Practical Magic style is the witchy decor trend to try now
Warm, romantic and a little witchy, the interiors of Practical Magic are every bit as memorable as its storyline.
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman star as Sally and Gillian Owens, sisters born into a family of witches, living in a characterful Victorian home that has become a design icon in its own right.
With the long-awaited sequel arriving on 11th September, now is the perfect time to recreate the look. Traditional cabinetry, stacks of copper pans, trailing botanical wallpaper and Tiffany-style lighting create its layered, lived-in charm. The scheme can be completed with an eclectic mix of vintage hardware, secondhand finds, potted herbs, floral textiles and plenty of moody candlelight.
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In the Owens’ kitchen, the range cooker sits right at the heart of the action, creating an inviting focal point for cooking, gathering and occasional midnight margaritas.
Capture the same rustic feel by surrounding yours with traditional white cabinetry, natural timber finishes and open rails for well-used copper pans.
Potted herbs and trailing greenery soften the harder, more neutral finishes, especially when paired with timeworn accessories to ensure the room feels established rather than overly polished.
The sprawling home in Practical Magic is instantly recognisable for its white weatherboarded exterior, which gives the house its coastal character.
Recreate the look on a smaller scale by painting your garden shed or fencing in a soft, chalky white, then layer in natural textures and autumnal foliage.
A few restrained Halloween touches, such as a twig broom, lanterns or warm fairy lights, will add a hint of mystic charm without tipping the scheme into novelty.
Classic white metro tiles make an ideal backdrop for the eclectic details associated with the Practical Magic kitchen.
Rather than hiding everything behind closed doors, arrange useful pieces on the worktop: wooden utensils, cookbooks, chopping boards and a pestle and mortar all contribute to the look.
Keep the palette restrained and vary the heights, then introduce a few aged brass accents to give an everyday display the appearance of having evolved naturally over time.
Lean into an apothecary-inspired aesthetic by combining botanical illustrations and dried flowers with traditional wooden furniture.
Glass-fronted cabinetry is ideal for displaying an accumulation of crockery, jars and curios as well as folded linens which will help prevent the scheme from feeling too clinical.
This look lends itself well to autumn, when foraged branches and subtle woodland motifs come in. Keep individual pieces within a muted palette so the overall effect remains curated rather than cluttered.
Candlelight is central to the film’s enchanting atmosphere and offers one of the easiest ways to recreate it at home.
Cluster holders in odd numbers and vary their heights, combining slim dinner candles with chunkier pillar styles for a more relaxed arrangement.
Mix and match wood and aged metal finishes to bring added interest to your display, positioning candles near a mirror or pale wall to help amplify their glow.
Battery-operated alternatives can achieve a similar, yet safer, ambience where an open flame is impractical.
A freestanding butcher’s block captures the generously proportioned, hardworking spirit of the Owens’ kitchen without requiring a full renovation.
When recreating this look in your own home, choose a design with a substantial timber top, then use the open shelving below for wicker baskets filled with pantry staples or everyday cookware – where the mix of painted wood and natural weave keeps storage practical but attractive.
If space is limited, consider a movable piece that can provide extra preparation space wherever it is needed and introduce country-house character to a modern kitchen.
A touch of playful, theatrical furniture helps prevent this look from becoming ordinary cottage style.
Curved silhouettes, velvet upholstery and decorative details such as a pleated skirt bring softness and a little eccentricity – particularly in rich cinnamon, moss or dusky plum.
Allow one statement chair to take centre stage rather than filling the room with matching pieces. Don’t worry too much about clashing prints. In fact, this is a great opportunity to combine old and new by sourcing trending cottagecore style pieces from the high street with vintage finds from second-hand shops and vintage stores.
Botanical bedding offers a softer way to introduce the film’s romantic, nature-led aesthetic beyond the kitchen.
This autumn-winter season, look for small-scale florals in muted plum, ochre and sage, then combine them with gingham or washed plain linens rather than buying one perfectly coordinated set.
Layering contrasting patterns creates the sense of textiles gathered over time and is a great opportunity to bring a little personality into the place.
Keep the surrounding furniture simple and timeless, allowing the densely printed fabric to provide richness without overwhelming the room.
Scent can transport you into a different mood just as effectively as colour or pattern, making incense a fitting finishing touch for this witchy-inspired scheme.
Choose botanical or earthy fragrances such as tea, cedar or aromatic herbs, then display the sticks in a sculptural ceramic holder alongside gathered branches and natural textures.
The rising smoke introduces an almost ritualistic quality – just be sure to burn in a ventilated room and never leave it unattended.
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Spellbinding sets
These five Halloween favourites are filled with interior inspiration, alongside seasonal scares!
Haunted Mansion
Gracey Manor layers faded Southern grandeur with patterned wallpaper, eerie portraits and shadowy passageways. LaKeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson and Owen Wilson star; watch on Disney+.
Interview with the Vampire
Opulent New Orleans townhouses, gilded antiques and decaying Parisian gothic grandeur make this vampire tale deliciously decadent. Watch Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in action by streaming on HBO Max.
Poor Things
Yorgos Lanthimos fills Bella Baxter’s world with jewel-toned rooms, fantastical architecture and eccentric Victorian details. Featuring Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo; watch on Disney+.
Hocus Pocus 2
Salem’s candlelit cottages, apothecary clutter and crooked historic streets create a playful witchy atmosphere. The infamous trio of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy return; watch on Disney+.
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