Creative Halloween Decorating Ideas: Beyond the Classic Orange and Black

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Next to Christmas, Halloween is the most celebrated holiday in the United States, and most families can't wait to start making their homes and yards festive for the occasion. Although you can't change the fact that orange and black are inextricably linked to this event, with a little effort and imagination, you can create a variety of low-cost special effects that do not require painting your house to look like either a pumpkin or a casket.

If you happen to already have an orange-toned accent wall in your home, you have the perfectly prepared background for your favorite accessories. Pantone's popular 2013 fall colors such as Koi (orange), Linden Green, Deep Lichen Green, Turbulence (charcoal, and Acai (rich purple) are ideal accent wall choices, and if you have a natural affinity for these warm colors, you may already have the biggest part of your decorating done. Just bring in the pumpkins and candles, black throws and rugs, and even black bedding and towels. You'll soon be ready to entertain.

On the other hand, if your personal decorating style is much different, don't try to make big, expensive changes. Throw orange or black throws over furniture pieces and group them together for more impact. The living room or dining room is usually the most adaptable space. Consider changing out the curtains, pillows, and the lampshades temporarily. Layer a large clear vase with bands of Halloween candy for a striking statement. Use black rugs and black decorations generously. Halloween word art can be made and framed cheaply. How about a Halloween tree with clear lights and orange and black trimmings? Find cheap dinnerware at a dollar store and paint it with ceramic or glass paints. Don't forget a themed tablecloth and napkins as well. A colorful Halloween wreath on your front door or a spooky outdoor display reminds visitors and passersby that you are in the mood to celebrate.

Perhaps you just don't want to focus on the orange-black combination. Consider mixing vintage colors of faded oranges and dull golds with the prerequisite blacks. You might add some electricity and sophistication with sharp blues and greens against silver. Another option is to choose one fall color and showcase it in varying tones and shades.

Because of the mysticism associated with the color purple, it is always another choice for a bold pop of color in your Halloween decorating scheme. For scary effects, deep red is a reminder of the darker side of this fun holiday as it conjures up the ideas of blood, demons, and fire. Eerie greens remind us of goblins, monsters and zombie creatures of the night. White presents an unusual effect on pumpkins, mirrors and other reflective surfaces. Used correctly, it can add some sophistication to your decorating scheme.

For those who also care about the positive energy levels created by decorating schemes, it's nice to know that Feng Shui supports the balance created by combining orange and blacks colors. From the opposite sides of the energy spectrum, orange represents warmth, happiness, and the well -being that comes with a bountiful harvest. Black is a reminder of the darkness of winter and seasonal change. Together, these colors are ideal for you Halloween decorating ideas. It will soon be time for trick-or-treating, so start planning today.