Decorating
Colour: 10 Ways to Add Va-va-voom With Vibrant Red
Nothing screams fun and passion more than fiery red. Add any amount, from a shot to a swathe, and watch it wake up your scheme
Red is not for the faint-hearted. It’s bold, bright and demands attention, but if you work it right, this colour can add beauty and energy to any room. Here are some stylish ways to incorporate vibrant red around your home.
Turn up the heat in the kitchen
If you’re keen on introducing red in your kitchen, but are apprehensive about committing to vibrant units, why not wheel in something like a cooker? This range adds instant wow without being overpowering, and is easier to deal with if you change your mind.
If you’re keen on introducing red in your kitchen, but are apprehensive about committing to vibrant units, why not wheel in something like a cooker? This range adds instant wow without being overpowering, and is easier to deal with if you change your mind.
Be subtle and selective
Vibrant red can easily become overbearing and incongruous, especially in pale schemes. So start small but somewhere prominent. This picture frame is a refined way of establishing red in the room while also tying in with the quirky London bus theme.
Check out ways to use signs as art and inspiration
Vibrant red can easily become overbearing and incongruous, especially in pale schemes. So start small but somewhere prominent. This picture frame is a refined way of establishing red in the room while also tying in with the quirky London bus theme.
Check out ways to use signs as art and inspiration
Pepper with pattern
Small accents in patterned wallpaper or fabric can help to bring a neutral colour scheme to life. This wallpaper is a contemporary take on florals, the crimson roses adding definition and giving the room a shot of warmth. The red armchairs further highlight the roses and create cohesion.
See more ways to bring white walls to life with vibrant brights
Small accents in patterned wallpaper or fabric can help to bring a neutral colour scheme to life. This wallpaper is a contemporary take on florals, the crimson roses adding definition and giving the room a shot of warmth. The red armchairs further highlight the roses and create cohesion.
See more ways to bring white walls to life with vibrant brights
Think about flow
This is a great illustration of how a strong colour can unify two spaces. The red guides the eye from the kitchen splashback through to the living room seating, linking the zones for a space that’s minimal yet warm and inviting.
This is a great illustration of how a strong colour can unify two spaces. The red guides the eye from the kitchen splashback through to the living room seating, linking the zones for a space that’s minimal yet warm and inviting.
Break the mould
These bright dining chairs jump out against the neutral background. They are a small addition, but they help to punctuate the expanse of white. They’re also a practical choice, as they can easily be swapped for another accent colour.
These bright dining chairs jump out against the neutral background. They are a small addition, but they help to punctuate the expanse of white. They’re also a practical choice, as they can easily be swapped for another accent colour.
Keep things in proportion
If it’s just a hit you’re after, try the 10% rule, using your accent shade in just a tenth of the scheme. In this image, for example, grey is the main colour, ably assisted by black, while touches of red keep things interesting.
If it’s just a hit you’re after, try the 10% rule, using your accent shade in just a tenth of the scheme. In this image, for example, grey is the main colour, ably assisted by black, while touches of red keep things interesting.
Go deep
Red doesn’t have to be pillar-box bright. A slightly darker, burgundy hue adds elegance to this bathroom. It’s softer and more luxurious than pure red, creating a relaxing environment. And it looks delicious against the white suite and black floor tiles.
Read expert advice on starting a bathroom redesign
Red doesn’t have to be pillar-box bright. A slightly darker, burgundy hue adds elegance to this bathroom. It’s softer and more luxurious than pure red, creating a relaxing environment. And it looks delicious against the white suite and black floor tiles.
Read expert advice on starting a bathroom redesign
Be inventive with accents
Towels and toiletries are a nice way to add accent colour to a white bathroom, but this scheme goes one step further with the cute, flower-shaped shower and basin fittings. Why not try a single red mixer tap or a red towel radiator to make a similarly understated, stylish statement?
Have you decorated with red? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
Towels and toiletries are a nice way to add accent colour to a white bathroom, but this scheme goes one step further with the cute, flower-shaped shower and basin fittings. Why not try a single red mixer tap or a red towel radiator to make a similarly understated, stylish statement?
Have you decorated with red? Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
A pop of colour becomes even more emphatic when covering a single chunky item of furniture, such as this sofa bed. To really highlight your star piece, coordinate it with a small room accessory, such as wall art. It’s a look that’s playful without going over the top.