In today’s world, things go viral quickly. So when I recently saw the viral “unexpected red theory” showing up in the home design world, it caught me off guard. But I guess that’s exactly what it’s supposed to do. The “unexpected red theory” is pretty simple. It’s basically adding anything red to a room that doesn’t match but somehow it works and makes the room look better. And now, I’m seeing it everywhere.
A good friend is renovating a small home in Connecticut. I’ve had the privilege of seeing it before and during, and it’s getting pretty close to being done. Seeing her vision take shape has been fun because she is moving this project along fairly quickly! One thing that stood out was her use of color. Especially red. It got me thinking about using red and what it can do for a room.
I can’t wait to share her home in the future, but for now, let’s talk about the use of red and the combination of red and blue! Are you a fan of this color combination?
A Few Examples of Using Red (credit sourced under each photo)
credit: House & Garden UK
Once I started thinking about red, I started seeing it everywhere! Or maybe my Instagram feed knows I’m interested in unexpected pops of red.
My friend’s complementary colors are Spice and Ocean Front by Behr Paint. The color combinations are so beautiful, and once again, I started seeing the blue and red everywhere on my social media feeds. She’s using these colors in things like fabrics, rugs, and even this cool medicine cabinet.
According to TikTok, pops of red may be considered the latest interior design trend. I think using colors will always be a trend. And if you like it, that’s all that matters.
Credit: Currie Designs
Using a Pop of Red
Credit: Field Day Studio
A single red design element, such as a lamp shade, chair, stool, picture frame, or even a bouquet of bright red flowers, can add that pop of color to an interior space full of neutrals. It doesn’t have to be a red sofa, a Smeg, or a room full of red cushions. It can be a small object, like a red frame or red bows.
Credit: Left: Lucy Alice Home Right: I Tam I Tu
How We Used Red in Our Own Home
Red Stools
It may have started with my friend’s project, but soon, I was ready to try adding a few bold red touches to our home. As luck would have it, last weekend, we found two bright red stools on the street on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. We often go for long walks after having dinner with our kids in the city. Last Sunday, we were walking on West 81st Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues and came across two red counter stools. You know I love a stoop! I follow this account on Instagram. So much free stuff on the streets of New York! I’ve never found anything this way, but seeing what people put out for the trash is fun!
Red Book Ends
Adding something as simple as a pair of Mid Century book ends in the living room for that small red object for visual interest.
A Vintage Red Enamel Soup Ladel & Vintage French Tea Towels
I was trying to think of a way to add red to the kitchen. I added French tea towels in different shades of red and then added this enamel soup ladle on the rack with copper pots. I’m surprised at how much I love bright red items with vintage copper.
Adding Red as an Element of Surprise in Home Decor and Fashion
Last season, red tights, red suede Adidas sneakers, and red sweaters worn as scarves over camel and gray coats were all the rage. It was only a matter of time before pops of bright red appeared in at least one room of your house.
A Few Favorite Red Things
Stillwater Floral Quilt from SchoolhouseElectric // Haze Wall Cabinet // Leather Crossbody Bag from Quince // Hello from New York T-Shirt and Socks from Kule // Oaxacan Floral Taper Candle from Terrain // White with Red Adidas Sambas
Mary Ann Pickett says
This has me wanting some more red! Great post!
Francesca B says
Hi Annie,
Lovely post thank you! I have a long love affair with red and really enjoy my Tuscan red linen window shades in my sunroom with the grey walls. In Prague last year on vacation, my husband and l walked by this wonderful leather shoe shop and of course l had to buy these retro red sneakers with white laces and a pair of denim blue for my daughter, just so vibrant and fun. Just love the orangey red of those chairs in the picture! BTW The American Folk Art Museum has a terrific exhibition on called Unnamed Figures:Black Presence and Absence in the Early American North. Just thinking while you are up there on the west side!xo
annie diamond says
Hello Francesca! Retro red sneakers sound so cool! And denim blue too! I have not been to the American Folk Art Museum in years…thanks for the reminder! Hope you had a great visit to New York!!!
xo
Patricia Davis says
Great street score. They make a lovely, lively addition to an already attractive area. I’ve always loved red. I married in 1975, on the eve of the bicentennial and red, white and blue was everywhere! I painted my son’s room red!!! I have touches of red in almost every room. I’m drawn to Afghan tribal rugs. They are on the floor and draped over tables. My first fiancé was appalled by red and thought it was garish. My husband of 49 years thinks it is familiar since his mother and grandmothers loved red!!!
annie diamond says
I love the idea of touches of red in very room! And even an entire room painted red! I could not have gotten away with that with my son…NY Yankees fan! haha
Janis says
I have added some red to my kitchen already, so when I saw the vintage red soup ladle it made me want to add red in an unexpected place.
Thanks!
Janis says
I have added some red to my kitchen already, so when I saw the vintage red soup ladle it made me want to add red in an unexpected place.
Thanks!
Oh, the socks link takes you to the Hello from NY Tee, btw. 🙂
annie diamond says
Thank you Janis for letting me know about that link! xo
kim says
Annie, What a super fun post. I adore red like this. These kitchens are inspiring and I love the stools you found! You get the coolest things, like your black chest!
I am thinking now how can I add some red too.
I have followed Katie Ridder for a long time and she’s a fan of blue and red and all the primaries together.
Saving all these !! xo
annie diamond says
I have to look up Katie Ridder! I do love pops of the primary colors, but not sure about all at once?
cindy says
I think a pop of red is fun, and I love your red stools?