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Gothic Life: The Essential Guide to Macabre Style
The New York Times–dubbed “Martha Stewart for Macabre Homemakers,” Aurelio Voltaire, presents the definitive guide to revamping your sanctuary to match your eerie vibe. Are you ready to embrace your dark side? In Gothic Life, Aurelio Voltaire shows you how to do just that, using the expertise honed as founder and host of the show Gothic Homemaking and years of stop-motion animation work to take you on a journey to goth-hood. From DIY design projects to helpful haunted hosting tips and tricks, with this step-by-step reference, you’ll transform your domain to capture your spooky essence with lessons The history and mindset of goths, including gothic icons from Vincent Price to Tim Burton to Wednesday Addams Enchanting home décor, making use of spooky color palettes (beyond black!) and all the bats and gargoyles your gothic heart could want A gothic dinner party menu featuring the likes of squid ink linguini and charcoal ice cream Holiday and party prep to celebrate Halloween and beyond Whether you are looking for new ways to express your inner goth year-round or seeking brilliantly haunting ideas for your next Halloween bash, Gothic Life reveals the secrets to unleashing your inner goth and transforming the mundane to the macabre.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published August 20, 2024
27 people are currently reading
3803 people want to read
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September 8, 2024This may be difficult to read so I apologize in advance and hid it.
I remember reading Aurelio Voltaire's others books in a completly different world and one that many are still traumatized from. His books were published shortly before the death of Sophie Lancaster for being Goth while trying to protect her boyfriend who was Goth. Kids who were bullied for being themselves, judged by society as evil, and the scapegoats. I am talking real Goths not those people who pretend as a form of rebellion or literally just a phase.
Back then Voltaire's books stood out because it was one of the first decor books geared towards the darker subcultures. Back then I think the number one trend was everybody painting the walls red and add some black. Every Goth was expected to have tons and tons of black or red in their homes.
Then society changed and the traumatized Goths got to watch as the things they loved became popular, they were accepted, and Goth is very trendy. Which is why I wasn't very happy when I saw it on the shelves with a bunch of other Goth decor books. I was curious though to see how his work has changed and maybe snoop to see photos of his house.
The moment I started reading it I knew that this book is for the younger people who want to know about that trend. This was proven when he included Wednesday Addams and only talked about the new one. He went on about all the reasons that girls should look up to her based on all her nicer qualities. There are so many amazing Gothic women who would be great role models instead of telling girls they should look up to a trendy, fictional character. I just got annoyed at other little things but there was things I liked mainly the decorating ideas. Would love to try a few which would mean my husband will since I lack artistic genes.
The book isn't really for me and being a book that feels like it's for a younger audience I know my daughter will love it.
I remember reading Aurelio Voltaire's others books in a completly different world and one that many are still traumatized from. His books were published shortly before the death of Sophie Lancaster for being Goth while trying to protect her boyfriend who was Goth. Kids who were bullied for being themselves, judged by society as evil, and the scapegoats. I am talking real Goths not those people who pretend as a form of rebellion or literally just a phase.
Back then Voltaire's books stood out because it was one of the first decor books geared towards the darker subcultures. Back then I think the number one trend was everybody painting the walls red and add some black. Every Goth was expected to have tons and tons of black or red in their homes.
Then society changed and the traumatized Goths got to watch as the things they loved became popular, they were accepted, and Goth is very trendy. Which is why I wasn't very happy when I saw it on the shelves with a bunch of other Goth decor books. I was curious though to see how his work has changed and maybe snoop to see photos of his house.
The moment I started reading it I knew that this book is for the younger people who want to know about that trend. This was proven when he included Wednesday Addams and only talked about the new one. He went on about all the reasons that girls should look up to her based on all her nicer qualities. There are so many amazing Gothic women who would be great role models instead of telling girls they should look up to a trendy, fictional character. I just got annoyed at other little things but there was things I liked mainly the decorating ideas. Would love to try a few which would mean my husband will since I lack artistic genes.
The book isn't really for me and being a book that feels like it's for a younger audience I know my daughter will love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2024
This beautiful book was a delight to read, as it tickled my spooky soul. Both aesthetically pleasing and well-written, it is clear that a lot of work went into this thorough macabre masterpiece. I gave 4/5 because I found some of the lectures annoying (particularly the one on graveyard etiquette). Overall, this is really enjoyable to read.
August 21, 2024
My husband preordered this book for me. I have been a fan of Gothic Homemaking and Aurelio Voltaire since the show started in 2016. I was so excited to be able to read through the book. The writing was like Voltaire was having a conversation with you. Which made this an easy read for me. You can tell that this was a labor of love for him to write.
The photos are gorgeous. The DIY’s and recipes are detailed and easy to follow. For me, this was a great book for those of us who want a creepy abode.
The photos are gorgeous. The DIY’s and recipes are detailed and easy to follow. For me, this was a great book for those of us who want a creepy abode.
September 29, 2024
Gothic Life: The Essential Guide to Macabre Style by Aurelio Voltaire is an excellent read for anyone who wants to give their home or life a Gothic makeover.
The book does offer some fashion inspiration, but the main focus is on the home. Early chapters introduce the reader to potential color schemes for their abode as well as furniture and decor ideas. Next we get some new Gothic DIY projects like the ones Voltaire features on his YouTube show, Gothic Homemaking. The book then transitions into hosting, devoting a chapter each to Summerween, Halloween, and Creepy Christmas. Each of these sections includes more DIYs as well as eerie food and drink recipes.
I'm someone who can't commit to one theme, but I do have sections in my apartment with a Gothic vibe, and this book has given me a ton to think about in terms of future projects and ideas. Even if you don't want to do the projects exactly as they're presented in the book, the myriad ideas are bound to spark inspiration. The DIY projects also range from those easily done by novice crafters to those requiring more skill, so there's something in there for everyone.
My favorite thing about the book, though, is the encouraging and inclusive tone. Voltaire repeatedly reminds us readers that it's okay to be different. He opens up about his own experiences dealing with people who don't understand his style or his interest in the macabre. He made me feel seen and supported, which I really appreciated.
If you love Gothic style, I definitely recommend checking this one out.
The book does offer some fashion inspiration, but the main focus is on the home. Early chapters introduce the reader to potential color schemes for their abode as well as furniture and decor ideas. Next we get some new Gothic DIY projects like the ones Voltaire features on his YouTube show, Gothic Homemaking. The book then transitions into hosting, devoting a chapter each to Summerween, Halloween, and Creepy Christmas. Each of these sections includes more DIYs as well as eerie food and drink recipes.
I'm someone who can't commit to one theme, but I do have sections in my apartment with a Gothic vibe, and this book has given me a ton to think about in terms of future projects and ideas. Even if you don't want to do the projects exactly as they're presented in the book, the myriad ideas are bound to spark inspiration. The DIY projects also range from those easily done by novice crafters to those requiring more skill, so there's something in there for everyone.
My favorite thing about the book, though, is the encouraging and inclusive tone. Voltaire repeatedly reminds us readers that it's okay to be different. He opens up about his own experiences dealing with people who don't understand his style or his interest in the macabre. He made me feel seen and supported, which I really appreciated.
If you love Gothic style, I definitely recommend checking this one out.
June 14, 2024
This is a great book on Gothic Homemaking and a few other, often overlooked, aspects of the gothic lifestyle. I especially appreciated the decorating ideas and the section cataloguing other members of the subculture. It really brought out that there are many ways to go about making the home into a cozy dark space. I would advise the projects in this book be used more by adults or supervised young people since many projects require the use of tools (saws, drills, etc.) and some chemicals. The travel section also gave a great look on some lesser-known dark aspects of many cultures. There are ideas here that everyone can draw from, not just those of a dark subculture. My only real complaint is that I want more.
July 30, 2024
Gothic life - Aurelio Voltaire
Great book, I enjoyed reading this so much!
Voltaire shares some interesting historical facts of which I’ve taken some notes to read-up more about.
I went through a “Black clothing, black makeup” phase when I was younger and I don’t think the Pagan or goth loving vibe has ever really left. I have my beliefs and traditions as do many others and I quite like learning about them.
I’d totally recommend this book to anyone who loves the dark and spooky, you may be inspired or learn a thing or two. 🩸🖤🩸🐦⬛🩸🖤🩸
Great book, I enjoyed reading this so much!
Voltaire shares some interesting historical facts of which I’ve taken some notes to read-up more about.
I went through a “Black clothing, black makeup” phase when I was younger and I don’t think the Pagan or goth loving vibe has ever really left. I have my beliefs and traditions as do many others and I quite like learning about them.
I’d totally recommend this book to anyone who loves the dark and spooky, you may be inspired or learn a thing or two. 🩸🖤🩸🐦⬛🩸🖤🩸
August 28, 2024
I wouldn’t call myself goth, nor do I incorporate it into my daily life. Yet, something about the gothic aesthetic always draws me in, compelling me to pause and wonder. It fascinates, it charms, and it captivates.
In the book Gothic Life, Aurelio Voltaire invites readers into his world, offering a glimpse behind the gothic style and into his own home. The book is filled with lighter tips and tricks for crafting home decor and creating seasonal culinary delights—all with a gothic twist, of course. Towards the end, readers are treated to recommendations for visiting various themed locations and a list of other gothic icons who share their worlds with those interested. If you’re feeling stuck with your decorating, for example, this book offers plenty of fresh ideas and inspiration. The writing flows well, making it an enjoyable read. I found myself jotting down numerous places to explore further!
However, I felt that something was missing from the book. Or perhaps there was too much, which left the overall experience feeling a bit rushed. The choice to use standard square photos without any frames or decorations seemed out of place. Given how richly adorned gothic imagery typically is, the lack of ornamentation in the book's design was a bit disappointing. I had hoped for a stronger, more creative visual approach. But this is my only critique, and since art and design are subjective, my opinion might not align with that of the author or the book’s creators. So, take my critique with a grain of salt—was it truly necessary? 😊
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this wonderful reading experience and for the ARC copy!
In the book Gothic Life, Aurelio Voltaire invites readers into his world, offering a glimpse behind the gothic style and into his own home. The book is filled with lighter tips and tricks for crafting home decor and creating seasonal culinary delights—all with a gothic twist, of course. Towards the end, readers are treated to recommendations for visiting various themed locations and a list of other gothic icons who share their worlds with those interested. If you’re feeling stuck with your decorating, for example, this book offers plenty of fresh ideas and inspiration. The writing flows well, making it an enjoyable read. I found myself jotting down numerous places to explore further!
However, I felt that something was missing from the book. Or perhaps there was too much, which left the overall experience feeling a bit rushed. The choice to use standard square photos without any frames or decorations seemed out of place. Given how richly adorned gothic imagery typically is, the lack of ornamentation in the book's design was a bit disappointing. I had hoped for a stronger, more creative visual approach. But this is my only critique, and since art and design are subjective, my opinion might not align with that of the author or the book’s creators. So, take my critique with a grain of salt—was it truly necessary? 😊
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this wonderful reading experience and for the ARC copy!
July 8, 2024
This book is kind of long winded for the casual reader or someone who doesn’t know of the author. I can 100% see it as a collectors item for fans or merch, over something found in a bookstore. I think design wise this was very nice to look at: consistent colour theme and aesthetically pleasing images.
I believe that the DIY’s and recipes are unique and not too complicated, so perfect for anyone! In addition to this some other things I found enjoyable were:
* Giving colour schemes for us to use
* Locations to visit
* Sharing the love to other peoples “lairs”
Thanks to the biggest goth of them all NetGalley
I believe that the DIY’s and recipes are unique and not too complicated, so perfect for anyone! In addition to this some other things I found enjoyable were:
* Giving colour schemes for us to use
* Locations to visit
* Sharing the love to other peoples “lairs”
Thanks to the biggest goth of them all NetGalley
June 8, 2024
Wonderful book! I love the dinner party menu and recipes the most lol. All the different home decor is very much to my liking and perfect for any goth! Also, of course the holiday decorations. I can’t wait to see if he comes out with another
August 24, 2024
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⚠️
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⚠️
July 16, 2024
QUICK TAKE
Gothic Life: The Essential Guide to Macabre Style by Aurelio Voltaire is required reading for all fans of the macabre. It is a beautiful and fun book that is perfect for guiding you on how to live a spooky life year-round, no matter your personal eerie style.
TELL ME MORE
When I say that I about screamed when this book arrived on my porch, I’m not kidding. Voltaire is iconic (if you haven’t listened to his music or seen his YouTube channel, do it NOW!)
Gothic Life is basically the bible for macabre style. I found that a lot of it was for beginners – meaning that if you already live a full-out gothic life, and your home is a complete lair, you may not get a lot out of this book. However, for someone like me who is super eclectic (my house is equal parts Halloween, horror, Disney, and rainbows – as is my style) this book gave me some excellent ideas and insights.
I loved how the book wasn’t pretentious at all. Voltaire highlights his style, his suggestions on color schemes and their meanings, while also incorporating fun projects and recipes for year-round celebrations. My favorite parts were the ideas for Summerween, Halloween, and Creepy Christmas. But I also thoroughly enjoyed the section that highlighted other creators, their styles, and a peek into their own homes.
There is also a portion of the book where he dives into the history of classic icons, like Elvira and Vincent Price, and includes destinations for gothic vacations – as well as tips on how to do gothic “staycations” should you not be able to travel.
All of the included recipes were immediately sober-friendly, with suggestions on adding booze if you wish, which was lovely to see. His note on taxidermy and being against trophy hunting and ethically sourcing artifacts for taxidermy gave me so much respect for him as well.
Gothic Life is very well-rounded. It gives you ideas on creating a spooky home while incorporating other ways to live the macabre lifestyle – including hosting themed parties and giving you insight into the world of gothic life. Even if you aren’t devoted to creating a macabre lifestyle but enjoy the ambiance, this book is a true treat to flip through. Voltaire emphasizes that there is no “wrong” way to live a gothic life, and the feeling of inclusivity makes this book so well-rounded. I can’t praise it enough.
Gothic Life: The Essential Guide to Macabre Style by Aurelio Voltaire is required reading for all fans of the macabre. It is a beautiful and fun book that is perfect for guiding you on how to live a spooky life year-round, no matter your personal eerie style.
TELL ME MORE
When I say that I about screamed when this book arrived on my porch, I’m not kidding. Voltaire is iconic (if you haven’t listened to his music or seen his YouTube channel, do it NOW!)
Gothic Life is basically the bible for macabre style. I found that a lot of it was for beginners – meaning that if you already live a full-out gothic life, and your home is a complete lair, you may not get a lot out of this book. However, for someone like me who is super eclectic (my house is equal parts Halloween, horror, Disney, and rainbows – as is my style) this book gave me some excellent ideas and insights.
I loved how the book wasn’t pretentious at all. Voltaire highlights his style, his suggestions on color schemes and their meanings, while also incorporating fun projects and recipes for year-round celebrations. My favorite parts were the ideas for Summerween, Halloween, and Creepy Christmas. But I also thoroughly enjoyed the section that highlighted other creators, their styles, and a peek into their own homes.
There is also a portion of the book where he dives into the history of classic icons, like Elvira and Vincent Price, and includes destinations for gothic vacations – as well as tips on how to do gothic “staycations” should you not be able to travel.
All of the included recipes were immediately sober-friendly, with suggestions on adding booze if you wish, which was lovely to see. His note on taxidermy and being against trophy hunting and ethically sourcing artifacts for taxidermy gave me so much respect for him as well.
Gothic Life is very well-rounded. It gives you ideas on creating a spooky home while incorporating other ways to live the macabre lifestyle – including hosting themed parties and giving you insight into the world of gothic life. Even if you aren’t devoted to creating a macabre lifestyle but enjoy the ambiance, this book is a true treat to flip through. Voltaire emphasizes that there is no “wrong” way to live a gothic life, and the feeling of inclusivity makes this book so well-rounded. I can’t praise it enough.
July 22, 2024
Aurelio Voltaire has a flair for living his entire life in a gothic manner, from his music to DYI channel on Youtube he has a passion for encouraging others to embrace the darker side of life that flows through everything he does. This book is no exception and is a beautiful showcase to both his passion and the gothy, dark, macabre, bits of life he loves.
Gothic Life starts with a wonderfully in-depth yet shorter dive into what Goth is and the subculture built around music, literature, and style. He showcases some of the most famous goths in history, but also some individuals that always seem to be forgotten yet Goth could not exist without. After this intro, both to himself and Goth subculture, he dives right into the DIY parts of the book.
Each DIY section includes an intro going over some of the concepts for that topic, with the topics ranging from Travel, to Hosting, to Holidays, to Decorating. Then once you have an overview of the topic he digs into the DIY projects with some being long time favorites from his Youtube and a few being new ones for the book. The projects themselves are a nice range from extremely entry level, to more moderate, with a couple on the more advanced side. Most were done with easy to find or buy items, with many being common in most households, and all being affordable. The instructions were easy to read and understand, in line with the writing in the entire book.
I would recommend this book for those:
- Who already like Aurelio Voltaire's DIY guides or music
- Those looking to up there Goth game
- Those interested in DIY but of a darker style
- Those who want to have the best Halloween Parties
Overall a lovely book, with a lot of heart and soul going into it.
I received an advance review copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are wholly my own and unbiased.
Gothic Life starts with a wonderfully in-depth yet shorter dive into what Goth is and the subculture built around music, literature, and style. He showcases some of the most famous goths in history, but also some individuals that always seem to be forgotten yet Goth could not exist without. After this intro, both to himself and Goth subculture, he dives right into the DIY parts of the book.
Each DIY section includes an intro going over some of the concepts for that topic, with the topics ranging from Travel, to Hosting, to Holidays, to Decorating. Then once you have an overview of the topic he digs into the DIY projects with some being long time favorites from his Youtube and a few being new ones for the book. The projects themselves are a nice range from extremely entry level, to more moderate, with a couple on the more advanced side. Most were done with easy to find or buy items, with many being common in most households, and all being affordable. The instructions were easy to read and understand, in line with the writing in the entire book.
I would recommend this book for those:
- Who already like Aurelio Voltaire's DIY guides or music
- Those looking to up there Goth game
- Those interested in DIY but of a darker style
- Those who want to have the best Halloween Parties
Overall a lovely book, with a lot of heart and soul going into it.
I received an advance review copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are wholly my own and unbiased.
July 25, 2024
I’m Im very into the goth aesthetic so when I saw this for download on Netgalley I had to get a copy. This is all about how to transform your home into the perfect goth hideaway and how to entertain in those spaces.
I quite liked the home decor part of this book. It offers a lot of tips tricks and ideas on how to transform your home into the goth aesthetic that matches you perfectly. I particularly like all of the DIY moments so that you can have the ultimate level of personalization.
The reason that my rating is so low is because of the food section. I like most of the recipes in here and they sound tasty. I have SEVERE issues with the recipes that call for the addition of activated charcoal for the spooky aesthetic. I thought we all learned that it’s very bad for people to eat this stuff without a medical reason to do so. Activated charcoal will bind to ANY medication that you might be taking and pull it out of your system, rendering it inert. Blood pressure meds? Heart meds? Psychiatric meds? Birth control tablets? Say goodbye to all of it.
Overall I like most of this book but I 100% cannot recommend this to anyone as long as the charcoal recipes are included in this. It’s frankly dangerous and irresponsible to include them and I don’t know how it got approved for publication.
I quite liked the home decor part of this book. It offers a lot of tips tricks and ideas on how to transform your home into the goth aesthetic that matches you perfectly. I particularly like all of the DIY moments so that you can have the ultimate level of personalization.
The reason that my rating is so low is because of the food section. I like most of the recipes in here and they sound tasty. I have SEVERE issues with the recipes that call for the addition of activated charcoal for the spooky aesthetic. I thought we all learned that it’s very bad for people to eat this stuff without a medical reason to do so. Activated charcoal will bind to ANY medication that you might be taking and pull it out of your system, rendering it inert. Blood pressure meds? Heart meds? Psychiatric meds? Birth control tablets? Say goodbye to all of it.
Overall I like most of this book but I 100% cannot recommend this to anyone as long as the charcoal recipes are included in this. It’s frankly dangerous and irresponsible to include them and I don’t know how it got approved for publication.
August 17, 2024
Gothic Life: The Essential Guide to Macabre Style by Aurelio Voltaire is an absolute gem! I can't wait to start crafting some of the incredible projects in this book, especially the lamp and the skull-and-book side table—perfect additions to my home library.
When I first picked up this book, I was drawn to it because of my daughter's aesthetic, thinking it might be a simple design guide. However, Gothic Life turned out to be a comprehensive exploration of Gothic culture. It delves into the history and mindset of goths, highlighting gothic icons from Vincent Price to Tim Burton to Wednesday Addams. The book also offers enchanting home décor ideas, utilizing spooky colour palettes and incorporating all the bats and gargoyles your gothic heart could desire.
Additionally, there's a gothic dinner party menu featuring unique dishes like squid ink linguini and charcoal ice cream, along with holiday and party prep tips to celebrate Halloween and beyond. This makes for a wonderfully immersive read.
I recommend this book to anyone looking to bring a little gothic vibe into their life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – becker & mayer – Epic Ink for gifting me the e-book in exchange for my honest review.
#GothicLife #NetGalley.
When I first picked up this book, I was drawn to it because of my daughter's aesthetic, thinking it might be a simple design guide. However, Gothic Life turned out to be a comprehensive exploration of Gothic culture. It delves into the history and mindset of goths, highlighting gothic icons from Vincent Price to Tim Burton to Wednesday Addams. The book also offers enchanting home décor ideas, utilizing spooky colour palettes and incorporating all the bats and gargoyles your gothic heart could desire.
Additionally, there's a gothic dinner party menu featuring unique dishes like squid ink linguini and charcoal ice cream, along with holiday and party prep tips to celebrate Halloween and beyond. This makes for a wonderfully immersive read.
I recommend this book to anyone looking to bring a little gothic vibe into their life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – becker & mayer – Epic Ink for gifting me the e-book in exchange for my honest review.
#GothicLife #NetGalley.
July 12, 2024
I was very excited for this book based on the title, especially as someone who has a dark academia/gothic style that I wanted more insight on how to best design my house in this way. While touted as an essential guide to the macabre style, I was disappointed. There is more to gothic than just everything being black with skulls, and I found this guide lacking in the antiquity and artistic aspects associated with the movement it pulls from historically. This would make the ultimate decorate your space for Halloween, spooky season vibes guide, but not so much for the gothic style day to day. While a lot of it was cute in that aspect, I think it would come off looking rather cheap than majestic in the year-round.
I also think it is irresponsible to include a recipe for something that contains charcoal without the warning that ingesting it can decrease the effects of your medication (this is why they use it when pumping someone's stomach/poisoning situations in medical settings). This includes birth control. I may have missed this note, so please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.
Overall, a cute book for holiday decor but not what it advertises itself as.
I also think it is irresponsible to include a recipe for something that contains charcoal without the warning that ingesting it can decrease the effects of your medication (this is why they use it when pumping someone's stomach/poisoning situations in medical settings). This includes birth control. I may have missed this note, so please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.
Overall, a cute book for holiday decor but not what it advertises itself as.
July 26, 2024
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC for early review.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
Prior to picking Gothic Life up I had never heard of Aurelio Voltaire or his show Gothic Homemaking, and now I'm discovering that there's several albums I need to listen to and that wall decals are the unholy saviour of apartment-dwelling goths.
This is a *fun* book, filled with humour, heart, and happy horror. While a good portion of it is dedicated to DIY projects and shilling for the brand, I did really enjoy the moments where things slowed down and talked about colour palettes, feature walls, ethically sourced human skulls, and the history of the goth aesthetic. Do I think I will use any of the DIY projects included? Probably not. Do I dream of having an apartment that looks like the Lair of Voltaire? Absolutely. The tough balancing act between traditional vampire abode and JoAnn's Halloween clearance is clearly important to the author and I love the focus and love that he showed to each and every goth archetype and stereotype. Showing that anything can be achieved on a budget, an apartment isn't unchangeable, and that bats and skeletons are year-round decor makes Gothic Life a fun and fresh jaunt for the undead decor girlies and home renovation addicts.
Prior to picking Gothic Life up I had never heard of Aurelio Voltaire or his show Gothic Homemaking, and now I'm discovering that there's several albums I need to listen to and that wall decals are the unholy saviour of apartment-dwelling goths.
This is a *fun* book, filled with humour, heart, and happy horror. While a good portion of it is dedicated to DIY projects and shilling for the brand, I did really enjoy the moments where things slowed down and talked about colour palettes, feature walls, ethically sourced human skulls, and the history of the goth aesthetic. Do I think I will use any of the DIY projects included? Probably not. Do I dream of having an apartment that looks like the Lair of Voltaire? Absolutely. The tough balancing act between traditional vampire abode and JoAnn's Halloween clearance is clearly important to the author and I love the focus and love that he showed to each and every goth archetype and stereotype. Showing that anything can be achieved on a budget, an apartment isn't unchangeable, and that bats and skeletons are year-round decor makes Gothic Life a fun and fresh jaunt for the undead decor girlies and home renovation addicts.
June 11, 2024
Gothic Life: The Essential Guide to Macabre Style is a fantastic book filled to the coffin lid with great decorating and entertaining ideas. I was enchanted by the author's dialogue. The craft, decor, and recipe instructions were easy to follow and I can't wait to try some of them out.
I'm not goth but I do have gothic tendencies. I'm a lover of everything and anything skull or skeleton. I have several box-store purchased skeletons hanging around the living room. One is a pirate, one is an angel, and one is just a skeleton. I also have bat and dragon skeletons. I have so many pieces of clothing with skulls and skeletons on them that there is rarely a day I don't wear skulls or skeletons in some way.
This book isn't just for the gothic or dark at heart. I can see creating some of the decoration ideas in different colors and schemes than provided in the book. The ideas are endless!
I'm not goth but I do have gothic tendencies. I'm a lover of everything and anything skull or skeleton. I have several box-store purchased skeletons hanging around the living room. One is a pirate, one is an angel, and one is just a skeleton. I also have bat and dragon skeletons. I have so many pieces of clothing with skulls and skeletons on them that there is rarely a day I don't wear skulls or skeletons in some way.
This book isn't just for the gothic or dark at heart. I can see creating some of the decoration ideas in different colors and schemes than provided in the book. The ideas are endless!
August 24, 2024
This was the cozy spooky book I needed right now. This book outlines how to incorporate different aspects of the dark and creepy into your everyday, making you feel like you are right at home in the dark world. It was very clear this was meant to make people feel like they can be who they want to be, especially while taking out a hot glue gun to attach some bats or skulls to some décor. I enjoyed that it gave enough background to dip your toes into the why behind everything it covers, making sure you understand more of the elements behind these interests. This book was also very conscious of making sure to outline the most ethical methodology to pursue these interests. Great care was taken to make sure you could be spooky, while doing your best to support those around you and doing things respectfully and safely. Will I make everything that is in this book? No, but will I take ideas from this to continue making my gothic library even better and add more creepiness to my tea parties? You bet your bats I will!
August 24, 2024
I’ve been waiting to read this book ever since it was announced, and now that I’ve finally gotten the chance to read the whole thing I can say this is definitely one of my favorites! Whether I’m looking for ideas to decorate my home in an elegant and macabre way, searching for a tasty recipe with a terrifying twist, or if I just want to look at some gorgeous gothic photos to make me smile, this book is my new go-to. It’s clear so much love was put into this book, and I am honored to say I own a copy of my own. Voltaire has a very welcoming, down to earth, and humorous way of guiding you through living a gothic life, and I truly believe that anyone, gothic or not, would find something to enjoy in this read. If this book had existed when I was a kid, this would have been THE book that I carried around everywhere showing off to people. Spooky friends rejoice, we finally have a tome for the ages to inspire and delight! 🖤
September 25, 2025
I stumbled across this at Five Below of all places, having never even heard of the author, Aurelio Voltaire, and I'm so glad I grabbed it. The photos are gorgeous, the DIY ideas are clever and approachable, and Voltaire writes with real warmth about embracing what you love no matter what anyone else thinks. It's a quick, inspiring read that definitely got my spooky creative juices flowing.
One important caution, though: there's a recipe for "Black Lemonade" that calls for "black charcoal". Voltaire is great about safety elsewhere, but this feels like an oversight. Regular charcoal is NOT food safe and absolutely shouldn't be eaten, and activated charcoal, while food safe, can interfere with the effectiveness of many medications. If you decide to make it, double-check that you (and anyone you're serving - he recommends this drink for parties!) aren't taking anything it could affect. Fun spooky vibes are great; accidental health issues, not so much.
3 stars for the safety issue.
One important caution, though: there's a recipe for "Black Lemonade" that calls for "black charcoal". Voltaire is great about safety elsewhere, but this feels like an oversight. Regular charcoal is NOT food safe and absolutely shouldn't be eaten, and activated charcoal, while food safe, can interfere with the effectiveness of many medications. If you decide to make it, double-check that you (and anyone you're serving - he recommends this drink for parties!) aren't taking anything it could affect. Fun spooky vibes are great; accidental health issues, not so much.
3 stars for the safety issue.
July 11, 2024
I got an ARC from Net Galley - but unfortunately it was digital and had to be viewed on my phone. Therefore I'm not sure exactly how to rate this book- it is a book meant to be seen IRL not on a screen. Not a good screen read! And this might have put me in a worse mood about the book than I should be.
It's a beginner guide to gothic living- I live in Salem so it was all a little basic. But the photography looked great and there were good tips, you just need to take them with a grain of creative salt. I liked the party and travel sections the most as they were useful. The interior sections were interesting but it seems decorating using the book was a bit too cookie cutter and leaves out the element of creativity.
Still, when it is published, it will be a really good book to have around and flip through for inspo.
It's a beginner guide to gothic living- I live in Salem so it was all a little basic. But the photography looked great and there were good tips, you just need to take them with a grain of creative salt. I liked the party and travel sections the most as they were useful. The interior sections were interesting but it seems decorating using the book was a bit too cookie cutter and leaves out the element of creativity.
Still, when it is published, it will be a really good book to have around and flip through for inspo.
July 29, 2024
As a girl who loves her pastel Golden Girls-esque grandma vibes, this normally isn't how I do my own decor but I'm obsessed with those who do. It's just so damn cool!
This seems like a really great, simple primer for how to get started with dark decor that fits your budget, style, and space. I appreciate that Voltaire tries to make recommendations that everyone can take into consideration — such as spray painting items, suggestions specifically for renters, shopping at generally accessible stores (Ross, Marshall's, Target, etc.), adjusting items for vegan concerns, etc.
Overall, this is a gorgeously crafted book with lots of ideas to get started with curating spooky vibes to your heart's content!
(Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.)
This seems like a really great, simple primer for how to get started with dark decor that fits your budget, style, and space. I appreciate that Voltaire tries to make recommendations that everyone can take into consideration — such as spray painting items, suggestions specifically for renters, shopping at generally accessible stores (Ross, Marshall's, Target, etc.), adjusting items for vegan concerns, etc.
Overall, this is a gorgeously crafted book with lots of ideas to get started with curating spooky vibes to your heart's content!
(Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.)
July 8, 2024
Not what I was looking for but maybe a rec for when Halloween rolls around?
I wanted a design guide that used fewer plastic items from Spirit Halloween, and more vintage items to make a home that feels authentically macabre. I found that the book summary might have been a bit misleading but they did use the term "Martha Stewart for Macabre Homemakers" so maybe I had unrealistic expectations. I could see this book being used in October to create a themed house party or Halloween event but it did not provide any tips or tricks that I would want in my home year-round.
I just wanted something more vintage and authentic and this was not it.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.
I wanted a design guide that used fewer plastic items from Spirit Halloween, and more vintage items to make a home that feels authentically macabre. I found that the book summary might have been a bit misleading but they did use the term "Martha Stewart for Macabre Homemakers" so maybe I had unrealistic expectations. I could see this book being used in October to create a themed house party or Halloween event but it did not provide any tips or tricks that I would want in my home year-round.
I just wanted something more vintage and authentic and this was not it.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.
July 16, 2024
I recommend checking out the author before you dive into this book, if you like their style (he has a youtube channel) then you’ll likely enjoy the book. It’s a well done book of history, decor, diy projects and lifestyle. However, I had picked up this book thinking it would be a wider range of goth decor and not just one persons home. And the style did not matcb my taste, as it was very black, skulls and bats- which just makes me only think of Halloween. And if you love Halloween, you’ll also likely enjoy this book! I can see how his content does great on youtube, and has a following. Maybe if the book title had more accurately captured the essence of the book being just his style I would have had different expectations.
I read an ARC.
I read an ARC.
August 5, 2024
This book is perfect for reference, research, and resource for gothic life style.
The author shares all kinds of aspects of gothic living, with pictures.
There are how to make gothic food, games, Christmas decorations, all year round home decor, and Halloween decorations. I love the diy pillows and devils eggs. They even provided different color pallets to help understand what kind of goth you are looking for.
This not only shares diys but also historic locations, film/film makers and even other gothic creators to checkout.
It’s an easy read and a perfect gateway book to get into Halloween spirit or to finally commit to the gothic lifestyle all year round.
I received an arc ecopy for an honest review.
The author shares all kinds of aspects of gothic living, with pictures.
There are how to make gothic food, games, Christmas decorations, all year round home decor, and Halloween decorations. I love the diy pillows and devils eggs. They even provided different color pallets to help understand what kind of goth you are looking for.
This not only shares diys but also historic locations, film/film makers and even other gothic creators to checkout.
It’s an easy read and a perfect gateway book to get into Halloween spirit or to finally commit to the gothic lifestyle all year round.
I received an arc ecopy for an honest review.
August 21, 2024
I just received this book today. It's very beautiful, entertaining and informative. I've been a big Aurelio Voltaire fan for nearly 20 years and also a big fan of all things weird, spooky, and macabre, in general.
Gothic Homemaking on YouTube has already helped me abandon my fear of transforming my suburban (boring) home into more of the Gothic lair I truly dreamed of. Gothic Life offers a more detailed guide with decor and design tips, party ideas, craft projects, and even recipies you can make to spook out your neighbors at the next BBQ.
It's a delightful take on what is often thought of as a dark or misunderstood lifestyle and embraces the joy of being able to express yourself in any way that makes you happy. Even if it's decorating with skulls💀.
Gothic Homemaking on YouTube has already helped me abandon my fear of transforming my suburban (boring) home into more of the Gothic lair I truly dreamed of. Gothic Life offers a more detailed guide with decor and design tips, party ideas, craft projects, and even recipies you can make to spook out your neighbors at the next BBQ.
It's a delightful take on what is often thought of as a dark or misunderstood lifestyle and embraces the joy of being able to express yourself in any way that makes you happy. Even if it's decorating with skulls💀.
October 23, 2025
I bought the paperback Five Below version of this book, which is 144 pages. Gothic Life is a guide to Gothic decorating, crafting, hosting and holidays. There are plenty of tips on where to find decor and materials, instructions for crafts, recipes and pictures of Voltaire's beautiful "Lair of Voltaire." He briefly introduced himself at the beginning of the book and explained where the term "Gothic" originated. On the back of the book it says it covers "The history of Gothic icons from Vampira and Vincent Price to Tim Burton and Wednesday Addams," but this isn't actually covered at all. Maybe it's in the longer, hardcover version?
I think this book will be great for any fans of Voltaire, people looking for Gothic crafts and recipes and anyone who wants to make their life spookier.
I think this book will be great for any fans of Voltaire, people looking for Gothic crafts and recipes and anyone who wants to make their life spookier.
August 14, 2024
Whether you are full-on-goth, or just looking for some great Halloween decorating ideas, this book is packed with inspiration for turning your humble home into a dark fantasy world. From skulls to taxidermy to macabre party games - it's all here. There are recipes and creepy crafts, and even ways to turn your summery backyard into a gothic wonderland. (Why have pink flamingoes when you can have vultures?) Even Christmas decorations get that goth touch thanks to a visit from our old pal Krampus.
This is one home decorating guide I would turn to again and again.
Many thanks to Quarto Publishing and NetGalley for the read.
This is one home decorating guide I would turn to again and again.
Many thanks to Quarto Publishing and NetGalley for the read.
November 14, 2025
A very nice book on easy tips and tricks to achieve a Gothic feel in one's life, from interior decorations to travel and parties. The book features a wide range of DIY home projects, many of which would be perfectly suitable even for a complete beginner. There are also recipes and a few spreads with some general information on the Gothic subculture, including important historical figures, Gothic-themed travel destinations and even some modern influencers for the reader to look up. Everything is quite cost-effective, which is really nice to see within a subculture that can often come with a relatively hefty price tag for people who are just getting into it. A cozy and creepy little read.
July 25, 2024
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
That was not what I was expecting, this book leaned too much into gothic lifestyle, going beyond and above and definitely missing the mark for me; it would be perfect reference book for Halloween decorations and horror movies sets as well as some haunted houses attractions. probably a good table book to terrify the unwanted and uninvited guests.
I am not sure who is the target audience but once can I say with certainty is that the imagery was truly haunting.
That was not what I was expecting, this book leaned too much into gothic lifestyle, going beyond and above and definitely missing the mark for me; it would be perfect reference book for Halloween decorations and horror movies sets as well as some haunted houses attractions. probably a good table book to terrify the unwanted and uninvited guests.
I am not sure who is the target audience but once can I say with certainty is that the imagery was truly haunting.
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