Kim Kardashian was an early pioneer of the 'quiet luxury' movement, often lauded for her pared-back, neutral interiors, designed by Axel Vervoordt. However, once a year, in October, the socialite's modern, Hidden Hills home is transformed into a terrifyingly over-the-top haunted house that would make any minimalist scream.
Kim has designed some chilling displays over the years, but in my opinion, the most unsettling is her spider-centric Halloween decor idea from 2020. For this display, the reality-television-star-turned-lawyer-turned-actress turned her home into a 15-foot-tall red spider's den.
Her team placed the massive creature over the door frame, situating it among fake spiderwebs that stretch the entire length of the home. Inside, red lights add an eerie glow to the design.
Though not all of us will opt for such an ostentatious display, Kim's decor taps into a wider Halloween decor trend we're seeing across celebrity homes: doorscaping. From Martha Stewart's traditional front porch display to Shea McGee's pared-back patio, celebs are choosing to center their Halloween decor around their doors. So, why does it work, and how do you recreate it? We sourced home and garden experts' best tips.
Doorscaping is a great outdoor Halloween decor idea because of its versatility. You can make your front door as bold (read: Kim-Kardashian-like) or as simple as you desire. Furthermore, it's at the entry point to your home, meaning that all guests and passersby will get to see the hard work you put in to making your home shine this season.
Recreate Kim's Look at Home
While cobwebs are certainly not the most expensive or stylish spooky accent, they do add a level of texture and playfulness to your entryway table, credenza, or tabletop displays. This stretchy web from Target also glows in the dark.
Potted plants never looked so spooky. These adorable spider stake lights are the cutest way to light the outside of your home this season.
Amp up the fear factor at your house this year with this battery operated spider. The LED lights add just the right amount of glow.
If you want to create your own Halloween door scape this year, outdoor lighting is the number one most important trick for emphasizing your spooky display.
Andrew White, a design expert at outdoor furniture retailer Harbour Lifestyle, explains: 'It is all well and good creating a Halloween-themed doorscape for trick-or-treaters and neighbors to enjoy, but there is no point in creating anything if they can’t see it at night. When creating a themed doorscape, I always recommend starting by setting the right mood with lighting.'
He advises: 'To bring the spooky vibes, solar lanterns are the ultimate base. Reminiscent of oil lamps used in Victorian times, outdoor lanterns not only provide an eerily enchanting glow but also add a chic and luxurious element to your front doorscape. Place a collection of alternating sizes around the perimeter of your front door or porch, lighting the way to your offering of delicious treats.' We are huge fans of these luminary-style solar lights from Amazon, if you need some inspiration.
'Bonus points if you add faux flickering candles, or hazy orange bulbs for a sophisticated, spooky atmosphere – don’t forget to swap out the bulbs in your outdoor wall lighting, too! Once the spooky season has passed, you can change these back to normal bulbs and continue using them as decorative and functional lighting,' Andrew concludes.
Kim Kardashian's spidery outdoor decor indicates a shift towards seasonal decoration that sits at the front of the house, spreading Halloween joy to everyone who passes. No matter your style, it's an easy way to welcome the season. If you're looking for more inspiration, our list of hauntingly chic Halloween decor buys is a great place to start.
