Red — a trend color that’s still hot!

Diana Fox

There’s just something about red. A spark. A passion. A warmth. A rich color with no subtlety. It attracts your attention, regardless of how it is used. Whether featured as a bold intense statement or a soft faded accent, red is a cheerful compliment for any setting.

Red adds energy, style and excitement. Use this warm color to transform your rooms from boring to beautiful. In large amounts, it defines a space and is an appealing background color for a dining room, family room or kitchen. Red works well as a front door color and poses an inviting ‘welcome home’ greeting. In small doses, red is a wonderful color for home accessories, linens and tableware, or dynamic as an accent, interior wall color. Opt for this striking effect in your entryway or on any wall you’d like to architecturally highlight.

It is said that people who favor red know how to enjoy life and are assertive, full of vitality and definitely not timid. Red continues to be a favorite choice with interior designers, as just a splash creates a dramatic look that energizes a room and attractively sets the mood.

If red intimidates you, introduce accents of color with decorative room accessories, such as trendy containers, floral arrangements, framed artwork, a whimsical lamp, distinctive collectables, candles and candleholders. Position these objects throughout the room so the color feels well-balanced and coordinated.

An area rug is one of the best home décor purchases you can make and an effective option for utilizing red. Compliment with warm toned, upholstered furniture and blend patterns, fabric and colors together for visual interest. Select a livable, red print fabric for a fireside chair, creating a compatible contrast. Add texture and character when loosely tossed chenille throws and decorative pillows are placed on a stylish sofa, overstuffed chair and ottoman or comfortable bed.

The dynamic qualities of red are evident. It’s the perfect detail to attract attention. Red marries well with a variety of colors. Mixed with warm Tuscan gold, deep hillside green and cobblestone brown, the combination suggests an inspiring Mediterranean landscape. Bright red and green is a standard holiday favorite, while a softer palette of rose red and lime green evoke visions of watermelons and summertime fun. Southwest desert colors, muted shades of blue, orange and green, compliment terra cotta red and feel as soothing as an Arizona sunset. Red, white and blue is traditionally a patriotic theme, while red, white and black showcase a classic color scheme popular in Paris. When paired with rich, tone on tone neutrals or gold, red is luxurious, sophisticated and refined.

Overall, red’s versatility is as endless as its intensity and its boldness, as captivating as its beauty. Freshen up your home’s appearance by incorporating this delicious color into your decorating strategy. Decorate with style — think red!

Diana specializes in interior arrangement, room design makeovers, color consultations and relocating services. She has been assisting clients since 1986 and can be reached by phone at (951) 202-7859, e-mail at diana@foxinteriors.biz or on the Web at www.foxinteriors.biz.