Today, I am taking a break from the closet expansion project, as I am still working on the frames and architrave (#reallife). I want to share an interesting design theory I’ve only recently come upon. The unexpected red theory. Do you know about it?

The unexpected red theory says that by adding a pop of red to any room where it would be unexpected, you can transform a room. It makes sense when you think about it. Red is complimentary to many other colours, and since red makes up part of the base of colours like purple and green, you can start to see how it might work with these colours. Although it is not obvious at first.

As well, red brings a vibrancy to a space. When you see the colour red, it can invoke a sense of energy or excitement. (It can also invoke alarm or concern, so a light touch and the right shade of red is important.)

I cannot remember where I first read about the unexpected red theory. But as soon as I learned about it, I started to understand why an intuitive decision I had made in my bedroom just worked. The unexpected red theory!

And the more I looked around, the more I realised I had been applying the theory long before it was a thing! Who knew I was so tapped in to the trends?!

Of course, a Google search reveals many supporters, but also plenty of controversy, with some arguing this is not new, this can apply to any bold colour, it takes more to transform a room than a splash of red, etc., etc., etc.

Regardless of the debate and the science behind it all, I have learned in my own experience that adding a pop of red can be truly magical.

Purple and Red in the Bedroom

If you’ve been following me, you know that one of my favourite DIY projects has been the recessed paneling feature wall in our bedroom. This was a great DIY project that delivers huge appeal. And the paint colour is one of my all-time favourite looks: Farrow and Ball’s Brasscia. It is purple with grey undertones and not too bright. It goes well with the grey walls in the bedroom (F&B Amonite) and in the lounge (F&B Cornforth White).

Farrow & Ball describes the colour like this:

Brassica’s rich lavender tones feel both feminine and charming in light areas, but become much more sophisticated and grey in darker areas due to an underlying hint of black. Named after the group of plants which includes purple sprouting broccoli, this warm shade lifts cold feeling rooms without being overtly red.

I never noticed the description of red in the Brassica overview before, but now it makes sense. Once I completed the feature wall and began styling the room, I added a lovely beige and fuscia quilt that I had planned for the room. But it did not look as wonderful as I had envisioned.

It did not look bad, but it did not seem to do much to the room. After re-reading the description of Brassica, perhaps the beige background does not work with the black and red undertones in the paint. I had hoped the fuscia of the quilt would go well with the wall colour.

I decided to put a red quilt on the bed temporarily because it was within reach. (Both the red and the beige/fuscia quilts were purchased in a small boutique in Mougins, France, years ago.)

After days of living with it, I could not get over how good the red quilt looked. I kept walking by the room and admiring the red against the purple. I could not explain it, but I knew it was the right choice.

Look at the two quilts side-by-side and see the difference in vibrancy.

The Unexpected Red Theory Throughout My House

After learning of the unexpected red theory, I started to understand why the red quilt works so well. And, I realised I had been using this technique all along without knowing it.

We have a red Kitchen Aid in the kitchen, which has pride of place on the counter. Against the bright blue of the lower cabinets and the white upper cabinets, it really brings a lovely pop of colour. (Although I am not sure even red could have solved the ugly orange tile in this room before I painted the floor, even if the paint has not held up too well!)

I also have several pictures framed with red mats or frames, which bring a small splash of colour to our hallway and again in the bedroom.

New to the Red Theory? Here’s How to Give It a Try

Start with something small and simple, that can easily be changed.

Consider flowers for something temporary. A bouquet of red dalias or chrysanthemums could be perfect this time of year. for a temporary burst of colour and to ease yourself in.

Or a small picture with a red mat, as I have done. I love to take fun cards and frame them in a store-bought frame with a piece of bright card stock behind, and red could be a perfect choice here.

Look Around for Red Items in Your Home That You Can Incorporate

Chances are good, you already have something red lying around waiting for the perfect use. A blanket, a pillow, a small plate or a serving tray. Move it to an unexpected place in your home and see what happens. Just as I did with my red quilt, I never would have thought it could work so well with a purple wall.

Use Paint to Add Red to a Room

Another easy-to-change way of adding red is with a small pot of paint. Find a colour that you like, and paint something small, as a first step.

Consider painting just the legs of a table or chair or a small piece of furniture, like a desk or side table. Or maybe paint a stool in the kitchen. Or an accent piece, like a lamp or another decorative item that can be painted. Here are a few lovely examples:

If that feels like too much, paint the inside of a cupboard or a closet, so you get a little spark when you open it. I love the idea of painting the inside of my wardrobe Lake Pink from F&B or Italiano Rose from Benjamin Moore UK. I wear a lot of pinks, blues and purples, this might be a lovely backdrop to my handmade dresses! (This is a bit more pink than red, but it still counts.)

Add Furniture or Something Larger, Like a Rug or Quilt

Once you are convinced that red can bring a new approach to your home, consider purchasing a piece of furniture or maybe a small rug to add that splash of colour.

Here are a few pieces that could be a good introduction to some red in your home:

The Keys to Success

In my view, there are two keys to success with the unexpected red theory: it should be simple and not overdone, and it should be something you like. Theories are just that, theories. What is important is that you do what you love and what makes your house a home you truly love.

Let me know if you’ve used red in your home, I’d love to hear. And did you do so knowing about the unexpected red theory, or was it just your intuition?