Many people may consider the shades of red challenging colors to use in decoration because they are very powerful. But, with some guidance, it is possible to express all the warmth and sensuality that these colors bring to the environment.
Red and its variations make up some of the most passionate and stimulating decor schemes. Whether with a few details in carefully chosen accessories or used and abused from ceiling to floor, shades of red transform interiors and can create environments that range from the most playful to the most refined.
Red, when used in moderation in its primary tone, can even function as a children’s room adjunct, while its more sophisticated and darker tones have the power to create welcoming settings, ideal for dining rooms, living rooms and hallways.
These are colors that help people feel to pay attention, they are optimistic and self-sufficient colors – and famous for awakening the appetite and stimulating good conversation and romance.
Check out these ideas for a dose of inspiration and discover how to use shades of red in your home without letting them overwhelm your style.
Contents
- Shades of red: monochrome
- Lower the ball from red with touches of black
- Create a warm entrance hall with types of red
- Shades of red and their complements
- Light pink for a touch of freshness in the red palette
- Shades of red for more warmth in the kitchen
- A “touch” of types of red
- Brighten shades of red with pink and orange
- For the bedroom, subtle decorations in a red palette
Shades of red: monochrome
Even though the combination of different shades of the same hue can be interpreted as conflicting, shades of red, when added to soft and velvety textures, can create a successful monochromatic environment.
Another secret is in the details. Without letting the shades of red stand out, bring in other colors that are more neutral or contrasting. With reds being warm colors, small doses of cool colors, such as shades of blue, green and gray, can add interest without changing the palette too much.
Lower the ball from red with touches of black
As this is a very intense color, it is possible to boost all this strength with touches of black throughout the decoration, thus bringing more balance. The environment can remain powerful, intense and glamorous, but without the excess that could compromise harmony and contemporaneity.
Create a warm entrance hall with types of red
Bring shades of red into your hallway or hallway to create a practical and warm welcome. It is possible to combine darker shades of red with other neutral colors and lighter tones to avoid clashing.
The advantage here is that shades of red are very good at disguising scratches and marks – so common in areas of the house with more intense traffic from residents and visitors. At the same time, these colors add the feeling of excitement and warmth when balanced with lighter tones.
Shades of red and their complements
If you are familiar with the color wheel, you may have noticed that green is the opposite extreme from red. This makes green its complementary color – making it a great match for red.
However, we don’t want your house to look like a big Christmas decoration all year round, do we?! So, be creative with your palette. Look for other shades of green, such as turquoise green, and other accent colors to break up this Christmas atmosphere.
Light pink for a touch of freshness in the red palette
Another way to break down this power of red is with light pink elements – like a sofa in a living room or an accent wall. It’s a win-win relationship. While shades of pink bring sweetness to red, shades of red break the infantilization that pink can bring.
Shades of red for more warmth in the kitchen
Red kitchens can be adapted to many different types of decor, from the most contemporary to the most traditional. So how about bringing an extra spark to your kitchen with cabinets painted in shades of red?
It is possible to create a contrast with lighter walls by using a complementary shade to enhance the two-tone scheme. Reds more towards brown and burgundy work very well with shades of green.
Pinker tones are more easily adaptable and go well with khaki and gray. Dark red tones pair well with gold metals, especially when mixed with dark woods.
A “touch” of types of red
Although we often talk about “a touch of red”, this ends up being a myth due to the power that the color brings. “A touch of red” in a neutral room is like a person with a very monochromatic face with red lipstick.
This can be good or bad, depending on what you are looking for in your decoration. In the end, it ends up being an opportunity to bring more personality to your home, showing a fun and subtle side.
So if you don’t want to dive in yet, that’s okay. Start with “a touch of red” and let your eyes get used to its power.
Brighten shades of red with pink and orange
In a living room decorated in shades of red, cheerful details can be added using colors such as pink and orange. They can be used on the rug or even on cushions with fun prints.
Accessories in these colors can increase the brightness of a space decorated in shades of red while also bringing a pleasant touch of comedy. The combination is young and cheerful and brings the feeling of summer to any time of year.
For the bedroom, subtle decorations in a red palette
Often, you just need a little red in your bedroom to make it a peaceful, harmonious space. Bring in white bedding with red accents and pair with smaller decorative accessories like photo frames, artwork and candles.
The idea is to create a harmonious environment and a relaxing atmosphere for the room. On the other hand, shades of red are very stimulating, emotional and dramatic – therefore, they should be used with caution in this environment.
Use the shades of red in the bedroom how you use pepper in food. If you really like these features, feel free. If you’re not sure, use sparingly.