Red is vital, ambitious and audacious,
a passionate color with intense symbolism.
Think of the true love of a red
rose, the speed and sex appeal of a racing car,
the urgency of a fire engine, the danger of a
red alert, the rage of seeing red or the honor
of a red carpet.
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Red, combined with other primary colors, makes a striking modern statement.
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The sight of red actually stimulates the body to
increase circulation and raise blood pressure. Embarrassment makes us blush,
anger turns our faces red, crying makes our eyes
bloodshot, excitement makes our cheeks flush – all of which enhances red's
emotional power. It's energizing and emotional, attention grabbing and
appealing, fiery and feisty.
Red carries powerful psychic weight as well. In
Eastern metaphysics, the first chakra (center
of physical energy and vitality) is denoted by red. Feng Shui practitioners
paint their front doors red to attract prosperity. Red is worn on Chinese New
Year for good fortune in the upcoming year, and people exchange lucky money in
red envelopes. For 1,000 years, Western artists
have used the color to symbolize Christian sacrifice,
and red gemstones have been used throughout history to protect in battle, stir
sexual desire and heal wounds and rashes.
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Country reds work well with muted golds and greens.
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Closer to home, red is perfect for making rooms
feel richer, warmer and more intimate, especially in rooms with cold, northern
light. Consider the classic colors of Christmas: the
green of nature and the energy of red combine to
dispel the bleakness of diminished winter light. (The match also feels natural
because the colors are "complementary," or across from each other on
the color wheel. For more about color theory, click here.)
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This is red in its traditional mode, deepened by
association with other rich and warm colors. But red is also highly energetic
and modern, especially when combined with strong tones like black, white,
primary yellow and blue (think of modern art masters like Mondrian and
Matisse). Or it can have a Country or Rustic air; weathered barn red combines
beautifully with soft neutrals like gray, cream or tan, as well as antique
shades of mustard, green and blue.
Red tones tinged with purple suggest opulence,
antiquity and hospitality, explaining the perennial popularity of red and
burgundy Oriental rugs. Red in an entry hall is as warm and welcoming as an
exuberant hug, while dining rooms accented in red invite long dinners with a
sense of intimacy and affection. And red-toned
walls, floors and seating (especially leather) are the
perfect complement for wood-paneled offices and libraries. The
Victorians, known for their lavish entertaining and lush decorating, used
crimson, wine, magenta and dark pinks throughout their homes.
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Welcoming red and purple tones are perennial favorites for traditional rugs. |
At the other end of the spectrum is pink, perfect
for private rooms like baths and bedrooms and a great secondary color in living
and dining rooms. Hot pink and flamingo are vibrant, easy-to-live-with
alternatives to red, while soft petal pink tones provide refinement and
delicacy. Darker rooms especially benefit from the cheer of lighter reds and
pinks, which enliven with subtlety while
keeping a light and airy tone.
From the youthful, spring-like flush of rose to
the deep, discerning elegance of burgundy, red covers the spectrum of emotion.
If the color feels intimidating, try it in small doses as an accent or
secondary color. For many people, that's as much red as they (or their rooms)
can handle … and you'll know soon enough if you crave more. PY |
