In February, with Valentines Day, red is unavoidable…red roses, red hearts, red candy boxes….and frankly, it is a nice relief from all the gray of this dismal weather month.  Red is a great color for interiors and even exterior accents! 

It has been said that every room needs a touch of red, and while I’m not sure I agree that red is a necessity in EVERY room, it does add a great deal to many!

With shades ranging from deep burgundy to candy apple red, there are many moods that can be created – from  playful to sophisticated. 

Red can be used in any room…while often, red is thought to be too stimulating for sleeping spaces, that is just not so. 

When my children were born, I deliberately chose a burgundy as my main nursery color (in part, to avoid anyone giving me trite, baby-themed decorative items I would be obligated to use).   And I am happy to report, my children slept perfectly well and grew up to be wonderful, well-adjusted human beings in spite of an infancy deprived of pastels and ducks?!

But red is most often used in living and dining spaces.

I have not had the opportunity to photograph very many of the red spaces we’ve designed, though we have done a fair number.

So I’ve included many images here that are from my imagination generated by AI in midjourney using text prompts, and they are labeled as such for clarity.

Red Walls

If you are bold, consider red walls. Lacquered walls and Venetian plaster walls have a depth and sheen that is unparalleled, but both are labor intensive (and expensive) processes.

A shortcut for a similar appearance to real lacquered walls, is enamel paint topped with a coat of clear varnish. High gloss red paint, while not quite the same look, is also a nice option.

As always, be aware that the glossier the finish, the more it will reveal every bump and blemish, so prep work is really important for a good result.

Striking red lacquered walls make the perfect backdrop for art or mirrors as shown in this imaginary opulent red living room.

Gold, brass, or gilding look wonderful with red too!

The imaginary red library below, shows how cozy a space enveloped in red can be. This room just begs you to curl up by the fire with a good book!

We just designed two walls of built-in bookcases in red for a client and they refer to the space as “the snug” - such an apt description! I can’t wait to photograph it!

Strong red walls can tame a profusion of pattern, as well as add drama or coziness. This imaginary tiny windowseat alcove sports four different fabric patterns, but remains serene and cozy because of the base of a strong red color.

And if soooo much red is too much for some, a significant dose of white millwork can tame it and add a refreshing and cheerful feel.

This imaginary white millwork windowseat is an airy spot that contrasts with the red walls.

And dining rooms like this one are a classic with red walls and white millwork and smart striped upholstered chairs!

Red Patterned Walls

If solid red feels like too much of a good thing, you might try walls wrapped in red pattern with upholstered fabric walls or graphic wallpaper.

There are many red patterned wallpapers, but toile is always a classic!

I love the drama of this toile red powder rom from my imagination with the gold leaf ceiling!

Red toile scenic patterns can be either the red as the background for a bit more drama, or red on a neutral background or a combination of the two!

These two imaginary bedrooms both have red toile with an abundance of white to keep it light.

Red Accents

Wallpaper can be used to wrap a whole room or just as an accent. Textured wallpapers like grasscloth are especially nice to accent the back of a bookcase, niche, or built-in.

And there is always the option of adding a dash of red with fabrics and fruit or flowers. Even small doses of red make a big impact in a room.

This antique farmhouse great room (more photos here) got a lift with red accents in fabrics, bookshelf back and accessories for a beautiful finish!

Red Cabinetry

Red is a cheery color for kitchens and there are even red appliances if you love this color!

Red kitchen cabinetry is a bold choice, but is a nice departure from all white and can be SO pretty!

Here this kitchen features one wall and an island of red cabinetry, but a second wall of neutral cabinets to allow the stove to be the featured wall in the room.

Below are a few decorative accessories in shades of red.

Please note, this post contains affiliate links meaning I make a small commission on any purchases at no additional cost to you. Click on image for details.

Below are a selection of red kitchen-friendly options. Click on each image for details.

Exterior Red Accents

Even outdoor living spaces can benefit from red accents, like these two fantasy oceanfront porches! Wouldn’t I love to be in a place like this right now!

And, of course, red is a classic front door color! Shown here on white houses with black shutters, it highlights the entry and makes for an inviting welcome to guests. Talbots and Elizabeth Arden knew what they were doing with their iconic red doors!

Red Paint Colors

There are hundreds of shades of red paint, some bright, and some more subtle, some leaning toward orange-red and some more purple-reds. Below are a few of my favorites, but, as always, TEST your paint colors in the room where they will be used.

THIS post has tips on the important steps to take when choosing a paint color.

Need help selecting the perfect color? We also offer virtual paint consultations HERE!

Add a little red to your life!

Have you used red in your home? I’d love to hear what you chose and why in the comments below.

Other posts you might enjoy:

Decorating with shades of pink

How to pick the best front door color