For many of us, especially those with young kids at home, 31 October seems to mark the start of the party season. After the October half term holiday the countdown to Christmas begins (oh and there’s Bonfire night too, of course!). However, it’s all going to be a bit different this year, we can’t imagine that there’ll be many little ones outdoors Trick or Treating this time around. So, with this in mind we thought we’d take a look at decorative ideas for at-home parties and back garden gatherings. Better get the thermals out!
Diagonal Designs
Dark kitchens are definitely enjoying an on-trend moment, so we thought we’d point you in the direction of our Hudson Black ceramic tiles. There are other shades available, Grey and Cream, all are designed to look like concrete and of course can be installed vertically, horizontally or diagonally – which is a particularly successful format. There’s no doubt that dark coloured tiles are a really practical choice in the kitchen, especially when lots of creative cooking and pumpkin carving is happening – there needn’t be too many concerns about over-enthusiastic spills and splashes!
Dramatic Structures
We don’t know whether to call this a room panel, a room divider, or a half-wall. Whatever it is, we think it’s a stunning way of using tiles in a large open space, separating dining and living areas. Our Etna Rust porcelain tiles are suited to both walls and floors, and the shading looks particularly interesting. Other shades are available and all are designed to replicated aged metallic panels, with a tiny hint of glitter sparkle. These unusual tiles could be used in a huge variety of settings; adding drama to classic, high-ceilinged rooms or perhaps nailing the industrial look in a warehouse-style setting.
Walk on the Wild Side
At the time of writing , lockdown rules are in a state of flux, so who knows where we’ll be in a few days’ time? Here at Tile Mountain though, we’ve taken the view that although the days are cold and the weather is grim, any chance of getting outdoors is to be taken seriously and making garden spaces useable in autumn and winter months is definitely something to be getting on with. We’re rather taken with ideas from Timberman & Co. So get your groundworks going, choose some fabulous outdoor tiles from our Portico Collection, and start planning a snug outdoor hideaway.
Enchanted Wood
Three outdoor porcelain planks for consideration for any outdoor project you may now be thinking about! From left, these are all from the Paintwash collection, in Almond, Cherry, Grey, Denim and White. Each plank is designed to look like naturally grained timber, and can be used outdoors as well as indoors – a fabulous choice for laid-back, rustic style. (And they’re super-easy to keep clean as well – just wash down with the hosepipe every few weeks).
Spooky Times
In the probable absence of trick-or-treating, why not add some spooky decorations to your windowsills – suitably lit with candles, fairy lights and tea lights. These ghoulish decorations are from a really excellent selection at George at Asda and well worth a look!
Fantastical Investment Pieces
Now, we know that outdoor accessories aren’t exactly necessities, but if you’re in the mood to spend and want to invest in something that will definitely spark joy for years to come, take a look at the Fantasy Spherical Fire Pit by Logi. Just the job for a dramatic decorative addition to the new outdoor terrace; for added outdoor heat in the cold months and as an interesting sculptural piece all year round.
There In Black & White
For a rather more sophisticated Halloween theme, take a look at this year’s Pumpkin Ceramics from Lights4Fun. We can see these edging into a white, silver, and gold Christmas theme too! So it’s definitely the time of year to get the decorations out of the loft, decide what this years themes are going to be, and start gathering a few new additions here and there.
Frightfully Fabulous
Three ideas for Spooky Saturday; from left; Spiders Web Light Up window decoration, from Lights4Fun; Skull, Cat & Pumpkin ceramic decoration from Homesense; Black Pumpkin Candles from a selection of Halloween goodies at Next.
Pumpkin Party Time
Perhaps a small family Halloween party is on the cards, in which case you may want to pop out for some decorations and pumpkins from Sainsbury’s. If you’re carving real pumpkins, do it properly and save the flesh for pumpkin soup. There are some great recipe suggestions here. A particular favourite of ours is Sainsbury’s recipe for Pumpkin Soup with Salsa. Very tasty and warming!
Dark Side of The Moon
Changing the décor completely to include a wall mural is probably quite a big step for Halloween, but we had to show you this – it’s the Tree & Moon made to measure wall picture from Wallsauce. We can’t help thinking it’s a great solution for a study, a teen room, or perhaps a hallway. Yes, it’s very dramatic, but think how fabulous it would look paired with some pale porcelain tiles, such as our Lounge Ivory Matt Wall and Floor Tiles.
Whatever you’re getting up to this Halloween then we hope you stay safe and have a good ‘un. If you are out and about (perhaps Trick or Treating with the kids) or have been inspired to decorate your home by any of the ideas here then please do share your pics – tweet us @TileMountainUK, share on Facebook or tag us on Instagram!
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Linda has worked as a freelance interiors writer and blogger for many years; she has written for most of the major home and design magazines, including KBB Magazine, Grand Designs, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Period Homes and Good Homes. She made the break and moved from London back to her home town of Shrewsbury three years ago and has just finished renovating her house. She also works in an interior design studio, produces copy for brochures and website, tries to tame her garden, aims to finish all the home furnishing projects she has on the go … and loves walking.