The “Whimsigoth” Aesthetic Isn’t Just for Witches

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 emphasizes 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.

Caption: Bring on the drama with opulent lighting and wall-to-wall drapery as seen in this tented room inside an apartment on the Upper East Side by AD PRO Directory designer Josh Greene.

Photo: Tim Lenz

Dress the room with jewel tones and metallics

To fully embrace the whimsigoth aesthetic, you’ll need to look beyond minimalist white, cream, and gray hues for paint and color 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. “Colors 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 colors work well as accents or feature walls,” she notes. Remember, subtly is never the goal when it comes to whimsigoth decor!

Whimsigoth decor is all about coziness like the quaint reading nook inside this Becky Carter-designed home in Berkeley, California is key.

Photo: Sam Frost

Lush textures and stacked patterns have the magic touch

A rich color 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.