Posted 11:24 pm Friday, December 07, 2012
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Ready for red?
Red is the warmest of hues, the highest arc of the rainbow. It is the first color to disappear at dusk and is a color associated with the essence of life. Red symbolizes love and is associated with one of the most cherished days of the year, Christmas.
This year the color red will inspire gift-giving and holiday decorating.
As we deck our halls with greenery, reach for red accents. Crimson bows and winterberries can inspire a foray into the power of red.
When we think of using red in our homes, most of us are tempted, but retreat from the commitment to the strong color. Red is a color that draws a reaction and, on walls, becomes the defining element of a space.
Red takes on different personalities when it is combined with different colors. Red paired with ivory provides a refreshing contrast and a lighter look. Red and green together are a good bet for a strong color scheme. When you add the complement to its opposing color it reduces the intensity of the color. Brighter or golden reds offer more excitement, while darker reds produce a soothing, calming effect.
Red doesn't have to be full strength. You can create a red “moment” without committing all four walls. Determine your tolerance for red's boldness.
Look at the reds you already have chosen for your home. Your old textiles and table linens may give you clues. Nature can inspire your choices. The natural red-clay colors are rich and combine beautifully with greens and blues.
Because red is such an attention-getting color, use it in rooms where you want to enhance energy and creativity. It can be deep and dramatic because the impact will be contained in the space.
Red in small spaces will work beautifully — a study, a powder room or just one wall of a room.
Is one wall too much red? Use a vase. Do you dislike a bright, primary red? Choose burgundy, terra cotta or rose. Are red window coverings too much? Buy a red throw or anchor the drapes by painting the walls chocolate brown. Whatever route you choose, red will be a positive impact on your room.
This year the color red will inspire gift-giving and holiday decorating.
As we deck our halls with greenery, reach for red accents. Crimson bows and winterberries can inspire a foray into the power of red.
When we think of using red in our homes, most of us are tempted, but retreat from the commitment to the strong color. Red is a color that draws a reaction and, on walls, becomes the defining element of a space.
Red takes on different personalities when it is combined with different colors. Red paired with ivory provides a refreshing contrast and a lighter look. Red and green together are a good bet for a strong color scheme. When you add the complement to its opposing color it reduces the intensity of the color. Brighter or golden reds offer more excitement, while darker reds produce a soothing, calming effect.
Red doesn't have to be full strength. You can create a red “moment” without committing all four walls. Determine your tolerance for red's boldness.
Look at the reds you already have chosen for your home. Your old textiles and table linens may give you clues. Nature can inspire your choices. The natural red-clay colors are rich and combine beautifully with greens and blues.
Because red is such an attention-getting color, use it in rooms where you want to enhance energy and creativity. It can be deep and dramatic because the impact will be contained in the space.
Red in small spaces will work beautifully — a study, a powder room or just one wall of a room.
Is one wall too much red? Use a vase. Do you dislike a bright, primary red? Choose burgundy, terra cotta or rose. Are red window coverings too much? Buy a red throw or anchor the drapes by painting the walls chocolate brown. Whatever route you choose, red will be a positive impact on your room.
