With Halloween fast approaching the buzz surrounding the new Beetlejuice movie is inspiring many to make over their homes in the film’s dark yet playful aesthetic – enter Beetlejuice interiors.

From moody colours and striking stripes to gothic vintage accessories and quirky patterns, the darkly delightful world of this Tim Burton classic is proving quite the muse for interior designers as ‘Beetlejuicecore’ clocks up some serious attention on social media.

“Google searches for the ‘Beetlejuice house’ increased by a whopping 487% in September, while the film’s aesthetic is also currently trending across Pinterest, with a 194% increase in searches on the platform,” explains Chloe Barrow, interior expert at Laura James. 

Interior Designer, Milena Vallier from MyBespokeRoom says the trend mixes gothic, vintage and eccentric elements to create a space which is a bit spooky, quirky, playful and very personal.

“Darker backdrops are contrasted with pops of bold colours like purples and green and layers of different patterns are used to create a look which feels like stepping in a different world or dimension!” she adds.

Milena says the reason spooky, eclectic styles like this have made a comeback is simple — people are craving something out of the ordinary that breaks the minimalist, carefully curated designs which have dominated for so long.

“I think its popularity comes from the need to create something a bit different which moves away from the clean-lines, sleek interior designs that have been predominant in the last decade,” she explains.

From whimsical treasures to atmospheric lighting and bold and beautiful designs, here’s how to channel the gothic aesthetic and infuse your space with the spirit of this stylistic classic.

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Beetlejuice interiors: get your stripe on

According to Cassandra Leisz, creative director at Ruggable, stripes are the signature print of the Beetlejuice film and will be the main design element to consider when styling your home to achieve an authentic, gothic-inspired look.

“When adding striped patterns to your interior, it’s important to remember the impact the direction of the pattern will have on your room,” she says.

For example, Cassandra says horizontal striping will make a room appear wider whereas vertical striping will give the illusion that the room is taller.

“Therefore, if you intend to add stripes to your walls, I would recommend opting for vertical striped patterns in rooms with low ceilings and horizontal stripes in rooms that are small and boxy in size,” she adds.

When it comes to opting for a colour palette for your striped decor, Cassandra says you can either opt for high-contrast stripes or low-contrast stripes, depending on how bold you want to go.

“You’ll want to choose moody hues of charcoal, black, navy or burgundy to really hone in on the gothic undertone of the film,” she adds.

“For example, draw inspiration from Beetlejuice’s very own suit and incorporate black and white stripes into your interior for a striking finish. This bold pattern has been known to create dramatic depth in modern, eclectic, art deco, and glam decor alike. So try mixing it in with any aesthetic for a visual pop.”

You can also add a pop of pink for a more playful look.

“To bring a touch of the feminine, elevate your stripes with blush pink accenting through furnishings and accessories,” Cassandra suggests. “Or, simply use your striped pattern on a feature rug and soften the rest of the room with comforting pinks and optimistic green.”

Choose some moody hues

A Tim Burton-inspired interior would mix moody hues with quirky and whimsical décor to reflect his distinctive style.

“When it comes to the colour palette, think deep purples, charcoal grey, black and emerald green, blended with high-contrast, monochrome patterns that draw upon the iconic Beetlejuice black and white stripes and metallic finishes,” Molly Woodward-Moor, interior designer and creative director at Stone Superstore suggests.

“Darker shades have become increasingly popular for their ability to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere. Rich hues like emerald green, navy blue, and deep plum are now frequently seen in interiors, celebrated for their warmth and intimacy.”

Molly says when used to envelop an entire space, otherwise known as colour-drenching, these shades provide a cocooning effect that amplifies the effect of these colours, adding drama, depth, and an undeniable sense of grandeur.

Yvonne Keal, head of product at Hillarys says jewel inspired colours paired with touches of white, create a dramatic and slightly eery atmosphere that screams Beetlejuice!

“Take it a step further and add a surprise element with neon accents like glowing green or electric blue to mimic the strange and supernatural world of the film,” she adds.

However, if you want something a little more subtle, Cassandra suggests opting for lower-contrast shades, such as pewter and mauve to create a soft, moody atmosphere whilst still embracing the key design aspects of the film.

Go bold with pattern and scale

If you want to nail the gothic look, interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, who has collaborated with Galerie to produce a new Beetlejuice-worthy wallpaper collection, says it’s worth giving consideration to the scale of your patterns.

“In Beetlejuice, perspective and space are brilliantly manipulated by using a much larger scale than you’d expect,” he explains. “It’s a great thing to do when picking pattern, for example.

“Wallpapers with a large almost carnivorous scale pattern will often trip the eye and make the space feel bigger.”

Think about the small details

It’s important to also consider the smaller details in a space inspired by Tim Burton, to create a truly embrace a gothic-esque, Beetlejuice interior.

“Replacing door handles or drawer knobs with ornate brass or wrought iron fixings is a simple way to elevate your decor through finer details,” suggests Molly. “Furthermore, look for new accent cushions or blankets in rich, luxurious fabrics, finished with fringe, tassels, or gothic motifs.”

Gothic interiors are also characterised by grandeur and traditional, ornate details.

“Gothic design draws heavily from classic architectural elements like pointed archways, intricate mouldings, detailed carvings, and tactile materials, making it an ideal style to incorporate into interior spaces,” Molly explains.

Beetlejuice interiors: lean into atmospheric lighting

Investing in the correct lighting is key to achieving this design, as dimmed lights can enhance the gothic theme and complement other features.

“Ornate and sophisticated lighting fixtures, such as a chandelier and candlelights, enhance the design’s luxury and classic feel, creating the perfect atmosphere to achieve the gothic aesthetic,” explains Paulina Wojas, interior designer at Stunning Chairs.

To combine dramatic lighting and eccentric accessories, Laura suggests using vintage candlesticks to help create a cosy yet beetlejuice-esque atmosphere.

Similarly, Molly says whimsical lamps with unusual shapes such as twisted or crooked bases and pendant lights with dark crystal embellishments will help to evoke a classic goth atmosphere.

Embrace the unique

For an authentic look that captures the whimsical vibe it’s worth adding in some original vintage pieces.

“Look out for unique pieces in antique stores, from eclectic lighting fixtures to Victorian-style furniture with a twist,” suggests Molly. “Ornate pieces made from dark wood with velvet or patterned upholstery would form a striking feature piece.”

Vintage-style mirrors, or an ornate lamp can instantly bring the vibe without taking over the entire room. Furniture and accents that are slightly out-of-the-box work well with this look too.

“Furniture with curved forms, asymmetric sculptures and grandiose light fixtures all exude the ‘Burton-esque’ aesthetic,” she adds.

If you’re on a budget, charity and secondhand stores are work a look for unique treasures that fit the Beetlejuice aesthetic.

Milena says gold frames, antique-style candlesticks, or some funky mismatched chairs will add just the right amount of spooky flair without costing a fortune.

Find Burton-balance

To avoid the risk of the look appearing too dated, Molly suggests blending gothic decor with modern elements.

“Balancing the dramatic and ornate features of gothic style with the sleek and minimal aspects of contemporary design will ensure a sophisticated look that won’t feel too dated or overly themed,” she advises.

“Consider selecting a few statement pieces like an antique mirror, a gothic chandelier, or a carved wooden headboard that offset beautifully against a minimalist table or modern feature chair.

“Alternatively, finish your interior scene with accents of gold through accessories or lighting, to add a contemporary edge without it feeling jarring.”

Interior designer Rudolph Diesel agrees that balance is everything. “Mixing gothic elements with some lighter, neutral tones stops the room from feeling too intense,” they explain.

“Sleek designs can be a great counterbalance to the more dramatic elements. It’s about finding that sweet spot where it feels bold but still welcoming.

“A little eccentricity goes a long way, but keeping it subtle is what makes it really work.”

Beetlejuice interiors: avoid the cliché

Despite its seemingly thrown together appearance the Beetlejuice look is not just a random mix of different styles, colours and patterns but a very curated and well pulled together space.

The trick, advises Milena, is to ensure your space feels bold, personal and glamorous but not a movie set.

“It’s all about balancing the dark and eclectic elements with items which are a bit softer and toned down both in colour and style,” she explains.  

“Just a few super bold and eclectic pieces will speak volumes!”

Looking for more trend-led inspiration for your home? Check out The Paris Grandma aesthetic: 9 ways to incorporate the vintage style into your home or 8 trends interior designers will be adopting this autumn.