2018 Halloween color + design

10/31/2018 | Sara McLean |

Halloween has become one of the biggest festivities for Americans in the past few years. Just last year, over 171 million Americans took part in a variety of Halloween festivities. With this holiday becoming more popular year-over-year, we’ve noted several trends that are on the rise — more adults are participating and celebrating; trick-or-treating is going by the wayside while new trends for kids such as Halloween festivals are trending up this year; and family pets are joining in on the holiday fun.

A person sitting on a table

Here are seven top trending Halloween design themes to inspire you this year:

Hocus Pocus!

As the Halloween classic, "Hocus Pocus," celebrates its 25th anniversary, the Disney classic has gained a new generation of fans who appreciate the fun movie classic. Dress up as your favorite iconic witches — Winifred, Sarah and Mary Sanderson — and create a witchy design aesthetic complete with deep blacks, blood red and a range of jewel tones. Add layers of gauze, a cauldron or two for witches brew and Hocus Pocus! Halloween is here.

HOCUS POCUS by Walt Disney Pictures

CatPrintsLettering. IT’S A BUNCH OF HOCUS POCUS Halloween illustration. Etsy

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Another fan favorite is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, "The Nightmare Before Christmas!" This Disney’s Tim Burton classic is a much-loved twisty take on Halloween and Christmas, taking place in
a cartoon world only Burton could conjure up. Start with a backdrop of deep blue and purple, then design your Halloween showcase around a combination of Halloween and Christmas décor with a mix of skeletons and Christmas trees, pumpkins and lights, and Santa Claus next to witches, ghosts and goblins. Jack Skellington
and Sally would be proud!

Jack, Sally and Zero “ONCE UPON A NIGHTMARE” figurine by Jim Shore. Disney Store.

"THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS" Halloween collection. Cost Plus World Market.

Disney Tim Burton’s THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS BLACK LIGHT VILLAGE AND FIGURINES.The Bradford Exchange

Hot Dog!

Halloween brings out the best costumes for furry friends. From food favorites such as hot dogs and hamburgers, to traditional costumes such as witches and goblins, the costumed pets bring out some of the
cutest Halloween inspiration.

Rubie's Costume Company HOT DOG COSTUME. Chewy

California Costumes UPS DELIVERY DRIVER DOG COSTUME. Chewy.

It’s All a Bad Dream

As you fall asleep, Halloween dreams haunt your nights! Monsters under the bed, scary bedtime stories and homes that creak in the night entice the paranormal senses. Add cracking mirrors, scattered wooden blocks
spelling out messages such as “Get Out” and spooky dolls to complete the nightmare.

90’s Hip Hop

Who’s hotter than Cardi B and Bruno Mars right now? With their hit “Finesse” video, we’re loving the return of this 90’s look. Backdrops of street murals and brightly-colored art and accessories add theatrics to the Halloween outfits of bomber jackets, large hoop earrings and acid-wash, baggy jeans.

BRUNO MARS. Instagram Post

Cookies502 NEW FASHION HIP HOP DANCE FEMALE COSTUME. DHGate online store

HIP HOP HUSTLE THEME KIT. Shindigz.

Industrial Chic

Trend experts at Etsy predict that industrial chic will replace modern farmhouse as a major Halloween décor theme this year. Concrete pumpkins and skulls, cool neutral hues and clean lines showcase the best of
this Halloween design trend.

OpusStoneStudio. SET OF 3 MINI CONCRETE PUMPKINS. Etsy

EMSAYStudio. ROSE GOLD GEOMETRIC SKULL. Etsy.

When the Saints Go Marching!

This year marks the 300th anniversary of New Orleans, a favorite US city. With so much history, folklore, music and food, this is the year to celebrate New Orleans style. The bright official Mardi Gras purple, green and gold color palette is on display through every design element. Accent with voodoo dolls, masquerade party décor, and a backdrop of New Orleans famous jazz music to complete this theme.