Nikola - Oct. 1, 2025

Mid Autumn Moodiness 

The sun sets a bit earlier each day and the darker nights are upon us here in the Catskills. There is a moodiness to mid-autumn that makes it oh-so easy to begin conjuring up fantasies of low lit and cozy nooks, decor in deep hues that perfectly pair with pitch black evenings and striking table arrangements made up of a mix of the boldest late season florals and hardy greenery. With Halloween closing out the month of October the shadowy evenings have a certain unmistakable thrill to them too. The changing leaves come with a tangible sense of whimsy. There is no better time to be forced inside by the cold than in these months so abundant with excuses to tinker with interior design! As always we find that candles gracefully meet at this intersection of practicality and frivolity. We are particularly fond, this season, of a true classic; black candles.

Upon first thought, Black can seem like somewhat of an intimidating design choice but, we think Halloween is the perfect opportunity to incorporate it into a collection as a staple that outlasts the holiday. We all are familiar with the typical orange, purple and black motif of Halloween which is so lively and festive in the home. For this: think cats in Tangerine, Wild Plum and Black! An instant and recognizable hit! But setting the spooky-season tone can go beyond those quintessential color combinations. Imagine a table adorned with seasonal delights, pumpkin pies, ghost shaped sugar cookies, cider donuts, a vase of cone flowers and a neat row of black church tapers ! Black candles on their own create a grounding effect in this scene against a smattering of brightly colored goodies. Or for more minimalist inspo rust colored table cloths, a few understated gourds or just a couple black sculptural candles on an otherwise ordinary shelf are a tasteful nod to Halloween. On the other end of the spine tingling spectrum, consider a setting out of a vampyric romance novel; Bittersweet, Sangria and Black tapers on every table and sill. Pairing black with commanding reds can do the trick and be a dramatic way to enchant a space. Maybe a more eclectic look is your fancy. Black. Antique and Espresso ropes can add interest to a table of oddities, illuminating the details of each macabre collectible with flickering light atop tall, dark, spiraling tapers. Black is a great way to spark magic into a space whether it be in an exercise of bold minimalism, in addition to other moody colors or in adoration of well loved cliches.

Now, what happens when Halloween has come and gone? The use of black candles doesn’t have to stop here! All of these holiday design elements can be translated across seasons, events and even personal phases. Paired with already established decor in the home black candles can be woven into everyday use, grounding tablescapes or vignettes. Black is a great way to direct attention towards or away from things as well. Against a blank wall a black candle can draw the eye to it making a once uninteresting space full of intention and class. Set atop a dark dresser or in a shadowy corner the candle itself can disappear leaving only the flame to dazzle and surprise as decoration in its own right. Our black candles are made of a special amalgamation of colors making each one unique and transformational as it ages. As the light shifts throughout the year various shades can be detected as you gaze at the flame furthering itself down the wick. We believe this aligns with the inherent versatility of the black candle; one moment being burned for holidays or remembrance, in another used to represent festivity, whimsy and playful fright, in another representing seriousness, demurity and class.

As the days get shorter and the nights sprawl out we find ourselves with more time to go inward. In this quieter, darker space between Summer and Winter we can explore all of the imaginings that peak out of the night. We may find something surprisingly fun springing forth from the black or maybe there is something about the dark we want to carry with us from now on. Let us dive into the curiosity of blackness and explore all its facets. 

Photo Credits: Shoppe Amber, Helen Norman, Drew Harty and Greentree Home. 
Location: Kabinett and Kammer