5 Ways to Decorate With Red

Red can be an inspiring color in a home — if used wisely. Here are five quick and simple ways to decorate with red without going overboard.

By Caren Baginski

Red is the color of passion, but if you're too passionate about the color you may be — literally — seeing red in your home. "Red can go everywhere from cheery and happy to angry and aggressive," says designer Don Raney of Civility Design in Chicago, Ill. "That's what you've got to keep in mind when using red in a room: when is too much too much and when is it not enough."

Raney and his design partner, Jaymes Richardson, frequently use red as an accent color in their interior designs, in everything from lighting and candles to pillows and walls. "When you have accents of red it draws attention to other things you might not even notice in the room," Richardson says. "The whole idea is to entice, intrigue [and] invite without clubbing you over the head and dragging you in."

Accessorize With Red

Next: Paint the Front Door

Most of us don't wear red from head-to-toe on a daily basis, so why do this to your walls? Consider how you wear red and translate your wardrobe to your room. If you have a favorite red shirt or often accessorize with a red bracelet, try adding a single piece of red artwork to your space. When it comes to red, less is often more. Room design by Gregory Augustine.