How to & How Not to Use Red in Decorating

In color red is associated with everything from love, passion and sexuality to excitement, hunger and anger. According to the Arizona State University Website "RED is passionate, the color of hearts and flames: it attracts our attention and actually speeds up the body's metabolism." Either love it or hate, it is a prominent hue in many styles of interior design, such as Asian esthetic's including Feng Shui, the various country styles from traditional to romantic, Old World themes from Victorian to Renaissance and shows up quite frequently in modern and contemporary schemes as well. The do's and don'ts of using it in decorating depend on what the color invokes in your personality.

How to Use Red in Decorating- The Do's of Interior Design
Do Use it as the main hue for rooms in your interior design that are meant for entertaining such as dining rooms as this a common decorating trick for restaurants to keep patrons eating more. It is said to even make the food even more appetizing.

Use it to draw attention to certain focal points in the room, for example, accent walls that contain shelving or around fireplaces. Paint molding in a deeper tone to convey luxury or aristocracy or cabinet faces in a bright cheery hue for a country barn pop or an Italian bistro feel.

Do use it for elegant accessories in other rooms, such as bedrooms if you are creating a romantic setting. The color has always been associated with romance, such as in red hearts and roses.

How Not to Use Red in Decorating- The Don'ts of Interior Design

Don't paint an entire room in a bright blood red if it is meant to be a space for serenity and rest. For a passionate love nest, a red bedroom may seem appealing but the hue can actually raise your blood pressure which is not conducive for a good night's sleep.

Be careful in public areas, such as family rooms or bathrooms. In addition to being counterproductive for relaxation and unwinding, it has also been shown to increase anger because of it's excitement abilities.

Don't dismiss using red in decorating just because of the color psychology associated with it in Interior Design. The many hues available, from deep burgundies to sunset oranges, can add drama, sophistication or whimsy to every theme or style.

Tips:
For ideas on how to decorate with this popular color read:

5 Different Decorating Theme Ideas for a Red Bathroom

Feng Shui Colors - Red as a Fire Element

Other AC Articles for Decorating With the Color Red