Paint color ideas: How to decorate with red
Create a bold backdrop
Wowza! A lipstick red wall sets off black-and-white family photos and is absolutely made for showcasing a collection of handmade valentines hung from a picture rail.
Red kitchen island
A coat of brick-red paint makes the island the star of this kitchen.
For a sophisticated look, try pairing one red object with neutral tones. Here, dark-wood surfaces and stainless steel appliances do the trick.
Create interest
This built-in display is all about function (it houses art and conceals stereo equipment) but the bright color helps make this workhorse feature look special too.
Define a space
In this home office, a wall of red delineates the work area from the rest of the space. The invigorating shade can also help keep you alert and focused.
Update a classic
Don’t be afraid to introduce bright red to a traditional home. A lush palette brings a fun dose of updated glamour to this simple folk-style Victorian farmhouse.
Try an accent wall
One wall of red can make quite a statement all on its own. Here, white decorative pieces pop against a fire-engine red background, while warm wood shelving helps keep the look in tune with the rest of the room.
Create a lasting backdrop
Trends may shift, but a traditional red is sure to last. A classic shade, like the one shown in this boy’s bedroom, is just the thing for those with changing tastes.
Paint tip: Tone down a bold paint color by teaming it with neutral hues.
Grab attention
Bright red captivates and immediately catches the eye. Use that to your advantage by showcasing prized possessions with a backdrop in the hue.
Revive furniture
Secondhand furniture that's seen better days can be instantly revived with a coat of bright paint.
Take this curvy beauty, for example, which went from drab brown to stunner, thanks to a punch of bold red low-VOC paint.
Pay a complement
Complementary colors achieve a bold contrast, but it's difficult to strike the right balance. A strong red-orange item―here, Eero Saarinen's Womb chair and ottoman―is perfect amid a wash of softer blues. Accessories in the same vibrant color family help unify the elements.
Add romance
Talk about setting the mood. Steal this hotel room's romantic look with inexpensive red sheer fabric hung above the bed.
Celebrate nature
Vivid hues were an integral part of this patio's design. The owner's red-flowering geraniums were the inspiration for the shade of the back wall.
Orange-red and neutral
Orange-kissed red paints are the newest way to show off your wild side. Here’s one inspired by San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Tone down a lipstick-worthy hue (in a good way) with a cool taupe and a warm off-white.
Main: Claret Rose 2008-20 (benjaminmoore.com for stores)
Trim: Morocco Sand 515-3 (pittsburghpaints.com for stores)
Accent: Nourish .04 (yolocolorhouse.com)
Create an eclectic look
Usually rooms stick with one bright hue, if any, but this kitchen and living space makes it work.
These walls are Venetian plaster sealed with wax, which brings depth and sheen to the ruddy tone.
Offer a warm welcome
What better way to greet visitors than with a cheery, cherry red door? Painting an entire house brightly is a gutsy move, but a slice of color on the door is a subtle gesture that still feels fresh and inviting.
Paint tip: Use a tinted primer for dark and bright colors. It greatly improves coverage. Ask the paint retailer for a custom mix compatible with your surfaces and paint.
Experiment with accents
Not anxious to break out the paint brushes? A stripe of vintage wallpaper and a few well-placed accent pieces offer just the right balance of red in this room.
Add a touch of surprise
With this color, a little bit is sometimes just enough. Try a doorknob in a vibrant shade of red for a refreshingly unexpected touch of interest in a room.
Make a dramatic entry
This brilliant red gate creates a dramatic entry and adds a jolt of color to an otherwise mostly green garden.
Brighten up a deck
Two faded wicker chairs were given a coat of deep red spray paint in this outdoor makeover. Now they accent the golden tones of the deck and the soft green and deep plum French doors.
