The 'unexpected red' theory has been taking the interiors world by storm. Introduced by Brooklyn-based interior designer Taylor Migliazzo Simon the concept is defined as 'adding anything that's red, big or small, to a room where it doesn't match at all, and it automatically looks better'.
Over the past few years we've seen more and more design enthusiasts welcoming energetic colour choices as a way to inject personality in their homes.
The modern interpretation is to be strong and frivolous, it's all about being playful so get ready to have some fun.
One of the simplest ways to experiment with the unexpected red theory, particularly if you're working to a budget, is to renovate or upcycle the furniture you already have with this pop of colour. This is a perfect choice for when you don't want to go full on colour drench from floor to ceiling. Even just painting a tired bedside table or hallway chair is both creative and affordable, instantly adding energy to those more transient space in the home.
The element of surprise
Whether it's red for life or a splash of red for a season - have fun. Even a tiny sliver of red can have a dramatic impact. A clever approach is to pick a feature of a room and give it the unexpected red treatment. A red painted door frame, cornicing or shelving edge will bring a decorative twist and add the desired injection of colour synonymous with the trend.
To elevate the overall feeling of playfulness considering mixing it into a wider colour blocking scheme. These small bursts in out-of-the-blue places are guaranteed to add a wow factor to your interior.
A unique pop of colour
When it comes to redecorating, we often focus on rooms we spend the most time such as living rooms and bedrooms. However, this concept is about incorporating red in unexpected ways so lean into this and experiment with more forgotten rooms or elements in the home.
Painting stairs, or adding pops of colour on more functional items like appliances will breathe a fresh lease of life into a scheme, adding a dynamic charm to your decor. A hallway or stairwell is the ultimate opportunity to include this vibrant primary colour. The narrow yet long spaces allow plenty of scope to pack a punch and add depth, whilst bringing a unique and positive energy to a scheme. Combine with a crisp and fresh neutral such as White Opulence OC-69 or White Heron OC-57 for the ultimate pop of colour.
Kitchens are often the heart of the home, and red can't be left out of the conversation when it comes to considering bold colour choices. Kitchen appliances are often limited to white, black and grey, so mix it up and consider a ruby red fridge or a fire engine red over - their focal points of the cooking space so why not have fun.
Combine these pops of red with another primary colour in its loudest form. Blue is a great option, it's one of the other three shades that make the basis of the colour wheel and therefore the two colours make a perfect match. Go neutral on the walls and focus on integrating a bright, sky blue on the floor or ceiling to keep the 'unexpected' theme alive.
The only way is up
To fully embrace the unexpected, look beyond eye level and consider the vertical and horizontal opportunities in your space.
Consider painting the entire ceiling, it's a powerful tool to either ground a room or draw the eye upward. Alternatively, for a showstopping look go against decorating rules and paint outside the lines.
More information:
Benjamin Moore Paint
www.benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk