We Answer Wednesday - How to Decorate with Red

"I love red.  I have lots of red accents in my house like pillows and some art.  I want to add a new colour in the mix but still keep the red.  What works with red?"

Red is a bold colour and it can really make a statement on it's own but we agree with you adding in a secondary accent colour can really change up the look of your space.

Although red is big and punchy you do have options for a second accent colour.

Red and charcoal grey. this is a great choice if your main furniture pieces are black or even a dark espresso or the opposite, white.  We also like mixing red and charcoal with a lighter grey sofa like the image below.



Red and Aqua blue. If you like a bit of the unexpected this is a good option for you.  the aqua or turquoise combined with the red makes a bright and colourful statement - plus you can add some white for a clean almost beachy look or some golden yellows for even more pop! In a case like this a pattern piece like this pillows bring this unexpected colour combo together!

 

Red and White.  A classic combination and you can't go wrong with it! This can work with any style: country to modern - it just depends on the pieces.  Here we have an example of a country bedroom it is so fresh and inviting.  The distressed iron bed frame in red is just another way to add some colour into the room.



Red and Pink.  We you can!!  Again another unexpected combination but it definitely makes a statement! Again if you like the idea of mixing these two bold hues look for a piece that brings them together like a patterned pillow, area rug or an art piece. Keep the supporting neutrals clean and crisp like in this image - the pure white bedding and the soft grey drapes and bench are a perfect back drop for these bright tones!




 Red and Navy Blue.  This look can be a bit nautical but that depends on a lot of the decor items you choose.  This is another classic combination and it is truly timeless. See the image below for some inspiration in this colour palette that is not nautical in theme. 



Red and Dark Brown.  This is such a warmth combination and you can really add smaller accents to this look as well.  Take some inspiration from the image below. The mix of the dark brown wall and red furniture adds warmth and richness to the space.  The pattern rug and pillow add some golden tones into this mix as well.  This has a bit more of an eclectic feel but it is very chic.




 Red is so versatile in terms of both style and colour pairings.  Don't be afraid to try any combination!

Top 10 Colours for Fall 2015 and How To decorate with them

these 10 colours are the predictions from Pantone.  We have seen some of these tones in recent years or similar tones like Amethyst Orchid, Cadmium Orange and the Biscay Bay are very similar to Radiant Orchid, Tangerine and Emerald.  

This colour palette is a great blend of some summer hues and richer fall hues.  These colours (more or less) all work together but in some unexpected combinations.  For example mixing an earthy shade like Dried Herb with a soft pastel like Amethyst Orchid.  The possibilities of visually interesting combinations are endless.

So how can you use these #Fall2015 colours at home?

Well, most of us likely have one of these neutral tones in our current decor - maybe a large furniture piece like a sofa or a wall colour.  If that's the case, build on that neutral piece by adding art or accessories or even textiles like pillows, rugs or even drapery with some of the more colourful, punchy tones.  


Here's a very simple example of mixing the dried herb and the orange in accessories.  

Look for some statement pieces that combine the colours together!  We love this leaf motif area rug that blends - biscay bay and stormy weather. With some white and soft aqua for contrast balance.  But this would look great in a living room or bedroom with shades of grey and some pops of biscay bay (and other members of that 'teal' family)

We love what art can do to a room.  Especially over sized art!  It makes a room look expensive but also complete.  An art piece is a great way to pull a colour scheme together or even add an unexpected pop of colour! the image below is a great example of a neutral and class colour combination and adding a piece of art with colour - it totally changes the space! This combines the reflecting pond and the amethyst orchid and cashmere rose.

When it comes to using colours that area trending you don't have to have the exact hue, but keep it in the family.  Use the trending colours as a guideline - it's a great way to come up with something new and fresh!

Combinations for Colourful Spaces

Picking the right colour combination for your space can be tricky.  But here are 3 sure fire ways to combine colours.

Safe neutrals are always an easy route but nothing really brightens up a room like an injection of colour.  For inspiration you can always turn to the colour wheel.  The colour wheel plots colours in a pie chart to show the relationship between primary colours (red, yellow and blue), secondary colours (green, orange and purple) and beyond.  To create a palette you will love start with your favourite colour, for example blue, then add other colours to get a look you will love.

 

1 - Monochromatic.  Navy, Marine and Sky blue.  Monochromatic schemes combine several tones of the same colour and feel soothing. Add a basic or neutral like white for a visual break.



2 - Complementary. Blue and Orange.  Complementary schemes combine colours that are opposite to each other on the colour wheel.  The result is vivid and bold.

 





3-  Analogous. Blue and Green. Analogous schemes combine colours that fall next to each other on the colour wheel and produce lively yet subtle spaces.