The ultimate guide to adding the unexpected red theory to your home
While the world of social media tends to quickly create trends that can end up becoming passing fads, the unexpected red theory is a trend that has caught our eye - and we're not the only ones.
What is the unexpected red theory? Coined by successful Brooklyn based interior designer Taylor Simon, the designer released a viral video on TikTok back in January 2024 about adding hints of red to your home and how it will instantly transform any room.
According to the interior designer, you can add anything that is red, whether small or big, to any room, even if it doesn't match at all and it will instantly look better.
Explaining that red is set to become the top new neutral colour in interior design, the TikTok sensation said you can add anything from a red lampshade to painting your kitchen red to embrace this bold new trend.
Powerful, emotive and even sentimental (the colour is used in many flags across the globe), red is a colour that has a real presence when added to the home. If you're not convinced by the unexpected red theory just yet, we've chatted to two experts: Marianne Shillingford, Dulux's Creative Director, and Charlotta Elgh, the Director of Home at John Lewis & Partners, about why the hue is trending this season and their top tips for embracing it in your home.
Why is red trending in home design?
"Red signifies passion and power and I think as we move towards autumn, after having a dreary summer, I think we want to add this warmth and heat back into our lives, as well as some power and confidence" says Marianne.
"With all the things that have happened to us in the last few years globally, I think many of us haven't felt in control, so it's understandable that we want to add some power back into our homes. Red has this incredible connotation to it, of feeling in control - whether we're wearing it or have it in our homes."
While there is are so many shades of red to choose from, when adding it to a space, it seems to be that bright, punchy red that is being embraced by many interior brands this season, including John Lewis & Partners.
"Every year we have one main colour we pay attention to and this year it was red. So we designed a Rebel Red collection. It's a great choice for us, as it works in both classic and modern homes" says Charlotta.
"I think it's finally time to add that rebellious feeling back into our lives after lockdown. This year it's all about adding red to your home - whether it's a red cushion, red sofa or red lamp. It will simply complete your room and it's a timeless trend that will look good this year and beyond."
Choosing your shade of red
Different shades of red can symbolise everything from passion to playful to classic and sophisticated. Historically, red/pinky shades were designed to make you feel calm, while bright zingy red hues were thought to make you feel invigorated.
Marianne reveals how to pick the best red for you. "We all know red is the trend at the moment, but if you're daunted by it, I suggest opting for a lighter red," she says. "I love Dulux's Coral Charm, Copper Blush and Fitzrovia Red. A rosy coral is always a wonderful option, as it gives you the energy of red without the in-your-face feel and can be used as a wrap around hue, rather than just an accent colour."
"However, it's important to note that you should only paint with those pinky reds or terracotta reds in rooms with lots of natural light. Whereas, brighter or darker reds, it doesn't matter as much as you want a more dramatic feel to your space."
"My favourite shade is Florentine Red. It's the most beautiful burgundy red wine colour and it makes everything look amazing. It's a colour that is quite stimulating too, so I think it would be great in dining rooms and kitchens, or even a home office."
How to add red to your home
While Marianne and Charlotta both agreed that not everyone may be interested in painting a whole room red, they said to view the colour like visual seasoning for the eye.
"Everybody is going to feel positive from a touch of red in their homes. If you want to paint a room red, I would suggest trying it out in a kitchen or dining room, but I would say the small details will also have a great impact too" says Marianne.
"I would try a tone-on-tone approach with red - if you're feeling adventurous. This is where you would use say a deep red in something you want to make a focal point in your room, and then you would use paler tones of red in other accessories."
Charlotta also revealed what palettes go with red and how she would approach decorating with it in her own home.
"It's the perfect accent colour in my eyes. I would say red works with white and light grey, as all together they have a very classical feel to them, which is very popular in Scandinavian design."
"Caramel colourways as well as soft green shades also work really well with red, and don't look too festive. Those soft greens and bright reds are on complete other ends of the colour wheel, so they just seamlessly work together."
"Once you've decided it's going to be the accent colour to your home in certain rooms. I would suggest going into every room and thinking about one item that you could exchange to be red and that will help you create a very succinct home."
"To master the unexpected red theory, I would also start off small and don't buy the same of one item. For example, if you're buying red cushions, make sure they're all different. Whether that's their shape, tones or sizes, that will help to make sure the red is one of the most interesting layers to that space."
It's the colour of the season.
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