Since the Internet went wild for the 'unexpected red theory' we've been seeing it everywhere, from the latest brand collaboration to the homes of our favorite designers and celebrities. However, many have been using this daring shade long before it has become a trend.
Actor Kevin Bacon had the foresight to decorate with red on his interior window casing, long before TikTok caught on to the color trend. For those that don't know, the viral 'unexpected red theory', coined by designer Taylor Simon, is the secret to making a space look better than it did before. Essentially, it’s adding a red accent, be it paint, decor, or furniture – in large or small doses – to transform the space in an instant.
At Homes & Gardens, our love affair with red has never truly waned, so it is with great pleasure to see this 'trend' reach peak popularity once again.
Red room ideas are perfect for those looking to create interiors with impact. While it may be a strong and confident choice, red is also surprisingly versatile, and depending on the tone, it can be used to evoke varying moods and looks in the home, say designers in the know.
‘I love deep red hues and use them often in my projects. It’s a color that can take on loads of different attitudes depending on what you pair it with,' explains Brandon Schubert, director, of Brandon Schubert Studio. 'It’s that versatility that makes deep rusty reds a perfect choice for joinery.’
A deep and interesting red can be a miracle worker for interiors, both lifting the cool light of north-facing spaces and adding a cheerful glow to sunnier south-facing spots. Red hues are said to provoke conversation, so they work well in kitchens and family areas; the accent of rouge in an entryway or landing space will add visual intrigue and drama for what lies beyond. There are so many shades of red available, but the crimson red tone used in Kevin Bacon's home is wonderfully inviting and bold.
Shop the look
If you want to replicate the trend, look beyond paint to smaller home decor furnishings and treatments. This curated selection of red themed buys are perfect for adding a subtle and suggestive aesthetic that is guaranteed to brighten up even the most neutral space. Christian Louboutin was certainly on to something...
