Red has several connotations: life and death, love, eroticism, warmth, aggressiveness, and unbridled energy. If you use red indoors, you can achieve unprecedented effects.
The red color and the wide range of its shades can evoke various emotions. Of course, each of us perceives it differently. It is a subjective experience connected to individual knowledge. It is special because peoples’ emotional worlds are unique. And even in the minds of people with synesthesia, (not only) the red color can make whole symphonies sound and vice versa. If they hear music, they see playing it with colors…
The effects of red are well known not only to psychologists but also to marketers, who, depending on who they are targeting, use this color in various campaigns, including political ones. Perhaps the most famous example is the use of red in notorious fast food chains such as McDonald’s or KFC—red (especially in combination with yellow) has been proven to stimulate appetite.
Christmas Time
The most beautiful holidays are just around the corner, and how many of you find yourselves returning to the classic Christmas color scheme of red, green, and gold each year? While current trends may introduce new shades that challenge traditional choices, many traditionalists—despite being tempted by innovative, colorful holiday ideas—ultimately return to these familiar colors that symbolize the Christmas season after trying something different. It’s worth noting that you can indulge in as much kitsch as you like during this festive time. Brighten your home with colors that resonate with you, and remember that the key is to create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
The Unexpected Red
Interior designer Taylor Simon from Brooklyn is very popular, especially on various social networks. She provides services to her clients not only in person but also online. She uses vintage pieces and interior designs that are not only beautiful but also extremely habitable and that do not seem impersonal. Her style is characterized by a balance between form and functionality. It is worth mentioning Taylor Simon’s theory of unusual red in interior design—the Unexpected Red Theory.
According to Taylor, incorporating anything red into the interior design will instantly enhance its appearance. However, this opinion has its critics among experts and competitors. Some argue that while red can be sophisticated and playful when used appropriately, simply adding a red pillow to the sofa won’t necessarily make your room perfect. The ruthless critics point out that Taylor Simon does not come up with anything new and brilliant; the red accent is one of the oldest tricks used in design for years and is classic and timeless. It should not be forgotten that, of course, the shade, saturation, and brightness of color also play a role…
However, let’s leave aside the ideological battle of designers or color experts, who emphasize that it is important, among other things, whether the colors are analogous (similar) or complementary.
Pulse, Pressure, and Breath
As we have already outlined, colors have psychological and physiological effects. If we scrutinize the red color, for example, Massimo Caiazzo, an Italian designer, color expert, and consultant, recommends using red “carefully” because this color will cause your pulse to slightly accelerate, increase blood pressure, and increase respiratory rate. According to him, our body needs to expend more energy if we look at something red.
Well, attitudes towards red are indeed different. They affect some people more and others less intrusively, which is why many interior designers encourage moderation when using this color. Indeed, many will agree that more neutral, earthy, and less expressive colors do not “look” so fast-paced, and those too intense and expressive can be tiring and stimulate change after a relatively short time. However, if you refine your sense of peace and taste, there is no reason why you should refrain from red when furnishing your homes or offices. Sometimes, a mirror with a red frame, a wall lamp, or a subtle red furniture solitaire can really do wonders. And it is just such pieces in the interior that designer Taylor Simon points out when using red, when she told ELLE DECOR that she intended to revive the colorful monotonous spaces and that she loves every unexpected introduction of colors into the room, especially the red one.
Text: Miriam Bartošová, photo: westwing.sk, hi-werns.com
