Unexpected red theory in interior design

Choosing the colour scheme for a room is the best part of a decorating project. Whatever your style, neutrals are a timeless choice, or if you fancy something a bit more colourful, blues and greens are always popular. But have you thought about red? Red is quite a bold and divisive colour in interiors. It’s what’s known as a distractor colour and its power means it can completely overwhelm a space. If you want to use red in a room but are unsure how to go about it, the ‘unexpected red theory’ interior design trend can help.

In our design guide, we explain the rules of this latest trend, talk about the science behind it, and offer advice on what colours work best with red and how to incorporate the trend throughout your home.

Read the full guide or jump ahead to:

What is the unexpected red theory?
Red in colour psychology
What other colours go with red?
How to use red in a living room
How to use red in a bedroom
How to use red in a hallway
How to use red in a kitchen
How to use red in a bathroom
What flooring goes best with red?

What is the ‘unexpected red theory’?

The ‘unexpected red theory’ is the idea that including something red in a room makes the space look instantly better. In the same way that wearing red lipstick can elevate a simple outfit, adding a red accent to your interiors can make a room feel complete. And less is more – you only need one red thing for this trend to work. It could be a small item such as a lamp or a vase, or a larger piece of furniture like a sideboard or sofa.

Like fashion, using red in interiors gives an aura of confidence and implies that you know exactly who you are and what you like. This random red item doesn’t match anything else in the room and stands out like a sore thumb, but trust us, it works! Introducing a splash of red seems to balance the space while adding an element of surprise to more conventional colour schemes.

Red in colour psychology

Red is a stimulating colour often associated with love and attractiveness. It’s frequently used in interiors to warm up a space, because of the warm and fuzzy feeling it brings. In nature, the colour red is designed to attract attention, whether as a warning to predators or to entice potential mates. This is why red can also feel very aggressive and dominating, and why it’s often used sparingly in homes. However, different reds evoke different moods, so you need to consider the effect each particular tone or shade will have.

What other colours go with red?

Even though red can be overbearing, it can be more subdued when paired with the right colour. Finding the perfect saturation, tone or shade is really important to achieving the aesthetic you want. Our guide to choosing your carpet colour delves into the psychology behind all the colours, and explains more about contrasting and complementary colours. Here are a few of our suggestions:

Blue

The dream duo of red and blue prove that opposites attract. One is hot, fiery, and loud; the other is cool, calm, and quiet, but despite that, these contrasting primary colours work well together. The colour saturation you go for will determine the overall feeling in your space.

Royal blue & pillar box red – A pop art vibe that’s bold and daring
French blue & terracotta red - A relaxed vintage feel with an eclectic twist
Navy blue & brick red – A sophisticated and luxurious combination

Green

Red and green are complementary colours, so they naturally look good side by side. The vibrancy of green soothes the intensity of red. However, to avoid your house feeling Christmassy all year round, you need to pick the right shade of red and green!

Hunter green & cherry red – A nature-inspired combination that’s both classic and modern
Olive green & terracotta red – A grounded scheme with earthy undertones
Leaf green & chilli red – A lively mix that feels inviting and exciting

White

A timeless and versatile combination, red and white will bring a freshness to your home. Used in stripes, a bold red and a stark white provides a nautical or carnival feel. For a traditional country cottage or more bohemian feel, choose a dainty floral or paisley print in oxblood red pattern on an off-white background.

How to use red in a living room

Adding a red accent chair or a huge sofa to an otherwise neutral space will definitely command attention! Or, if you’re feeling brave, you could roll out the red carpet in your living room. Burgundy is a popular paint colour for living rooms, so why not try it out on your flooring as well? Against warm-toned neutral walls, this will make your space feel cosy and luxurious.

How to use red in a bedroom

Bedrooms are supposed to be relaxing spaces so red isn’t the best choice for all over colour. But just a splash of red is a different story. Think red table lamps, red picture frames, or even a red headboard. Choose a red on the earthier side of the spectrum paired with textured materials like velvet, ceramic, and wood. In children’s bedrooms, go for a bright red that feels playful and fun.

How to use red in a hallway

As hallways are long and narrow spaces, they lend themselves to darker colour schemes. Adding a pop of red in a hallway using a console table, radiator, or even a stair carpet will really make these pieces come alive and draw the eye.

How to use red in a kitchen

Red is a popular colour for kitchens and dining rooms because it’s stimulating, but a dark red can also conjure up that feeling of cosiness and comfort that comes with eating. Bringing in red via accessories is the easiest way to jump on the red theory interior design trend but you could go bigger – maybe a fridge, a piece of art, or a statement vase, or finish the room with a red and white checked floor for a retro feel.

How to use red in a bathroom

Pick the right red for your bathroom scheme and you’ll hit the design jackpot. Oxblood red works really well as an alternative to dark green or navy. In a neutral bathroom, a mirror with a red frame or a red vanity unit might just be the missing piece of the puzzle.

What flooring goes best with red?

When choosing flooring to complement the red elements in your room, you need to make sure the undertones are the same. For example, a warm red needs a warm wood or cream carpet, while a cool-toned red goes better with grey, black, or white flooring.

Carpet

Beige or cream carpets act like a blank canvas for red pieces. The contrast is so strong that the red details are always the focal point of the room. And because a light, neutral carpet goes with everything, you can easily change your colour scheme at a later date without having to update your flooring.

Hard flooring

Light to mid brown laminate, luxury vinyl, or engineered wood flooring will work with most shades of red, and allows the red accents to ‘pop’. For a more modern and fresher look, go for a lighter wood. In more traditional homes, a medium brown wooden floor will pair nicely with red decor.

Feeling braver about introducing red in a room? We hope our unexpected red interior design ideas have inspired you to order some paint swatches and flooring samples and get cracking! We’ve also got a back catalogue of lookbooks for alternative colour schemes and lots of helpful design articles, including 10 easy ways to add colour into your home and how to embrace the colour drenching trend.

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Published: 20-01-2025