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Formal houses deserve formal Halloweens. This entry is dressed in two colors and one texture. Black velvet bows sit on a glossy black double door, so they show only in raking light. White and black pumpkins cascade down limestone steps, and a pair of iron urns holds dark grass.
The brass carriage lanterns do the lighting. We add nothing electric, and the house looks as if it has always looked this way in October.
The Elevation
- 1Black velvet bows. One on each door leaf at lock-rail height.
- 2Carriage lanterns. The existing brass lanterns on the wall. Switch to a warm 2700K bulb if they run cool.
- 3Iron urns with dark grass. A black pedestal urn on each side of the steps.
- 4Pumpkin cascade. White and black pumpkins descending the left side of the steps, largest at the bottom.
- 5Fanlight. Leave it clear. It is the only window into the house from the street.
The Details
The Pieces
For black velvet bows · qty 1
For iron urns with dark grass · qty 2
For pumpkin cascade · qty 1
Designer's Notes
Installation
Build the cascade from the bottom step up, and never let it cross the centerline of the stair. Wire the bows to the door with a loop through the knocker or a clear outdoor hook.
Light
No added lighting. The two lanterns at the door are enough for a formal entry, and they keep the black-on-black bows legible.
Budget
Tier I (Under $300): about $190 for everything on the list below at today's prices.
