How a ‘Hocus Pocus’ Witch Would Design Her (Obviously Haunted) House

With Halloween on the horizon, people are busy carving pumpkins, stocking up on candy, and binge-watching their dearest spooky, seasonal movies. A fan favorite is Disney’s “Hocus Pocus,” a classic tale of three witches from Salem, Massachusetts, with a sinister plot for terror.

The most boisterous of the treacherous trio is Winifred Sanderson, the eldest Sanderson sister and guardian of Book, a powerful dark magic spell book (and, erm, pet?), who leads the charge in their macabre mischief.

If a clever Winifred were to buy a home in the present day, would it be well-appointed – or would it just be a bunch of hocus-pocus? Here’s a guess as to how she’d curate her spectacularly spirited (literally) space.

Bold color palette

Bold pretty much describes everything about Winifred. From her trademark red hair to her signature green velvet cloak with purple accents, she isn’t afraid to incorporate vivid color into her life. It’s a guess that when designing her modern dwelling, Winifred would ignore trends of neutral wall color and instead opt for dark and powerful jewel tones.

Nostalgic for her old cabin in the woods on the outskirts of Salem – where much of her wicked witchcraft has taken place – Winifred would likely insist on hardwood floors and wood ceilings for a cabin-like essence.

Chef’s kitchen

When Winifred first laid eyes on a modern kitchen, she cried, “Behold, a torture chamber!” Hopefully, since then, she’s learned that utensils, appliances, pots and pans are, in fact for, culinary – not cruel – purposes.

Having previously dealt with outdated cauldron apparatus, her contemporary kitchen would feature a state-of-the-art stove so she could brew multiple potions at once. And once she sees the marvels of modern cookware, she’ll insist on upgrading from a haphazard cauldron to a collection of enameled cast iron pots and pans (think: Le Creuset).

While it’s unclear what she may stock her pantry full of, it’s certain she’ll be purchasing only pepper – not salt. Plus, it would be a nice added touch to have a fire extinguisher handy. While Winifred isn’t necessarily susceptible to the perils of a house fire, it may come in handy as she concocts her (likely flammable) toxic tonics.

Top-notch security system

Winifred would be devastated if Book was stolen again. Because she’s a notorious local figure, has a trail of enemies, and possesses such a coveted piece of witchcraft literature, it is imperative that Winifred invests in a highly effective security system. Understanding smart home technology may be her biggest challenge yet as she navigates modern life, but it’s the price she’d likely pay for peace of mind.

While she realistically reads from only one particular book, Winifred would surely shop for a bookshelf or have a custom built-in version added. This way, Book – alongside other, less magical renditions – would have a safe space to rest.

Broomstick storage

A multi-car garage might be an asset to many, but it unfortunately wouldn’t impress Winifred. The centuries-old witch would much prefer her tried-and-true form of transportation: a broomstick.

This broom closet would be unlike any other. Temperature-controlled and filled with sturdy racks, Winifred’s ultimate broomstick storage solution would even include ample parking for when guests – mainly, her two sisters Sarah and Mary – come to visit.

Ultimately, Winifred would blend historic charm with modern amenities to curate the most repugnant yet relaxing house on the block.

Are you on the hunt for your own creepy cabin or morbid mansion? Take this quiz to determine which RE/MAX haunted house is your best match.

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