When you think about the color red how does it make you feel? For many, it’s a love-hate relationship. Personally, I find that rather unfortunate, because red can actually be a really great color to decorate with! No doubt, red is a powerful color. So much, in fact, it’s known to make even the most confident of personalities waver when it comes to using it in the home. But it really doesn’t have to be that way. The more you understand about the color as well as how to use (and not use) it, the braver you’ll be.

The Psychology of Red

Simply put, red is the color of extremes. On one hand, it’s known to be an exciting, intense, and even an aggressive color. On the other, it’s known to evoke feelings of passion, love, and comfort. The color red can stimulate the appetite, promote ambition and determination, and give confidence when it’s lacking. Regardless of how it makes you feel on a personal level, it’s easy to say that red is a powerhouse color that commands attention.

Using the Color Red in Your Home

Red certainly isn’t for the faint of heart--but the good news is that it can still have quite the effect even when used in small bursts. Whether you want to go big and bold or small yet mighty, here are some ways you can use the color red in your home:

For the Interior

On the walls. The right shade of red on the wall can make a room feel more intimate. If red paint is too daring for you, incorporate red through pieces of wall art instead.
On rugs, accent pillows, and throws. In addition to being an easy way to add a pop of color, these can be swapped out on a whim as the seasons, or your tastes, change.
On a piece of furniture. Dining room chairs, kitchen stools, or an entryway table are a fun way to get a splash of red in your interior.
On your kitchen cabinets. Since red is known to increase appetite, what better place for some red than in the kitchen?

For the Exterior

On the front door. Nothing quite says “welcome” than a warm shade of red on the door.
On outdoor cushions. Outdoor furniture can be found in a variety of colors these days, including fiery red.
On planters. Pots of red filled with plants and flowers can really freshen up your porch or patio.

What Not to Do When Using the Color Red

As much fun as the color red can be, there are some “don’ts” you should be aware of:

Don’t stick with a single shade. Using only the same shade of red (or any color for that matter) throughout the space can be overstimulating. To keep that from happening, and also to provide depth, consider mixing in a variety of shades.
Don’t over-emphasize. Red is a color that requires balance. If you look around the room and feel as though you might have used too much red, there’s a good chance you did. Take a step back and either scale back or incorporate some earthy shades that will help ground the red you’ve used.
Don’t be a minimalist. While small pops of red can be nice, red tends to shine the most in rooms that are dramatic, glamorous, and chic. Play up the color with over-the-top decor.

Are you revved up for red? If so, stop by one of our showrooms to see our beautiful selection of red-themed fabrics and decorative accessories. We’re sure to have something that will get you started on using this fun and powerful color in your home.