50 Shades of Red, Interior Design Trends

Red is the first color found in history starting with the caveman paintings. Later red became associated with antiquity, war, wealth, and power. In the 1980s as is now, Maximalism was in, and Minimalism was out! Maroon and Mauve were in, ugh! Let’s not go back there…

With red being the boldest color you’d find it everywhere in interior design and elsewhere. Form follows fashion so if you see it on the runway you’d better believe it is coming to your home interiors next. I remember in the late 90’s and early 2000’s using red a lot in my work. Then the reds that were popular were more orange reds or brick reds.

Those are still acceptable today. Reds then disappeared in the interior design world for quite a while, giving way to earth tones then grays and blues. The first bright color I saw come back the past couple of years were bright and deep emerald greens and blues from navy to turquoise.

However, now Red is finally back!

Red is the color of 2023! To be specific Pantone Viva Magenta 18-1750, a blue red, or purpley red. OUT with the neutral colors! After being stuck in our homes for Covid, clients are wanting color and lots of it! Of course, there are thousands of red hue’s to choose from and you are not limited to this one by any stretch of your imagination. From Hot Pink to Hot Pepper, Red is back in a fury!

Red is also the color of LOVE and this is the month in which we celebrate our love, February!  With flowers, rose petals, candles, and cherry-filled chocolates.

However, you don’t have to stop there and this interior design trend will continue way past February and 2023. Get a jump on updating your interiors by adding a pillow, original art, or accessories if you just want to get your feet wet.

If you are one of those people that just want a fresh start, or you are in the middle of a home construction project or a remodeling job, you could spec in some wallpaper with your favorite red color. Chinoiserie wallpaper and fabrics are very sought after right now. Animal prints and toiles are big now too.

Red & Interior Design

Along with the Reds, wallpapers, mixed prints, and patterns, showing up in 2023, a high gloss wall, whole room, or cabinet would make a big statement. Do not be afraid! With the help of a professionally trained and licensed interior designer, you can’t go wrong! We are gifted and trained to help you bring your ideas or trends to life in the best way possible. Don’t skimp on the painter either when you are doing a high gloss finish. The walls and surfaces have to be flawless before that stunning red goes up, the shinier the finish, the more it shows what’s underneath. Hire a real professional for this job. During the building or remodeling process have the trim carpenter add some wainscoting to break up the bold-colored walls. The traditional feel of wainscoting mixed with a bold red or hot pink will be an unexpected combination that will pop yet blend perfectly together.

However you feel comfortable with the new brights out there right now, it’s time! Go big or small but get yourself out of that grey prison you’ve spent the last few years in and be sure to add some red. ❤️