Halloween decorating doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch or spending a fortune. Sometimes, the best results come from mixing a little DIY magic with ready-made pieces. That’s exactly what I did with this semi-homemade haunted house—a thrifted ceramic house transformed into a spooky-chic Halloween centerpiece.
Whether you’re a DIY beginner or a seasoned creator, this project strikes the perfect balance between creativity and convenience.
what you’ll need
* A thrifted or inexpensive ceramic house (look at Goodwill, garage sales, or clearance aisles)
* Black spray paint or chalk paint
* Glittery accent paint like Glitter Blast
* Paintbrushes and painter’s tape
Step 1: Prep Your House
Start with a clean, dry ceramic house. Wipe off any dust or residue so the paint will stick well. If your house has glossy glaze, lightly sand the surface for better paint adhesion.
STEP 2: BASE COAT
Spray or brush on your black base coat. Matte black creates the perfect haunted effect. Don’t worry about perfection—slight streaks and shadows only add to the spooky vibe. Let dry completely.
STEP 3: ADD GLITTER
When dry, tape off bottom portion of house below the roof line. Spray roof with Glitter Blast.
step 4: add some light
Illuminate house with these lights.
THE SEMI-HOMEMADE ADVANTAGE
What makes this project “semi-homemade” is that you’re not building from scratch—you’re enhancing what already exists. This saves time, money, and energy while still giving you that creative, one-of-a-kind finished piece.
