With Valentine's Day on Sunday, you've likely seen a lot of red home decor items in retail stores lately. Red is a strong, bold color that can perk up a space year-round. If you are looking to infuse the color into your home decor, now is an ideal time to snag some key pieces.
SHADES OF RED
Red comes in all shades and tones, and you don't have to limit yourself to using just one in a space. For example, it's OK to mix tomato red with burgundy. This technique essentially involves using a tint or shade of a dominate color. In home decor, some of the easiest shades of red to work with in a space are ruby red, bright poppy and rich tomato. These shades can serve as ideal bits of color.
HOW TO USE RED
Red, like other bold accent colors, can be used in any room, but be sure to use the color purposefully in order to not overdo it. Incorporating small yet effective red accents could be achieved through the use of chairs, artwork, throw pillows and even area rugs. These types of accent pieces will allow you to bring the color in, while still allowing versatility should you choose to swap in another accent later.
COLOR PAIRINGS
Looking to buy red accent pieces? Why not start out small.
Think pillows, lamps or signature art pieces. The use of a bold accent color will not only make a statement and add interest, but could also serve as the springboard for the rest of the color story around your space.
When looking for colors to pair with red, consider neutral tones that will not conflict such as black, brown, charcoal gray, white and taupe.
Cathy Hobbs is a television host and an interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York, Boston and Washington.
HomeStyle on 02/13/2016