The color red is having a major moment, and it's not just in fashion anymore. It's time to bring this fiery hue into our homes and embrace its emotional impact. But here's where it gets controversial: how do you use a color that's so bold and vibrant without overwhelming your space? Interior designers are tackling this challenge head-on, and the results are stunning.
Red: The Color of Passion and Intimacy
Red is a color that evokes strong emotions. It's associated with passion, heat, and intimacy, as designer Pamela Shamshiri of Studio Shamshiri eloquently puts it. This color can be intimidating, but when used thoughtfully, it becomes a powerful design element. Sophie Lou Jacobsen, a New York-based designer, has even built an entire collection around red, recognizing its timeless elegance and emotional depth.
A Splash of Red: Accenting with Confidence
For those who find an all-red room a bit daunting, there's an art to using red as an accent. Jacobsen suggests incorporating red through small moments with decor and furniture, like a dining chair or a fringed accent pillow. These subtle touches can make a statement without dominating the space. A recent example is her choice of Orior's Bembo credenza, wrapped in bright red Italian leather, which grounds the room with a perfect pop of color.
Red All Over: The Maximalist Approach
But what if you want to go all out? Nicole Hollis advocates for a bold approach, painting an entire room in one color. She believes this can create a calming effect, and Shamshiri agrees. When brighter reds are used across walls with conviction, they can become soothing rather than overwhelming. The key is to pair these vibrant walls with natural materials and antique fixtures to maintain a sense of balance and grounding.
Exploring Shades: From Burgundy to Paprika
Not all reds are created equal. For a more subtle take on the trend, designers suggest exploring deeper shades like burgundy, which can appear almost brown, or earthy tones of paprika and persimmon. These colors offer a softer entry point into the world of red interiors. Shamshiri, for instance, has been drawn to orange-based reds for their warmth and vitality, while designer Anna Haines prefers warmer tints of brick red for their depth and timeless appeal.
Vogue's Red Decor Picks
Vogue has curated a list of red decor pieces that are sure to inspire. From the Maharam wide corduroy pillow to the Louis Poulsen Panthella portable lamp and the Arhaus Sonny swivel chair, these items showcase how red can be incorporated into various home elements. And for those seeking more inspiration, Vogue offers a glimpse into how interior designers are using red in their own homes, along with their favorite red pieces.
Red is a color that demands attention, and its use in interior design is a delicate balance between boldness and subtlety. Whether you're a maximalist or prefer a more understated approach, red can be a powerful tool to transform your space. And this is the part most people miss: red is not just a color; it's an experience, a feeling, and a statement all in one. So, are you ready to embrace the red trend and make a bold statement in your home?
