Making time for red

From the Resene decorating blog

Red is a vibrant and passionate colour that arrests the eye. It will always add interest to a home’s interior scheme and will make an instant design statement – but sometimes a little red also goes a long way.

Red can feel modern, traditional, rustic or timeless depending on the shade and context. From magentas like Resene Candy Floss with its pink undertones, through true reds like Resene Bright Red, to deep ox-blood, like Resene Dynamite, there are numerous variations of this eye-catching shade. Deep wine reds and burnt oranges are particularly on trend at the moment.

Style it your way

When considering which shade of red to use, pay attention to your home’s architecture as well as your general decorating style. If you have a contemporary home, consider pops of a bold, bright primary red like Resene Red Hot. On the other hand a traditional home benefits from a red tinged with burgundy or brown tones – try Resene Espresso or Resene Redwood.

“If you’re a fan of mid-century style choose a bright red like Resene Havoc,” says Interior designer Kate Alexander of Places and Graces. “It's a pure hue that packs a lot of punch so use it for highlights and in small amounts; for example on the spines of your doors or to upcycle a piece of furniture. Then add some modern shine by using glossy Resene Enamacryl rather than Resene SpaceCote Flat.”

Consider available light

When planning your scheme, remember that deep reds absorb light while brighter reds allow light to bounce off walls. Red with a touch of brown or purple will feel warmer than a pure red with hints of pink. Orange-tinged reds will make the space feel energised, while purple-red shades can create a more intimate and quiet atmosphere.

“Deep, maroon reds like Resene Vanquish, Resene Hot Chile or Resene Red Planet work wonders to establish a cosy and intimate feel. Use them on your walls in spaces like a dining room or lounge where you want to create drama,” says Kate.

Colour matches

“Red has a few tried and true pairing friends,” says Kate. “All shades work well with black and white – try earthy tones like Resene Scoria mixed with a soft black like Resene Blackjack for a bold yet sophisticated palette.

“Red also loves blue, in all its hues. For drama, choose a deep red with an equally deep blue – like Resene Code Red with Resene Wishing Well. Or keep your red dominant and pair it with an ocean-inspired blue/green like Resene Unwind.”

If you’re familiar with the colour wheel, you know that green is exactly opposite to red, making it a complementary colour. Green works beautifully with red, but to avoid making your home look like a Christmas card, try using a turquoise green in small amounts along with soft grey to break up the palette. Pops of lush greenery in the form of houseplants will also complement the scheme.

When mixing red with neutrals be sure to match the pureness of your hues. Bright red mixes well with white, while muddier maroon tones mix well with cream and tan. Try using an earthy red such as Resene Mexican Red with wood tones to instantly warm a room. And mixing red with soft grey and touches of magenta can make a room feel feminine and cosy.

Kitchens

A wall of shiny red kitchen cabinets in a contemporary kitchen can look incredible but for some, because red is often thought of as a ‘hot’ colour, painting your entire kitchen red could result in turning up too much heat. Instead try using red as an accent on the inside back of a cupboard or china cabinet to add vibrant energy to the space.

Romance in the bedroom

In the bedroom, red is passionate and cosy but too much can be overly stimulating. Try using red as a single feature wall, perhaps behind the bed for a touch of drama. Experiment with a soft terracotta or magenta rather than sticking to a fire-engine red or try using it for pops of colour paired with a neutral colour complement.

Top tips:

• Try a red gallery wall using a deep red like Resene Pohutukawa. The pictures will break up the intensity of the wall and red can make a perfect backdrop.

• Adding the warmth of red to the coolest room in the house – the bathroom – can work really well. Try an accent wall behind the mirror or in a retro scheme, paint the outside of an enamel vintage bath.

• View larger A4 swatches of your favourite reds at your local Resene ColorShop and take home Resene testpots to try out in your own home in various situations. Experiment with different levels of colour saturation and keep an open mind

• Remember less can be more, so if you’re new to decorating with red, try small areas of colour first then extend to more areas once you feel more confident.

October 30, 2021

For more advice on painting systems and what product to use on particular surfaces, such as kitchen cabinetry, furniture and baths, ask for your Resene paint expert in store or check the Resene website for helpful downloadable booklets and video tutorials.

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