I Added My Least Favorite Color into My Bedroom Design, and It Transformed My Life
There are things on this planet that are just not for me — pineapple pizza, ketchup on eggs, and any shade of red. I’ve never been a fan of the color. It’s bright, but it doesn’t make me feel cheerful or playful — instead, it makes me think of a flashing warning sign that says stop or danger.
I don’t think I’ve ever intentionally purchased a single red item for my home — except, of course, for my Christmas decorations, which actually do give me more of a warm, cozy feel. But this year, I knew I had to do something drastic to reclaim my space again. And what’s more drastic than the color red?
My husband and I moved into our home when my first son was an infant. His bassinet lived next to our bed, the changing pad lived on top of our chest of drawers, and toys were strewn about, so we kept things pretty bare for safety. No picture frames, no decor, no personality.
Now that the baby is turning 4, I couldn’t stand to look at this lifeless box any longer. I decided to test the viral “Unexpected Red Theory,” which suggests that adding a dose of any shade from ruby to cherry is the ticket to instantly elevating a space. Here’s how it went for me.
How I Used The “Unexpected Red” Theory
I found a beautiful vintage Persian rug at an estate sale with stunning reds woven into it, and I figured this would be the big red moment in my bedroom. That was just the start.
From there, things escalated quickly. I bought a couple of crimson throw blankets from Pottery Barn and added a trio of oversize red-patterned throw pillows from Target that instantly warmed up the space and gave it a cozy, welcoming vibe. My once cold, desolate room started to feel a little more lived-in.
To go with this ardent feel, I swapped out the cool-toned gray nightstands for a rich woodgrain three-drawer dresser from IKEA, which felt like an immediate upgrade. With my newfound storage, I was able to swap my old chest of drawers for a bold addition. I dressed up my bare wall with an authentic-looking fireplace mantel from Wayfair. The wood-burning look adds to the cozy feel of the room, and the molding profile transported me to a Parisian apartment.
Adding My Least Favorite Color Changed Everything
My once stark, impersonal bedroom transformed into a cozy, European escape with loads of warmth. The mantel added that je ne sais quoi, and flickering candles brought the space to life in a way I never imagined. I could feel it instantly — the room felt softer, cozier, and, dare I say, more luxurious. I wasn’t just redecorating; I was creating an atmosphere, a vibe that finally spoke to me.
It’s still a work in progress. I envision adding a plush and inviting accent chair in the corner, and I’m eyeing some soft, flowing curtains, like these natural-toned linen ones from West Elm, to add texture and dress the stark white walls.
I considered swapping our bedroom TV (which we don’t use all that often) for the occasional movie projections, but the space above the mantel is so bare that we’re planning on mounting the TV on the wall. I’d love to add some European-style molding on the walls for an extra touch of character. And against all odds, I’ve already ordered even more red decor: a set of striped sheets, and a second duvet from Quince to add some playful charm and volume to the bed.
Once stark, cold, and empty, this room has become a true reflection of who I am today. And the craziest part? I owe it all to a color I’ve avoided my entire life.
Further Reading
I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered
We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Ashley — Here Are the Best to Suit Your Style and Space
We Asked 8 Pro Travelers What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On, and Here’s What They Said
