The Beat That My Heart Skipped – A blog dedicated to daily design inspirations. By Rohini Wahi.

I am certainly not going to be able to stay away from Martha this week…she has given me so many great ideas I just have to share them all with you. So this post is split into two parts – there will be another in the afternoon on easy to make Halloween treats.

I’ve been taking a look at Martha’s suggestions on decorating your home for Halloween and picked some of the simplest to execute of ideas. Given everyone’s hectic lives these days I don’t think anyone has the patience for anything that takes longer than three steps to create!

These striking ‘Gothic Pumpkin Centrepieces’ are created using different varieties of pumpkins in varying hues. Using a downloadable template [or even your own design], you simply carve the desired image into the pumpkin with a scalpel and then scrape away exposing the flesh. When lit, the thinned area is illuminated.

How cute/creepy are these? Print out ‘Paper Mice’ silhouettes onto black craft paper, using a downloadable template, and fix to your desired surface. I love the idea that there is an abundance of the creatures wriggling around as opposed to one or two.

Replace regular curtains with these ‘Gothic Paper Curtains’, creating a sinister effect. Download templates here.

This gothic ‘Black Silk Flower Wreath’ is made using a wooden wreath form, on which silk flowers are fixed and sprayed. Alternatively you could buy a ready made wreath and spray it black. Instructions here.

As simple as this ‘Mouse Motel’ looks, the effect is startling! Scoop out the pumpkin and carve holes filling them with plastic mice. Full instructions here.

I love these ‘Scary Message Halloween Lanterns’, that say ‘I’d turn back if I were you!’ Beautiful and sinister. Again simply made, see details here.

These stunning ‘Celestial Pumpkins‘ are simpler to make than they look but take a little more effort than the others, however totally worth it once done. Scoop out the pumpkin from its underside. Drill holes, fill with fairy lights and push through the holes. The cable will come out from underneath like a lamp. See instructions here.