Red can symbolize assertiveness, intensity, and deep emotion, yet incorporating it into your living space doesn’t have to make the room overwhelming. You can choose accompanying colors that will amplify the prominence of red or ones that will soften its impact.
A great way to begin is by selecting color palettes that complement the shades of red you intend to utilize.
What are some basic guidelines for color coordination?
According to
design specialists 99Designs
The color wheel consists of three primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. Three secondary colors (formed by mixing primary colors) include green, orange, and purple. Additionally, there are six tertiary colors, which result from combining primary and secondary colors, like blue-green or red-violet.
In general, the colours that best complement each other are found directly across from one another on the colour wheel; for example, red and green, blue and orange, purple.
and yellow.
Exploring red color palettes utilizing the color wheel
Innovative media platform The Bright Side
includes a color chart that recommends contrasting colors for various tones of red. For instance:
-
Primary red
performs well with shades of yellow, white, tawny-orange, green, blue, and black.
-
Tomato red
functions nicely with cyan, mint green, sand, cream white, and gray.
-
Cherry red
performs excellently alongside azure, grey, light-orange, sandy, pale-yellow, and beige.
-
Raspberry red
is compatible with white, black, and damask rose.
The choice of red hue will guide your pairing options, which typically include black, navy, various blues, gray, white, cream, pink, metallic tones, and wooden accents.
Which color creates the strongest contrast with red?
The hue that provides the strongest contrast against red is green since it sits directly across from it on the color wheel. Despite this seeming intense at first glance, red and green can form an excellent pairing, particularly when employing subdued shades alongside additional neutrals such as cream or beige.
Which colors pair nicely with red, as recommended by specialists?
"Red is quite a powerful and prominent hue, hence you shouldn't combine it with numerous other assertive colors — particularly if your intention is for red to shine as the focal point in your living space," explains.
interior designer Emma Blomfield.
Consider incorporating shades like navy, black, white, and gray. Should you wish to introduce additional colors, avoid softer hues such as peach, lime, and coral since they may not complement each other well. Instead, opt for bolder options like canary yellow, citrus orange, or deep green.
Guidelines for incorporating red into interior design
Incorporating the color red into your interior design can make a significant and daring statement. Therefore, it’s crucial that you not only have an appreciation for the hue but also understand how to employ it effectively.
"Don't cover the whole space with red paint if you believe you could grow tired of it within one or two years," advises Emma Blomfield.
Consider incorporating red into your soft furnishings like cushions or carpets, but opt for patterns instead of solid-colored fabrics. By doing this, you can emphasize other hues within the design and bring those colors forward in the space.
Interior designer
Chris Carroll from TLC Interiors
suggests that the ideal approach is to sample various tones of red prior to making your final choice. "Shades like maroons, magentas, burnt oranges, and others akin to these will not appear as aggressive," he explains on his webpage.
A gray wall can help soften bold red tones, and often simplicity is key.
Ideas and techniques for selecting colors that complement red
Interior designer Jasmine McClelland
Jasmine McClelland Design firm
Offers several useful techniques and strategies that she herself employs when using the color red for decoration purposes.
Less is more
A touch of red can brighten and improve a room, regardless of the size. I frequently introduce a dash of color with a petite red object placed on a bookshelf or console table amidst a predominantly neutral decor.
Utilize red for ornamental pieces.
I enjoy incorporating red into artworks, vases, books, or ornamental items that aren’t too overpowering. This way, you can easily switch them around your living space whenever you want a fresh look.
Select red only if you genuinely adore the color.
I typically discuss with my clients their comfort level regarding colours before applying too many. I inquire whether they've always adored the colour or if it's something new this year. Do they feel content to drift off and awaken surrounded by the same hue?
State your point using red.
If you're aiming for a striking look, combine red with white and nearly any shade of grey. Otherwise, opt for pairing red with linen tones, soft greens, or a dark background, using minimal red accents.
Utilize red for an accent color.
If you desire hints of red, consider an orange-infused, firecracker-red shade. However, when incorporating a larger amount of red into a room, opt for a subtler, bluer-based red.
Colour schemes
that
collaborate with various tones of red
1. Subdued shades of red in color palettes
"Linen tones effectively balance out the prominence of red, establishing a more neutral foundation within a room," explains Jasmine McClelland.
An excellent bedroom combination is
white linen sheets
paired with a red fabric headboard and soft red accents. Add in interest with different textures and loose patterns that can harmonise together. The bedroom above uses a variety of stripes and ruffly textures for an engaging view.
2. Black and white will forever complement red.
"Black serves as an excellent background color for red, creating a very somber and dramatic ambiance," according to Jasmine McClelland.
If you lack the confidence (or the budget!) for a black marble fireplace paired with coordinating floor tiles, incorporating a few
black cushions
Settle into your couch as your ideal choice. Complement it with red accents and deeper, moody lighting for an enhanced dramatic effect.
3. White and blue complement red
Soft muted teal with a hint of green serves as an excellent complementary color, providing contrast without clashing," explains Jasmine McClelland. "It adds a soothing touch to the area, introducing a cooler element against the warmth of the red.
These two colors can produce a playful, cottage-style look, particularly with the addition of wildflower-patterned wallpaper. Opt for antique furnishings that exude a rustic, countryside vibe, ensuring your decor appears harmonious and quaint.
4. Every shade of gray can complement red.
If your home leans towards contemporary design and favors greys, introducing a splash of red could enliven your area.
As Jasmine says, “Any shade of grey complements the colour red very nicely and really allows the colour red to come alive.” This red walled living room may be quite a change from your usual greys, blacks and whites, but modern doesn’t mean colourless, so get painting!
5. Whites, creams, and subtle beige tones pair nicely with red.
“
White is light and bright and will sharpen any shade of red. It is a great base when making a bold statement, offering contrast and also some breathing room,” says Jasmine McClelland.
The innate tranquility of this bedroom remains untouched by its red accents. Rather, the rich tones of the throw blanket and the Persian rug enhance the pristine white bed linens, making them stand out as the focal point.
A good method to combine these elements effectively involves incorporating slight quantities of beige, cream, and eggshell tones into the blend.
a hand-sculpted clay vase.
6. Red and orange enhance a neutral color palette
Apply the color red cautiously when decorating tranquil spaces like bedrooms and living areas," advises interior designer Emma Blomfield. "Restrict red to decorative items that can be easily changed later if you feel the red dominates too much.
Red accents, paired with natural components such as woven wall hangings lend your space a cozy, yet sophisticated ambiance.
7. White and yellow complement red well
Unanticipated color pairings like red, yellow, and white create a cheerful, vibrant, and cozy atmosphere.
Using multiple hues in your palette can be challenging when trying to achieve harmony. Select one shade as the star for the space, then introduce dashes of the remaining two colors to create a unified look. If you're hesitant to fully commit to vibrant tones, consider incorporating subtle touches of red, similar to the approach seen in the bedroom mentioned earlier.
pillows
and small decor items.
8. Deep burgundy pairs well with navy blue and golden tones.
Deep burgundy walls complemented by navy create a timeless color scheme that exudes sophistication when combined with metallic accents.
A simple method to incorporate additional gold into your area is through decorative pieces. Incorporating materials such as light-colored wood allows you to generate golden accents in a softer, more organic manner.
9. A color scheme featuring red, white, and brown tones
Sleek, classic, and slightly more rugged compared to many other palette choices, this design fits perfectly into a minimalist or mid-century modern setting.
Select distinctive decorative pieces like an eclectic light fixture or a tan leather sofa to blend these hues without letting the red overpower. Introduce patterns and visual appeal through wall hangings or perhaps a boldly printed wallpaper.
10. Red, white and multiple shades of blue
Combining red and white is a classic choice, yet when paired with two tones of subdued blue and toning down the intensity of the red slightly, you end up with a space that is visually soothing while maintaining elegance.
Find funs ways to add blue to your home by incorporating it into patterned furniture pieces, checked linens or stripy wallpaper.
11. Red and pink
While most people think red and pink clash, the two colours together can actually look very modern and striking.
Pale pink and deep red can be incorporated into a single-color theme, thus integrating additional hues that enhance harmony, such as sandy tan and soft periwinkle blue, which will ensure unity without causing boredom.
12. Red pairs well with black, white, grey, and wooden furnishings.
Red is a colour that goes with timber finishes quite nicely, especially if wood is added as an accent rather than the main focus. Stick to wooden picture frames and chair legs, and combine with neutrals to let that red colour shine!
13. Crimson, blush, and burgundy
Even though some may believe that pink and plum won’t pair well with red, these analogous colors actually enhance each other, resulting in a modern and delicate appearance.
Should your space require additional soft, curved features, opt for plush furniture pieces and subdued colors.
14.
Bold shades of red, grey, and natural wood tones
This style leans towards seriousness and fits perfectly in a study, office, or bachelor pad. Opting for grey linen bedding along with a hint of red will maintain a subtle palette without becoming dull.
15.
Red goes with purple
Yet another surprising color pairing, red and purple isn’t suited for the timid.
Red pairs well with purple and appears extremely fashionable when combined.
marble tabletops
And white hanging lamps. Chic level = full marks.
16. Red and green
Red paired with green doesn't necessarily create a festive feel. Maintain the sophistication of your red with shiny decorative items and opt for a more subdued shade of green, similar to what’s suggested here.
olive linen throw
.
The post
16 vibrant red color schemes for chic interior designs
appeared first on
Better Homes and Gardens
.
