My Houzz: A Home Comes Alive With Day of the Dead Decor

Melissa Love Tristan and her family go all out for Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. At the end of each October, their Dallas home is awash in paper flowers, skulls, skeletons, sugared treats and Halloween decor.

Melissa was introduced to Dia de los Muertos by her husband, Guillermo, whose family is originally from Mexico. This Mexican holiday comes right after Halloween — on November 1 to 2 — so the family combines the decor of both holidays in their cheerful, family-friendly home. "The culture of remembering loved ones who have passed and celebrating them this way is so beautiful," she says.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Guillermo Tristan, Melissa Love Tristan, son Luca (age 4) and the spirits of past generations
Size: 1,370 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Location: Elmwood neighborhood of South Dallas

Bright Mexican textiles, Fiestaware, candles and maracas set the mood. Tiny sombreros and paper flowers adorn the overhead light fixture.


The Dia de los Muertos celebration focuses on food and family, making the dining room party central for the Tristan family. A pink hand-embroidered Otomi cloth hangs as a curtain in the dining area.

Wall paint: Hearts of Palm, Sherwin-Williams


Vignettes throughout the house honor the tradition of creating little altars for family members who have passed away. "My decorating philosophy is, if it catches my eye and makes me smile, I want it around me," says Melissa.


Guillermo, a chef, usually spends his time preparing French cuisine at Boulevardier in Dallas. At home he keeps it simple with traditional dishes for Dia de los Muertos. "If we're lucky his mama will make us some homemade tortillas," says Melissa.


Son Luca and his buddy Hudson shake maracas in anticipation of candy bowls and kiddie mocktails being prepared in the kitchen.


A vintage sideboard from an antiques mall in Gatesville, Texas, houses Melissa's expansive collection of sugared skulls, mini coffins and skeletons dressed in formalwear.


Melissa created a spooky apothecary of doll parts, jarred innards and fake fingers for her kitchen windowsill. "My taste leans towards the scary and the bizarre," she admits.


An adult cocktail bar stands at the ready on a serving tray in the center of the kitchen. This is one of many little party stations Melissa has created throughout the house.


A candy station replete with lollies, candy corn and gummy pumpkins sits at the entrance to the kitchen. Melissa puts her extensive collection of glass jars and vintage containers to use during this time of year.


"You can't go out and buy your decorations all at once. Hunting and gathering is key for this kind of celebration," she says.


Monster portraits, skulls and other spooky curios deck the living room. An antique trunk, found in Guillermo's grandmother's attic, serves as a coffee table. The sofas were a roadside find that Melissa had reupholstered. "My secret for finding furniture is to follow the bulk trash signs," she says.

Wall paint: Oyster Bay, Sherwin-Williams; rug: Ikea


A Ouija board serves as a spooky coffee table tray, and a doll head on a black candleholder keeps watch over the living room.





Luca and Hudson show off their eyeball marbles during a holiday-themed card game.

No matter what the holiday, Melissa makes sure to make a special place for children in the living or family room with a small table and chairs. "Children should feel comfortable in their houses," she says. "I also don't want anything in our house that [Luca] cannot touch or is afraid to be around."


Framed portraits of circus sideshow performers share space with doll parts under glass bell jars in a living room corner.


Tall candles and black cat figurines flank the hearth. The vintage leather ottoman was a garage sale score. "Can you believe I got that for $1?" asks Melissa.


Is it a ghost, or is it Luca running through the living room en route to his bedroom? A hand-me-down midcentury console from Melissa's mother holds additional seasonal decor. "I truly am inspired by lines, shapes, textures and anything from art deco to midcentury," says Melissa.


Books, sturdy furniture and comic book paraphernalia fill Luca's room. "The visual rule of eye level for children is important," says Melissa.


Melissa put a lot of thought into Luca's bedroom. "I really wanted him to feel inspired in his room," she says. "I think it's important for children to have a place in the house where they can have quiet time as well."

Rug, art above bed: Ikea; bar cart: thrift store


Melissa made sure that Luca's favorite things are at his fingertips in the playroom. "His space is a reflection of him. And there is nothing better then wooden toys, Legos and musical instruments to fill a day of exploration and creativity," she says.


An extra shelf keeps small collector's items out of harm's way.


There are no holiday decorations in the master bedroom, to maintain its serene and quiet feel. "I love all things girly, but since I am the only female in my house, I want to make sure that there is a balance of masculine and feminine," says Melissa.

Wall paint: Lemon Verbena and Hearts of Palm, Sherwin-Williams


A collection of vintage suitcases and one antique portable record player make up a tower in the master bedroom.


This covered side porch was the home's main selling point. "I love sitting out here when it rains or to watch Luca play in the front yard," says Melissa. "For me it's all about a sanctuary. It is my retreat from the rest of the world."


A skeleton sits inside a twig wreath and greets guests and trick-or-treaters as they approach the home's entrance. The legs clack against the door when it opens and closes.


The front lawn explodes with Halloween decor and autumnal cheer. The Tristan family's 1920s cottage is dressed with hay bales, gourds, pumpkins, black spiders and smiling skeletons.


Luca and his neighbor, 10-month-old Jacob, are in costume and ready for a night of trick-or-treating. Melissa smiles as she surveys her handiwork. "This is definitely my favorite time of year," she says.

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URL: My Houzz: A Home Comes Alive With Day of the Dead Decor http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-24888.html