Red decorating ideas that are bang on-trend

These bold decorating ideas prove it’s time to rethink rouge

By Sarah Baldwin
last updated

Red is not a colour for the faint of heart. Traditionally associated with love, passion, fire, blood, anger and danger, it is guaranteed to make a statement - and a strong one at that. However if you use it cleverly, it can bring serious depth to an interior, helping to create a room that is both confident and sophisticated. From all-out schemes to subtle accents, here's a few on-trend decorating ideas that work with this vivid hue...

dinning area with white wall and dinning table and chairs

(Image credit: TBC)

1.Simplicity can have serious impact

Crimson accents are an excellent way to enliven a Scandi setting - natural wood really benefits from a splash of bold colour. A wide band of bright paintwork will bring a design edge to a pared-back room; continue around furniture for an wonderfully modern effect.

Panelling painted in Pure Brilliant White

matt emulsion

, Dulux; and Firecracker Lt

acrylic eggshell

, Sanderson. Walls above dado in Wood Grain 95/5021

wallpaper

in White, Cole & Son. Herringbone solid-oak parquetry

flooring

in Seashell, Fired Earth.

 

living area with red wall and grey sofa and fire place

(Image credit: TBC)

2.Follow the trend for Eastern influences

Oriental-inspired decorating is a big trend for 2015, and latticework pattern speaks to the Far East. Combine rich reds with deep plums to add a twist of Zen. Lantern-style lighting in a bold hue further enhances the look; choose a richer red to prevent everything becoming to matchy.

Walls papered in Sansui NCW418108 wallpaper, Nina Campbell at Osborne & Little. Chimneybreast paperd in Concrete wallpaper, Piet Boon for NLXL at Rockett St George. Dune modular sofa, Carlo Colombo for Poliform.

living area with red wall and red sofa

(Image credit: TBC)

3.Use decorative pattern to create a mood

Rich pattern, on walls and windows, creates an exotic mood. Cool down the hot scarlet with subtle blocks of pink. Upholstery can enhance your decorating and is a chance to create an original piece.

Walls papered in Sukumala PDG641/05 wallpaper in Crimson, Designers Guild. Curtain made in Providencia F6638-1 linen/silk mix, Matthew Williamson at Osborne & Little. Margot love seat, sofa.com; upholstered in: armrests: Fiona 04836/11 linen-mix in Hibiscus, Manuel Canovas at Colefax and Fowler; and seat pad, base and back rest: Chaumont 7692/05 viscose-mix in Rhubarb, Romo.

bathroom with red wall and honeycomb shape tiles and washbasin

(Image credit: TBC)

4. Make a confident statement in a small space

Who said bathrooms have to be pastel? Shake it up with bold walls and geometric tiles. You can afford to be a little more daring than usual in a bathroom or cloakroom as you tend not to spend a long time in the room.

Walls painted in Red Stallion 3 emulsion, Dulux. Tiled in Geometric Hexagon tiles in Matt White, Mandarin Stone.

bedroom with red wall and bedding with cushions and throws

(Image credit: TBC)

5. Mix and match pattern and texture to create a glamorous bedroom

Combine paisley with folk prints and lush textiles for a passion parlour fit for a maharani. The impact of this room comes from the monochromatic styling - the rich red is calmed by hits of white.

Walls papered in Sukumala PDG641/05 wallpaper in Crimson, Designers Guild. Bespoke studded king-size headboard, Ensemblier;
upholstered in Jayshree ZJA1331627 linen-mix in Red/Blue, Zoffany.

Find more stylish decorating ideas on Livingetc's page.

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Sarah Baldwin
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