Red: Red is a colour of superlatives. It is the warmest colour of all. It is the first to be perceived by the senses and has the greatest emotional impact. It provokes irritation and heat. Its nature is masculine and aggressive. It is regarded as grand and aristocratic, yet it is also the colour of revolution and reaction. It stirs intense emotions, from love and strength to lust, anger and joy.
Black: When used in the home alongside strong colours, it draws out all the power they hold. As a neutral colour, it can be combined with any other, creating a striking effect.
Red and black: As always, the secret lies in getting the proportions and combinations right, so that the result is in good taste.
Here, then, are some interesting ideas for telling a successful decorating story in shades of red and black, in whichever room of your home you would like to try it.
In the living room…
_________Photos: st.houzz.com _______________________________ idealhomemagazine.co.uk
An attractive and safe option is to choose shades of beige for the large surfaces of your living room, such as rugs, curtains and sofas, and to create contrast with repeated touches of black and red in the other furniture, the light fittings and the room’s various decorative pieces.
Photos: myhomeideas.com
Alternatively, choose the less intense shades of red for the walls, either throughout the room or only in certain “warm corners”. With a three-dimensional red canvas to work on, “paint” with black as well as light-coloured lines of furniture and decorative elements.
Outdoors…
____Photos: serenityindesign.blogspot.com _________________________ texasexplorer.com
Following the same logic, we can complement the soft shades of nature and add intensity to our decorative canvas by using red and black furniture and fabrics in the garden or on the veranda.
In the bedroom…
__________Photos: decorpad.com ___________________________________hgtv.com
The bedroom, too, can draw inspiration from the red and black combination. With the right choice of furniture and fabrics, it can be transformed into a modern, stylish bedroom or take on the glamour of an aristocratic suite.
______Photos: terrysfabrics.co.uk___________________________ hubpages.com
In the kitchen…
___________Photos: gaitainteriors.com _______________________________ neathome.net
Red kitchen units can be paired with a black worktop to bring out the dynamism of this colour combination and awaken our passion for cooking. In this case, we can “balance” the final visual result with the natural shades of wood, mainly on the floor.
_______Photos: grahambrown.com ____________ _______ michaelandtonja.blogspot.com
Alternatively, instead of choosing red and black for the kitchen units, we can try them on the tiles and worktops, on the curtains or on one wall of the room. You can also play with decorative and functional objects in these same shades, to create a space that is both harmonious and full of personality.
In the bathroom…
_________________Photos: arhdecor.com __________________________________ yachtforums.com
Although the bathroom is quite a small space, it can be a canvas for experimenting with our “red-and-black” style ideas. Many sanitaryware ranges include red and black tiles, either on the large surfaces or as decorative borders. Alternatively, here too you can heighten the contrasts through the surfaces of the cabinets.
Everywhere… with the help of accessories!
______________Photos: realsimple.com _______________________________ artfire.com
From the table setting and the bed linen to any other accessory, the black and red combination can give our space a “classy” feel. Give it a try!
______________Photos: roomdividers.com ____________________________ bearathome.com
Text and photo editing: Teta Koulougeri
