How to Decorate With Red

The color red is divisive. In a positive light, red can be seen as passion, love, excitement, and energy. But in a negative light, the color can evoke a sense of danger, dominance, and anger. Scientifically, however, there is a reason why the color is so magnetic: it is the first color perceived by humans after black and white during development. Those stop signs are red for a reason! Let's dive into the history of the color red and how to incorporate this magnetic hue into your designs.

The history of red.

Want to know how far back the history of the color red takes us in interior design? Well, look no further than cave drawings, aka old-school wallpaper. Red, as a pigment, can be found in the roots of a madder plant, the cochineal insect (famously used in cosmetics), and red ochre— a natural earth pigment and the oldest red dye known to date. However, it wasn't until 2018 when we discovered the first ever painting kit, a simple seashell and stone that, according to Winsor & Newton, "were used to grind ochre and bones together. Mixing this powder with a liquid in the large seashell would have produced what constitutes the earliest red ochre in paint form." So now that we know a bit about the history of the color red, let's talk about how we can use it in modern interior design.

How to incorporate red into your space.

While red can be a bit polarizing, it can be just as versatile as any other color. Below we will go over a few color combinations and themes that will inspire you to apply the color to your own space, regardless of whether your style is eclectic, modern, or transitional.

Red paired with blue: All around Americana.

The Americana style has been a classic throughout the years and is typically centered around the colors of the American flag: red, white, and blue. The combination works because red and blue are both primary colors, sitting equidistant from each other, while the third primary color, yellow, is on the color wheel. As a result, red and blue are striking when paired together in a graphic style, such as posters, textiles, and other vintage goods. Pro tip: when decorating, use a variety of blues to elevate the visual interest, like the image shown here.Red and purple: A harmonious yet eclectic look.

Mixing red with purple in interiors often results in an eclectic look. However, the colors work in harmony because purple is a secondary color due to mixing red with blue. Leaning into various subdued shades of purple help mellow out the feelings associated with the color red, making it feel more tranquil and at ease while still bringing its bright energy in smaller doses. Bringing in brown tones in the form of wood details can also help ground the color red.

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Red and purple: A harmonious yet eclectic look.

Mixing red with purple in interiors often results in an eclectic look. However, the colors work in harmony because purple is a secondary color due to mixing red with blue. Leaning into various subdued shades of purple help mellow out the feelings associated with the color red, making it feel more tranquil and at ease while still bringing its bright energy in smaller doses. Bringing in brown tones in the form of wood details can also help ground the color red.

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All red everything: A monochromatic vibe.

As any other color fanatic would say, commit and go fully monochromatic when in doubt! The red color spectrum is vast, and selecting which shades of red to pick is an art form. The emotional properties of red can vary on the shade, and balancing this out can drive a visual color story home. For example, pairing pink—a color that leans toward love and kindness as femininity—can balance primary red's emotional properties: passion or anger. The pairing gives off compassion with a spark of mischief. However, if you pair the same primary red with a darker tone, such as burgundy, the color story changes to a room that evokes a serious tone of ambition married with the power of primary red. A more serious and moody vibe is a fun option for those who love the color and want to tap into it by leveling out the vibe a bit with other shades of red.

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^{Photo Credit: (Left) Pure Original Paint}