How to use the colour Red in interior design
“And you spend your evening in your color. The idea is to take things which open your mind, that speak to you – the colors speak to you.”
– Philippe Starck
“Red isn’t for the faint of heart,” says Jeannie Matteucci, HGTV
Here are a few tips, tricks, and ideas to help you better utilize red throughout your interior.
“Exercise restraint,” says Deb Schwartz, Real Simple. More often than not, red works best as an accent color. “Sprinkle reds here and there (not everywhere) for hits of color, rather than wallops.”
- Furniture: A few strategically chosen and well-positioned pieces of red furniture can really make an interior pop! “For the more daring, brighter reds may be a bold move that will give your room a real personality,” says Elena. “A set of chairs and a table works very well with neutral tones for the rest of the room.” Because the color is so visually arresting, “even one red piece can transform a bland room,” adds designer Carendi MacMurray.
- Flooring: “Red rugs are sure to leave a dramatic impression; they richen the room’s atmosphere and they’re a great basis for decorating,” says Elena.
- Wall Decor: “In an otherwise neutral palette, even a restricted amount of red can liven a space,” says Schwartz. Consider a few strategically placed wall accessories, like tapestries or mirrors.
- Odds and Ends: “Red doesn’t work for everybody,” says Elena, “so giving the right reds a place in your home is key to creating the right look. It’s a delicate thing to work with, but with the right combination, you can pull it off fashionably.” Try to think through your interior and where you can afford to be a little bold. A red lamp can really accentuate an end table. A red vase can draw the eye to a shelf. Where could your interior use some extra life?
