When it comes to interiors, Red can be one of those colours that can be too hot to handle! However, with a little knowledge and skill there is a way of introducing it into our interiors in a way that will suit everyone !
So, when did our love affair with Red begin?
History tells us that red was one of the first pigments that was used in the Stone Age to paint on cave walls. Taking the pigment from Red Ochre in the ground, it was the colour red, along with white and black that first found their ways into man’s artwork.
How does Red make us feel? How do interior designers use it in their schemes?
Red has always been a symbol of fire, passion, danger and strength. It is a colour that exudes warmth. It is the symbol of love and envy, desire and aggression. With all this going on, you need to be careful how you use it in your interiors – the shade of red you use and the intensity in the room will create very different effects.
How do the different hues generate different psychological reactions?
Primary Red – red in its purest form, is a stimulating colour. It has energy and creates movement. Think about the brands that use red in its purest forms – what are they about? Travel, energy, eating on the go, to name a few!
As you move away from pure red, we start to see how we can incorporate it into our interior schemes. Red mixed with more earthy tones is reminiscent of harvests and food – these reds are well know for being appetite stimulating. Farrow and Ball have even named one of their colours ‘Eating Room Red’ !
Red can be overwhelming for some, but used sparingly it can add a little zest to a room. Cushions and accessories in red, allow you to bring a splash of colour into a scheme, but to change it with minimal expense if you change your mind! These living rooms all have a splash of red to lift their neutral schemes.
What about using Red in the bedroom?
The cliché boudoir doesn’t have to be the result of including red in the scheme! Using dark reds and burgundy’s can give a sumptuous feel, whereas introducing a couple of red accents to a white scheme can give you a New England feel.
Which colours work well with Red?
Neutrals work really well – natural materials such a stone, wood and ironwork are all traditional bedfellows with red.
If you want to major on Red in your scheme, then mixing in with Navy and gold can give a very contemporary feel to a scheme.
Teal and duck eggs also work well with earthy tones of red. Being opposite on the colour wheel could mean that they are too vibrant, but by taking a muted tone like duck egg with a toned down hue of red can work really well.
Mixing red with Powder Blue will give a fresh sea side feel – perfect for a home by the coast or even a city pad that you wish was nearer the sea!
So there we have it – a round up of Red!