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5.22.2014

Red Walls: Yes or No?

As I look around my apartment, I realize I have absolutely no red in my space. I think red is tricky. I also think it can be fabulous (see this post about how Jenny of Little Green Notebook does tomato red so right), but I'll admit I'm intimidated by it.

Are you guys watching Nate Berkus's new show American Dream Builders? After Elaine's misstep with her red grass cloth walls, and Nate's declaration that he HATES red, although he has seen amazing red rooms, I decided to hunt down some red rooms that I think are done rather well. On this search I came across many horrible red rooms, but in the end, this round up proves that the bold risk of red, when done right, can really pay off.
Jamie Meares via High Gloss Magazine
Donald Robertson via Domino
Bibi Monnahan via Elle Decor
via Little Green Notebook
via Lonny
Cath Kidston via Lonny
Colour theory tells us that red is associated with richness, power, passion, energy, anger, love, and danger - to name a few. Red is clearly an intensely emotional colour, actually increasing the human metabolism (it can make us feel hungry!) and blood pressure.
Would you paint your walls red? I still don't think I would do it in my own home, but I am a fan of these examples.
 xox
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11 comments:

Anonymous said...[Reply]

I think red walls would be perfect in a library/study/office or in an entry foyer! I do like the first photo though a lot, especially with those drapes!


Xo,L
simplylowcountry.com

Michaela said...[Reply]

I couldn't do it in my own house-- I think it'd stress me out! Did you know that if you have red walls, your heart rate automatically increases whenever you're in the room? True :)

But these rooms are lovely and hopefully I'll get a brave client one day who wants to do it!! :)

Michaela said...[Reply]

I couldn't do it in my own house-- I think it'd stress me out! Did you know that if you have red walls, your heart rate automatically increases whenever you're in the room? True :)

But these rooms are lovely and hopefully I'll get a brave client one day who wants to do it!! :)

Unknown said...[Reply]

Those are some nice rooms! I'm not a fan of the colour red (at ALL), so I would never paint a room red. I just wouldn't want to look at it all day.

My cousin has a red wall in her living room, it's a darker red and I believe only on one wall (it's been awhile since I've been there) and I think it looks really awesome! It's just not for me!

Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door said...[Reply]

I'm not scared to say that I love red. Always have. And I've always had lots around. But I'll be the first admit to say that it is bossy for sure and not for everyone. I think it can look fab but if I had a red room, I'd for sure be wanting to paint it a few years later.

Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies said...[Reply]

Had a "red" guest powder room years ago....Loved it! But I think I would keep it in such a space and no larger.

Sarah @ 702 Park Project said...[Reply]

I am so a fan of bold colors, but I'm with you...red just isn't my color. I think you could make just as big of a statement with other bright colors.

srldesign said...[Reply]

Red is definitely tricky. I love it, but think it depends on the feeling you're going for and the other elements of the room. It can happen, but I couldn't agree more with Nate. Elaine's red room was a flop :(

Jackie said...[Reply]

So funny because I'm exactly the same...I have a pretty colorful apartment but red is the one color that I have zero of (except for books, publishers seem to love red for books). It looks so good in the examples you've shown. I think designers like it because it's such a standout, powerful color and really makes a statement. I don't see myself adding any red to my apartment anytime soon, but I definitely agree with Nate, and you, that it can look amazing when done well!

Unknown said...[Reply]

It's a hard one, personally I think red is just too powerful for walls! I love it for accessories though, lamp bases, vases etc.

Emily xx

Unknown said...[Reply]

I love all these pics! I'm not sure I could commit to red though, not for a space I'd use often atleast.