touch, especially as it flickers and reflects off all of the metallic accents you have in the room. By layering lace and velvet as well as metal and wood, you're balancing richness with lightness. Too much velvet, for example, can get heavy; too much wood might come off as rustic. Below, we've curated a list of pieces that perfectly capture the whimsigoth trend.
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