When your teen decides to go Goth, you can decorate her bedroom in a way that will help her feel completely at home, even if your personal style, as reflected in the rest of the home, is completely opposite.

Despite the “dark” image of a Goth space (and fashion), it’s not impossible to make the bedroom look welcoming, especially for those visitors who are not exactly Goth fans. Don’t make the room too horrifying or extreme to the taste. Sure, your kid will love it (teens love anything extreme, don’t they?) but take into account the other family members (like you) who may peek into the room once in a while. It must still be appealing enough to suit other’s tastes.

First, know how dark you intend to go with your colors. Whenever we think about Goth, the first thing that comes to mind is black. For your walls, you may instead opt for deep red or purple with a black accent. Alternatively, use the stone block style which is reminiscent of medieval castles, along with your deep red or purple. You may have three of the walls in deep purple or violet, and then apply faux stones onto the fourth wall. Or for a less permanent solution, simply dip a large square sponge into gray paint and create the semblance of bricks on your wall. To complete the brick wall effect, use a plain brush to add darker and lighter tones. Or simply settle for wallpaper with a brick wall print.

The floor will also benefit from a dark-colored area rug. You can use multiple rugs if the room is big or if not, one large rug in front of the bed will do.

A wrought iron bed or a heavy wooden four poster bed frame with a lot of richly colored velvet drapery reflects the classic Goth style. Make sure that all woods used in the room are dark with a lot of intricate carving detail. Pick bed linen in deep purple or violet. Add as many accent pillows as possible, piling them onto the bed in varying sizes and shapes. Pillow cases would be great in heavy red velvets, complete with intricate embroidery.

Accessorizing is the most fun in this decorating project. You guys can really let your imagination run wild. Gargoyles, columns and arches, coffins, table with wrought iron legs, faux iron for lamps, skulls, crucifixes, artworks and vampire pictures are just some of the decorations that you can use for a Goth design.

Shop wisely though. Take advantage of thrift stores and salvage stores. This Gothic phase may pass quickly and before you know it, your teen is clamoring for a new bedroom do. It’s better to have some money saved for that day of yet another change.