Red is the color that can never be ignored which is now reclaiming its vibrant spotlight as a bold accent in our homes. Psychologically, humans have an intense reaction to the color red. This fierce hue is associated with many feelings, especially, love, passion, strength and energy. Red has long been linked to power and prestige as red dyes were the most expensive. Cochineal or carmine is the crimson dye that is extracted from insects that originally gave this bright impressive color its’ heritage. Red in all its shades demands attention. It is not shy and whether we raise a red flag, or roll out the red carpet, have a red letter day or paint the town red, red is a reigning color. Used boldly or sparingly, you, too, can capitalize on the cognitive and visual benefits this versatile shade can offer. After so many months of sheltering in our homes, I think it is time to shout out our feelings with color, not rage.
Vibrant Reds
Color lovers everywhere understand that red is one of the most coveted hues in homes, beaming with brightness. While other colors such as blue, yellow and purple are all equally appreciated by rainbow enthusiasts, no color evokes as many feelings as vibrant reds do. Best used in the kitchen to increase appetite or in the entryway to give you an extra boost of energy before leaving for work, saturated hues of this color elicit many positive feelings. The color red actually increases heart rate and accelerates activity, so when used appropriately in home design, drama is revealed as large swaths of red douse a room. Be prepared to be uplifted and provoked in red spaces.
Red Window Treatments
Red can be intimidating with its punchy, bright and aggressive saturation. Instead of adorning cabinets and large areas with such vibrancy, keep your walls neutral and make your windows pop with a red window treatment. I love how these homes utilized red patterned and striped drapery to add color up the length of the wall without having too much going on visually.
Roman shades are another great way to introduce color for a stylish and sophisticated look to your home.
If you are ready to take the plunge for expressive window treatments, our Blindsgalore red collection is complete with a curated selection of florals, patterns and solid red hues.
Even if you don’t dare to blaze your windows in red, it is always fun to dream in radiant color. Your home will never miss a beat with these heart-racing choices, ranging from sheer shades to cellulars and our always popular roman shades.
Subtle Red Touches
Much like window treatments, accessories can do a great job incorporating your favorite color without drowning your space in splashy shots. Furniture, pillows and accent pieces like recycled shutters are a few brilliant ways to draw some color and inspiration into your favorite spaces. One of my main reasons for painting walls with neutral colors is that it allows you to switch out colors of decorative objects easily, instantly changing the mood of your room, year by year. A little paint, fabric and ingenuity can go a long way; so switch up some of your favored things to renew the subtle touches of color in your home. Use red for a daring and bracing change of pace. Life is too short not to be a little radical, now and then.
Farmhouse Reds
Traditional farmhouses are always painted in a rusty red tone. Why is that? Back in the day, when paint was expensive and scarce, wood was shredded with a recipe consisting of skimmed milk, lime and red iron oxide to create this dusty red shade. Cheap to make, protective and long lasting, a wood framed farmhouse was turned into this distinctive red hue. Centuries later, as paint became cheaper and more accessible, barns continued to be traditionally painted, “farmhouse red,” and “farmhouse chic” is now a nostalgic style that incorporates this unique shade of red into home décor. If country or cottage style appeals to you, introduce a few touches of farmhouse red with a vintage set of checkers, a rustic clock or an array of Coca Cola memorabilia to convey the sentimental feelings of the simple life. For more “Farmhouse Red” décor, Pinterest is loaded with ideas.
Since red fires up our physical force, while simultaneously awakening our inner passions, this exciting color can stir up your home into another dimension. Varying the uses, spaces and shades of red allow you to create a home with unparalleled brightness. Don’t be caught red handed; cut through the red tape and put your home on red alert. Rev up with red.
