21 ways to use red paint
The colour red is one of three primary colours, historically associated with danger, courage and sacrifice. In the United Kingdom, researchers discovered Britons most commonly associate the colour with heat, activity, passion, sexuality, anger, love and joy. When it comes to interiors, embracing red and its many shades is a bold decision, one that makes a striking addition to any scheme. “The greatest tool at your disposal is colour,” says interior decorator Douglas Mackie, “Enjoy it, experiment with it… there is nothing more wonderful than entertaining in a deep blood-red [room]", and we agree. Dare to be different and paint the town (well, your house) red… discover our top tips and heaps of inspiration from the House & Garden archive.
Can't commit to a full red re-do? Consider painting smaller alcoves such as pantry shelves or the inner walls of bookcases red, as was done in a Victorian house in south London designed by Honor Devreux. Additionally, add red detailing for an anchoring pop of colour – take inspiration from the fireplace in Alice Palmer's house in north-west London, which was painted in a candy-stripe fashion.
Red paint needn't be only applied to walls: to make a splashy statement, consider painting your floors red. Not only will it let the room's light bounce in a unique way, but red flooring can serve as a grounding, colourful element in an otherwise light-coloured room, as artist and maker Bridie Hall did in her Victorian house in west London.
Is there anything chicer than a shellacking of glossy red paint? Take your red-painted panelling a step further and let it shine with a coat of gloss, as was done in a corridor of Jos and Annabel White's London house.
While red is an eye-catching colour, it nonetheless can help to highlight certain design features in your house. Red gives a room a sense of character, too, and is certain to play off a room's other decoration or accessories. Former Vogue fashion director Lucinda Chambers' living room in west London is a perfect study of the red-paint-as-highlight effect: Little Greene's ‘Firefly’ work well with the mid-century chairs that flank the elegant fireplace.