Gothic Life: The Essential Guide to Macabre Style

Book Review: Gothic Life: The Essential Guide to Macabre Style by Aurelio Voltaire

Rating: 4 Stars

As a self-proclaimed lover of all things gothic, I couldn't wait to dive into Gothic Life: The Essential Guide to Macabre Style by Aurelio Voltaire. Dubbed the “Martha Stewart for Macabre Homemakers” by The New York Times, Voltaire serves up a definitive guide for anyone looking to infuse their living space with a touch of the eerie and the beautiful. This beautifully crafted book is a treasure trove for those ready to embrace their dark side and transform their homes into enchanting sanctuaries that reflect their gothic spirit.

From the get-go, Voltaire takes us on an engaging journey through the world of goth culture. He shares insights drawn from years of experience as the founder and host of Gothic Homemaking, as well as his work in stop-motion animation. What I loved most was how he combines history and creativity to provide readers with an understanding of the goth mindset, showcasing iconic figures like Vincent Price, Tim Burton, and Wednesday Addams.

The book is packed with practical DIY projects, spooky décor ideas that extend beyond just black—who knew there were so many other hauntingly beautiful color palettes?—and even a gothic dinner party menu featuring intriguing dishes like squid ink linguini and charcoal ice cream. As someone who enjoys hosting, I found his tips for entertaining quite helpful. Whether you're prepping for Halloween or simply want to add a touch of the macabre to your everyday life, this book has something for everyone.

Aesthetically, Gothic Life is nothing short of stunning. The layout is visually pleasing, and the photos are gorgeous, providing plenty of inspiration for anyone looking to curate their own gothic space. You can tell that a lot of care and work went into creating this macabre masterpiece, and it shows. The DIY projects and recipes are detailed and easy to follow, making it accessible for both seasoned goth aficionados and newcomers alike.

Overall, I found Gothic Life to be an informative and delightful read that truly speaks to those of us who crave a creepy home. It's a great resource for expressing your inner goth year-round while simultaneously providing brilliant ideas for your next Halloween bash. I'm giving it a solid four stars for its creativity, beautiful presentation, and practical advice. If you're ready to unleash your inner goth and transform your space, this book is definitely worth checking out!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

I really loved reading Gothic Life by Aurelio Voltaire. This book is a fun introduction to gothic decor, making it great for people who want to design their first space with a spooky vibe. Voltaire encourages people to embrace the darker side of life, which really shows in this beautiful collection of his ideas.

The book begins with an interesting look at the history and mindset of goth culture, featuring famous figures like Vincent Price, Tim Burton, and Elvira. I especially enjoyed learning a little about the history and inspiration behind gothic style, it added a nice context. The colour combinations suggested in the book go beyond just black, offering great ideas for creating a sophisticated living space with the vibe you want.

The dark DIY projects are clearly written and easy to follow, using affordable and easy-to-find items. Voltaire has a variety of projects covering hosting, holidays, and decorating, so whether you're a fan of his DIY guides on YouTube and music or just getting into the gothic scene, this book has something for everyone wanting to enhance their goth style.

Overall, Gothic Life is a charming decorating book filled with goth personality. It's perfect for anyone wanting to express their inner goth all year round or looking for spooky ideas for their next Halloween party. I highly recommend it for those interested in DIY projects with a dark twist.

One word of caution: be careful with the recipes that include charcoal. Charcoal can affect medications, including birth control, so it's important to check before cooking anything that uses it.