Ways to Use Red in Your Home

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

07 Feb 2008 02:40 PM

Red is definitely noticeable in your home. You can use it to create a mood, create a focal point or to draw attention to features in your room. Red is the color of passion, cheerfulness and excitement, but it is also the color of anger, aggressiveness and hunger. With red, you have to strike a balance between using too much and not using enough.

Here are some ideas for using this boldest of colors.

Use red as an accent color in a room. it can be applied to lighting, candles, pillows, wall treatments and more. A bit of red here and there can entice the eye and draw attention to the feel of the room without hitting you over the head with the color.

A piece of red artwork hun in a prominent place can add excitement and punch to a room. A rich red combined with clean lines can add an elegant flair to a formal room, such as a dining room. A more organic red can give a cozy feel to a family room.

To add instant curb appeal and impact, try the classic red door. Think of the retail store, Talberts. With its impact of red, it instantly conveys a feeling of class and the upscale. Choose a high-gloss red for pop and easy cleaning. With an outside door, you can go bright and bold.

Reds come in many shades, and the shade you choose should reflect the style of your home, whether it is inside or out. A country-red will vary from a modern-red, so keep this in mind.

For a contemporary design, choose neutrals for the room with accents of a bold, pure red. A country design can incorporate a softer more brick-colored red. Modern design is a little flexible. Choose a bold bright red, or one with a burgundy or brown undertone. A traditional design can incorporate reds with burgundy or black tones, staying away from primary reds. You also may want to incorporate reds in accent pieces in a traditional home, such as in oriental rugs, or in focal pieces such as the inside of a cabinet.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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