With Valentine’s day approaching, it’s time to look at all the things we L-O-V-E. In the interior design realm, we can start with the color that’s synonymous with the holiday: red! Red is a statement maker, whether it’s a big focal piece like a red leather sofa, or an equally fashionable but more subtle statement, like a red area rug or other red home décor.
The color red has a number of positive attributes and uplifting qualities that can invigorate a space, making it a popular choice for home design. Among other things, red represents love, happiness, warmth and passion. And if you’re going for a more assertive theme, red can help turn up the heat.
Since red is thought to invigorate and give energy, it’s ideal for common spaces of your home, from the entryway to dining and living rooms. It’s typically used as an accent color but, when done right, it can play a more central role in your design scheme. While many people choose more calming, cool colors for bedrooms, certain shades of red can be fitting for these personal spaces as well.
There’s classic red—the stuff of old convertibles, retro lipstick and 4th of July celebrations. It’s also a timeless choice for home décor, from sofas to accessories. However, there are many other shades of red, and each will bring a different feel into your home. There’s cherry, raspberry, apple and cinnamon. And those aren’t just our favorite pie ingredients! Dark reds like burgundy and wine, and reddish-browns like mahogany are very versatile shades. Orange-tinged reds, like coral and burnt reds, are great shades for warming up a room. The list goes on and on.
Here are a few of our favorite red shades, and ideas for colors to pair them with to create your perfect red-plus palette.
When it comes to decorating with red, is there anything more iconic than a red leather sofa? Red leather sofas can be either traditional or contemporary. Choose from rustic and casual designs to sleek and simplistic looks. Of course, these sofas are available with all the modern conveniences, including power recline options and convenient consoles. You’ll also find plenty of other red leather seating options, from sectionals to chairs to seat your whole crew. Once you’ve selected the red couch or other seating of your design dreams, there are a few tips to keep in mind. A red sofa is sure to be a focal point of your room. Typically, you’ll choose neutral walls, and one or two other accent colors that play well with red. Tie everything together with some red wall art or a few other décor pieces, like a red vase or candles displayed on your wooden accent table.
Use a red area rugs to complement or contrast the main color in your room, whether as a small localized rug or a large floor-covering carpet, and you’ll be on your way to a bold, statement-making room. A rug with a red traditional design is perfect for elegant rooms, and many oriental rug designs can go with classic or transitional themes. If you’re not a fan of the traditional carpet, consider a contemporary red rug that has heavy lines to emphasize the saturated red color.
Whether you are looking to make a bold statement with a red leather couch, or simply add a few pops of color to your current space with some red throw pillows or other décor, red furnishings and fixtures can be just what you need to heat your space up and add romance to your interior design. Insert heart-eyes here!