Seeing Red?

The color red is known to evoke an unparalleled range of emotions, from passion to happiness. Depending on the tone, it can be used to make a dramatic statement or simply add a touch of warmth to a room. Decorating with red is a bold move, but when done right, whether on walls or with well-chosen accessories, the color imbues any space with glamour, energy, and excitement. As an added bonus, it allows other colors to really pop and can be paired with a rainbow of hues. Here are some stunning examples of red in all of its glory:

Photo compliments of Decor Demon.

Hollywood regency style captured with a refinished, red lacquer flea market find. Serious drama!

Photo compliments of Elle Decor.

Paired with vintage wallpaper, this crushed velvet sofa creates an inviting ambiance. Though the wallpaper isn’t really my style, I love the dog and shades of red.

Picture compliments of Chandelier Lighting Style.

A modern red chandelier looks stunning when paired with a classic sofa and gold accents.

Photo compliments of ArchZine.

Incorporate glamorous Chinois style into your space with a vibrant pagoda chandelier.

Photo compliments of iSpace Design.

This dark, almost Victorian-era, red pops against the white and gray kitchen. Top it off with a white chandelier and you have a classy, modern space that doesn’t appear cold or sterile.

Photo compliments of eWallpapers.

This high-shine, ultra-modern living room even incorporates red in the speakers. A space this bold is not for the faint of heart.

Photo compliments of Design A Room.

This utterly modern red shelf looks as if it was conjured up by Tim Burton. So unique.

Photo compliments of Snaidero.

The key to pulling off this daring coral high gloss lacquer is keeping all other elements extremely simple.

Photo compliments of Design Wagen.

The Piccola Papilio chair by Naoto Fukasawa is perfect for small spaces and a simple way to introduce a dark, rich red into your color scheme.

Photo compliments of Filmore Clark.

Here’s a commitment-free use of red. For those who aren’t ready for a full-on red design, try accent pieces like a rustic chair or red throw pillows.

Photo compliments of CoCo Cozy.

Another way to sprinkle in some red accents.

Photo compliments of Apartment Therapy.

Beautiful red vintage claw foot tub and red and white wallpaper. The use of white, tones down the intensity of the red.

Photo compliments of Modern Decorations.

The deep red walls, sleek white fixtures, and dazzling chandelier create such a sultry look in this bathroom.

Photo compliments of Houzz user Becky Harris.

Perfect way to add interest to a neutral dining nook. Red stimulates the appetite!

Photo compliments of Gaita Interiors.

This homeowner manages to pull off bright red cabinets, without the ultra-modern look. The greens, yellows, and golds lend the space a cheerful vibe.

Photo compliments of Belle Maison.

We couldn’t say goodbye without including at least one striking red bedroom. The turquoise, white, and red playful accents lighten up the space.

Which one’s your favorite? Are you a fan of red?

What’s hot, what’s not?

Here are some of my favorite design trends, and yes, some not so favorite ones as well.

So what’s hot?  Still loving “chevron?” It’s been trending for some time and I am sure you have all seen the abundance of chevron pillows and chevron rugs online and in stores. You really can’t go wrong with a chevron pillow or this adorable chevron purse from Etsy. Wouldn’t this be cute paired with a white t-shirt and black capris for the spring? Although I’m not sure it could replace my standard giant bag that fits all of my “stuff.”

For the home, this slipcovered Ikea chair is one of my favorites (also from Etsy). I can just picture it in a baby’s room for either a boy or a girl!

Warm gray walls would be a great backdrop for the colorful chair. Yes, gray has become the new beige and the “right” gray can certainly make a design statement while still being neutral. One of my favorite grays is Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore. I’ve used this warm gray in bathrooms and bedrooms. It always looks best when paired with hardwood floors or tile and white trim.

Lastly, wallpaper is one of the hot trends right now. The latest designs are a far cry from the overwhelming florals and primary colored stripes you may remember from your youth. Check out these beautiful wallpapers by www.wallteriors.com and www.jonathanadler.com.

  

So, what are my least favorites on the design front?

Excessive matching is not a good look. There is a huge difference between matching and complementing. Complementary pieces or colors coordinate and pull a room together but add interest. No color, no architectural feature, nothing interesting for the eye to see will be bland, while a pattern that spills from the furniture to the walls to the accessories is overwhelming. This room is certainly an extreme, but all the same it is a dizzying example of matching overkill.

Courtesy of Ugly House Photos.

Unless you live in a luxurious castle, swag curtains are a home decor don’t in my chapter. Windows in any regular home will be swallowed up with swag curtains. On that note, I’m not partial to any type of curtains that block too much of the window. Let in some light!

Jersey Shore style with loud colors and clashing animal prints is anything but classy. A zebra rug or other animal print accessory is stylish when done tastefully. The same goes for bold colors. But unless you want to be mistaken for a poacher, this style should be avoided.

Courtesy of JPD School of Design

Some spaces give beige a bad name. A warm beige that pops against a white trim is classic. However, when the walls and trim are painted in the same pale beige color with a flat finish without even a hint of semi-gloss on the trim, it becomes the dreaded builder’s beige. It will make any room sterile and uninviting. The example below, is thankfully a “before” photo.

Courtesy of Corea Sotropa Interior Design

So there you have it, my design favorites, along with the trends that make me cringe. What are some of the trends you either love or hate?