If you didn’t already worship at the altar of Alice Hoffman, the novelist behind Practical Magic—which was adapted into the film starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock—please be advised: “Whimsigoth” is on the rise. Fans of the 1998 cult classic will recall the darkly romantic Victorian manor filled with dark wood accents, lush velvet textiles, well-worn Persian rugs, and ornate candelabras, all of which are defining characteristics of the whimsigoth trend. (It was dazzling enough that even Barbra Streisand attempted to buy it.) The house was, in fact, a set designed by Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch of Roman and Williams, but luckily for fans of the New England witches’ enviable aesthetic, whimsigoth manages to capture the opulent magic (pun intended) of this particular design style.
Evan Collins is credited for coining the term “whimsigothic” on Are.na in 2020 to describe the mystical, moody aesthetic, which has since gained significant traction with both design enthusiasts and experts. Missouri-based designer Charlsie Hethershaw notes that the whimsigoth style mixes dark (and sometimes edgy) pieces with items that feel more magical and ethereal. “There’s a definite nod to ’90s style, think Stevie Nicks and Lisa Bonet,” she adds.
Aino Heinäsuo, head of design at Redecor, sees the design style as a reimagining of gothic decor, which tends to be more serious and somber with a cold color palette, whereas whimsigoth offers a warmer, more playful twist. Imagine the warmth and coziness of the dark academia microtrend, minus the surplus of books. “It’s infusing a sense of childlike wonder into a gothic setting,” she insists. For those of us that grew up during the ’90s and early ’00s, there’s a delectable amount of nostalgia infused within the style. “It feels like a nod to the past,” Hethersaw explains. “I hear a lot of people say [that] when they decorate in the whimsigoth aesthetic they are healing their inner child somehow or they enjoy it so much because now they’re grown-ups and can finally do all the things they wanted to do when they were a kid.”
So if you ever wished you could transport yourself into the world of Charmed or Sabrina the Teenage Witch, it might be time to channel the whimsigoth style for your own home. Learn how to incorporate this season’s most enchanting design trend into your own space with these five tips—no joining witch covens required.
More is more
Maximalists take note: This aesthetic is all about embracing knickknacks and personal touches. Heinäsuo recommends adorning your space with unique items that enhance the magical ambiance, like crystals, vintage trinkets, unusual sculptures, and natural elements like dried flowers or branches. “It’s softer than traditional gothic styles,” Hethershaw explains. “It feels cozy and magical, instead of all dark and edgy. It’s a great balance, especially for people who find regular gothic style too intense.”
Just make sure to remember the whimsical aspect of the style, which will help prevent your space from feeling too drab or severe. “Infuse a sense of playfulness, lightness, and fantasy into the decor, [which] creates a stark contrast with the darker, more somber tone of classic gothic style,” Heinäsuo says. “While traditional gothic decor emphasises macabre elements such as skulls, ravens, and Gothic architecture, whimsigoth introduces a sense of enchantment and joy.” Think more eccentric bohemian and less Edgar Allan Poe.
Dress the room with jewel tones and metallics
To fully embrace the whimsigoth aesthetic, you’ll need to look beyond minimalist white, cream, and grey hues for paint and colour palettes. Channel the maximalist Victorian chaos of Sabrina Spellman’s turret bedroom, replete with lush plums and blues, stained glass windows, and dark mahogany accents. “Colours are darker jewel tones [like] navy, burgundy, purple, emerald, et cetera, with accents of metallic or metals,” Hethershaw says.
Heinäsuo adds that incorporating unexpected pops of color like magenta, burnt orange, sage green, and rich blue can help to balance the jewel tones and keep your space feeling dynamic and modern. “Deep, rich hues set a dramatic backdrop, while vibrant and pastel colours work well as accents or feature walls,” she notes. Remember, subtly is never the goal when it comes to whimsigoth decor!
Lush textures and stacked patterns have the magic touch
A rich colour palette can also extend to your furniture. If you’ve been considering a deep velvet sofa, accent chair, or daybed, now is the time to invest. Lush patterns and textures are your friend when it comes to home accent pieces and textiles. “This style frequently incorporates intricate damask, paisley, or florals, combined with luxurious textures such as velvet, lace, and brocade,” Heinäsuo explains. “The result is a harmonious blend of softness and elegance, with an added touch of the mystical and fantastical.” Now is the time to create a cozy pillow stack on your bed or your couch (or both!) for a Florence Welch–meets–Stevie Nicks vibe.
According to Hethershaw, the key to incorporating different textiles is how you stack them together. “Velvet and lace are great for whimsigoth, but more important than what fabric you use is fabric layering,” she says. “Maybe you have a velvet sofa—then you throw a vintage tapestry over the back and the pillows [have] different fabrics or patterns layered in, or [you have] sheer curtains with beautiful metallic detailing layered under thick velvet curtains.” Again, more is more in the whimsigoth realm, so allow your inner maximalist to thrive.
Bring on the celestial accents
Was there a ’90s kid that didn’t have glow-in-the-dark stars in their bedroom? To make it more modern (and less childish), take notes from TikTok creator @Bara_Hari and paint your bathroom ceiling a deep royal blue with gold foil stars. “Incorporate decorative elements with stars, moons, and other celestial motifs through wall art, bedding, and decorative objects,” Heinäsuo says. “Enhance the fantastical vibe with vintage-inspired globes, mythical creature figurines, and whimsical artwork to add a touch of enchantment.” If you’re unsure about how to test celestial elements without reaching for a pack of stickers, start with an elevated accent piece (a Tiffany lamp perhaps?) and build out the room from there.
Let the light guide you
Whimsigoth is all about setting a vibe, and lighting is essential to create that mystical, inviting atmosphere. Hethershaw believes there’s no such thing as too big—or too sparkly—when designing a whimsigoth-themed space. She recommends installing lighting fixtures with jewel tones or stained glass and gold, brass, or silver accents, noting that vintage lamps, swag pendants, or chandeliers are the way to go. Whatever you decide to do, stick to warm, low lighting to complement your cozy, opulent space.
Also, don’t forget about candles, candlesticks, and candelabras! Long tapers will add plenty of drama and otherworldly energy. Bonus points if you can learn how to light them with your breath à la Sally Owens.
This story originally featured on architecturaldigest.com
