Red roses. Red wine. Red candles. The color red is often synonymous with Valentine’s day and for good reason. The color evokes passion and romance, as well as energy and—for many—a sense of excitement. These benefits are exactly why red is a great, and bold, choice for much more than your beloved’s gift and Valentine’s day table settings. It’s also the perfect color to wake up your stale home design, or just bring some extra vitality to your current home interior.

While many of us decorate our home in red for the holidays, and the romantic decorators may add some red decorations to set the mood for Valentine’s day, red can also be used to bring a little heat to your home design year-round. If you’re hesitant to jump into a long-term commitment with bright red furniture and bold red home accessories, there’s a solution for you. Simply choose a subtler shade! There is a wide range of red hues available, spanning from warm orange-reds to deep cinnamon red shades, making red a versatile choice that can be worked into almost any home design.

These different shades of red create different style statements in your space. For instance, a bold bright red adds a pop of color in a minimalist and modern home, while a deep crimson shade can bring romance into a traditional space. If you love rustic style, a rusty red-orange shade can create a warm effect that’s perfect for a casual home.

Along with the shade of red, the amount of this hue will add to your overall style statement. To make a bold statement, you can choose a large piece of red furniture in your favorite shade and material, such as a red leather sofa or sectional for your living room. If you prefer a subtler approach, introduce little pops of red color in your living room, bedroom or throughout your house by choosing red accent décor and furniture.

Red Here, Red There, Red Everywhere

There are many ways to incorporate red into your home, and just as many places to use it. If you love the color red, consider adding red to your living and dining room. Since these spaces are often connected, you can create a beautiful flow by using similar colors throughout your living and dining spaces. A red living room and dining area is bold and adds visual energy to these rooms where you spend much of your day. It also creates a festive feel that’s perfect for entertaining.

Looking to add some romance into your master suite? The addition of red to your room can do just that. However, the key is moderation. Since red can create a sense of energy and urgency, it may not be the best primary color for a relaxing bedroom. However, a rich red area rug, red wall art such as floral canvases and prints, and even red throw pillows and covers can add pops of color and create a romantic look in your bedroom—without being overwhelming.

Another way to soften up red for a romantic and peaceful master suite? Add pink! Pink is a timeless color used in interior design and, of course, is another color that symbolizes love for Valentine’s day and throughout the year. If you need shade inspiration, look to past picks for color of the year by Pantone—rose quartz, radiant orchid and honeysuckle have all taken the honors in recent years.

Big, Bold and Red

If your love affair with red is made to stand the test of time, a bold design starring your favorite hue is easy to achieve. In fact, the possibilities are endless. You can paint a living or dining room accent wall in your favorite red shade to make a stunning statement. Paired with stainless steel appliances, a chrome light fixture or lamp, and black leather furniture, you’ll create a look that’s classic, yet looks current.

If you really love the color red, another option is to create a bold focal point with red furniture. A red sectional or red sofa can be stylish and surprisingly versatile. You can create a cohesive look by pairing it with an area rug that includes red in either a traditional or modern motif, and some red wall art to give your room a finishing touch. While you don’t want to overdo it, red walls or red furniture can look stunning when paired with the right neutral pieces.

Just a Pinch

For those shy of commitment, you can test the red waters by incorporating red art and accessories into your home. Items like red wall art, candles, sculptural pieces, vases and more are easy to switch out. Simply hang a favorite red painting or photograph above your sofa or with other artwork in a gallery wall. You can place other red home accessories on shelves, tabletops and dressers—easy as can be. It’s so simple and cost-effective, that you can even update these items with the seasons, featuring crimson red pieces in the fall, deep red around the holidays, and even a tomato-red shade in the spring and summer.

Plays Well with Others

While red is a bold color, it matches well with a variety of other shades. Of course, you can pair red with any neutrals. Black, white, metallics and bright red create a stunning and contemporary look that can bring any kitchen, dining or living room into modern-day design envy. White, off-whites and greys can also be paired with red in traditional style spaces and casual rooms alike. A classic shade of navy also makes a great combo that can create a nautical look or a fresh feel that’s perfect for a youth bedroom. For a bold and powerful effect, try pairing red with another bright color, such as sunflower yellow or even turquoise.

Red is so much more than the color of lovers. The right shade, application and pairings can create a beautiful home design that’s perfect for Valentine’s day and the rest of the year!