How to decorate with reds, purples and pinks

Red and pink colour schemes can be bold and dramatic, used to create a feminine look or a give a room a cosy, relaxed feel.

You could choose to go for all-red walls for a bright and invigorating interior, or alternatively use red as an accent colour on soft furnishings and accessories.

If you’re feeling brave, go for a gorgeous library-room red for walls in the living room or study – this works particularly well in large rooms with high ceilings, where the bold shade will not look too overpowering. Highlight architectural features such as door frames, fireplaces and picture rails with a complementary neutral paint shade.

Red will also lend warmth to a living room scheme and makes a rich backdrop to white linen sofas and a dark wood coffee table. Add texture with woven accessories and natural flooring to break up the expanse of colour. Opt for cushions and throws in zesty orange, green, hot pink and white.

Bold pinks also work really well with neutral tones. Decorate walls in a gentle off-white shade and go for a neutral carpet to offset the strong colour. Team with a modern beige sofa, or an armchair upholstered in a deep pink fabric for a bold statement. Add pops of colour with vibrant fuchsia and stone patterned curtains and cushions.

If you love purple shades, try using mauve, heather or violet for an elegant scheme. Decorate a hallway wall with beautiful mauve and silver paper, or create a sophisticated look in the bedroom with aubergine walls and pale grey or charcoal soft furnishings. Decorative silvered furniture or a wall mirror will add the finishing touch.

1/5 Beautiful ways with reds, purples and pinks

If you want to use red in a small space, consider decorating the cloakroom in this opulent shade – traditional flock wallpaper will add grandeur to the smallest of room in the house.

Bright reds

Why: These colours have a reputation for being bold, bright and modern, but don’t be scared: they look stunning when used in moderation, too.

How:

Top tip: Dark wood furniture, as well as textural fabrics and woven accents, help break up intense expanses of strong colour.

2/5 Muted purples

Why: Want a purple tone that works in the same way as a neutral when it comes to decor? Striking with silver, and beautiful with black, these muted tones are your best bet.

How:

Top tip: Ensure that your room doesn't become too dark by choosing a wallpaper with plenty of white or off-white to lift the purple motif.

Chrysanthemum wallpaper, £30 per roll, Graham & Brown

3/5 Pastel pinks

Why: Blush and caramel tones have made a comeback with the ballerina trend on the fashion catwalks, but they're more than a passing fad - think gentle, timeless charm.

How:

Top tip: Let walls do the talking with a paper with a soft-pink print acting as a backdrop for all-white furniture and home accents.

Bouquet in Bonbon wallpaper, £44.50 per roll, The Little Greene Paint Company

4/5 Moody reds

Moody reds

Why: Artistic, bohemian and with distinct overtones of history and glamour, these colours can add grandeur to a space in an instant.

How:

Top tip: Don't overlook the smallest room in the house - a damask wallpaper can make the simplest of spaces into a truly opulent area. 

Havana Red wallpaper, £52 per roll, Zoffany at Wallpaperdirect

5/5 Accent pinks

Why: Bold pinks are coming out of the playroom and into the rest of the house. Making an ideal match for neutrals, they add energy to and an upbeat atmosphere to living areas.

How:

Top tip: Statement curtains, a brightly upholstered chair and a mixture of cushions are all you need to add a rose-tinted accent to your living areas.
 
Serendipity Prints & Embroideries collection, from £27,06 per m, Blendworth