Get to know the color red

COLOR THERAPY IN INTERIORS - thoughts on choosing colors.

We wanted to write a little series of a few colors for you, for your fun and benefit. You can read older blogs about colors; hence blue , green and purple.

This long text is not intended to be read as an objective fact, but to show an example of how colors can be used in a variety of ways and how colors can be thought of in different ways. In this blog, you can feel the color red.

For centuries, colors have been used in clothing,
in paintings, flags, make-up, symbols and decorations to manipulate the conscious thinking of others.

Color is the biggest factor that affects how you want others or yourself to feel - use the information when you want to change the mood. Colors are an important factor in our everyday environment; in art, design, advertising, parties, dressing, decorating our homes.

Only with color you create the atmosphere!

The color red is powerful, passionate and full of history.

This color evokes emotions and creates dramatic effects, whether you are renovating your home or choosing a new color scheme. In this blog post, we dive deep into the color red and its versatile properties.

Get ready to learn and maybe even laugh a little along the way!

Did you know this about the color red?

The color red is one of the first colors used by humans in art and culture.

Since cave paintings, red has been a popular choice, perhaps because it reminds us of vital elements like blood and fire.

• The color red is an appetite stimulant – So it's no wonder that many restaurants use red in their interior design! If you want to add a touch of appetite to your dining room, red, orange or terracotta is a good choice.

• The color of gifts – Red is a common color for wrapping paper and decorations, especially at Christmas and Valentine's Day. It symbolizes joy and love.

• Red and sports – Many sports teams use red as a symbol of strength and energy. So if you want more energy in the living room, a red sofa can be the solution!

Wikipedia can tell you the following about the color red:

'Red is one of the basic colors. The wavelength of red light is approximately 630–740 nanometers. It has the longest wavelength of all the colors of visible light, because longer-wavelength radiation is invisible infrared radiation.

As a bright color, red is often used in contexts where you want to attract attention. In imagination, red is often associated with joy, strength, love or passion, blood, aggression or even danger and death.

Imagery

The color red is usually associated with power, love, passion or aggression. It may also be associated with beauty and femininity. According to one study, the color red makes men find the same women more attractive and sexually desirable.

Warning sound

As a control color, red means a danger or something that needs attention: fire extinguishers, fire trucks, emergency switches or hotline phones have been or have been shown to be red in entertainment.

Red has been used as a warning color e.g. as a warning flag on shooting ranges for shooting in progress. In Britain, a law was passed in the 19th century, according to which a person had to walk in front of every car waving a red flag. The color of the emergency rocket is red, which is why red rockets may not be fired for other than emergency purposes. The lights that come on in connection with fire and other alarms are often red.

On the other hand, in many contexts, yellow means a warning and red means a prohibition or order. I saw this, for example, in traffic lights and prohibition and warning signs as a stop sign and in car taillights. In football, yellow and red cards are also used in the same sense.

In heraldry and flags

Red is one of the four basic heraldic colors. In heraldry, the red color is called gules or gueules. Red is the most used color in national flags.'

History of the color red

The color red has played a significant role in human history. The ancient Egyptians used red to symbolize life and strength. In the Roman Empire, red was a symbol of power and wealth; senators wore red togas to indicate their status.

The color red has also been the central color of religions and rituals. For example, in Chinese culture, red symbolizes luck and prosperity, and is often used in weddings and celebrations. In Europe, red is associated with the blood sacrifices of martyrs and saints, so it has acquired meanings of courage and self-sacrifice.

Red Color in Home Renovation

When renovating, red can bring a whole new kind of life and energy to your home.

Red is not a shy color, so it takes courage, but rewards its wearer with great results.

• Kitchen and dining area – Red can increase energy and appetite in the kitchen and dining area. For example, paint one wall a strong, authentic red or choose red kitchen accessories.

• Hallway – A red hallway welcomes guests warmly and gives the first impression of your home. Feel free to use red wall paint or a red carpet.

• Bathroom – While a red bathroom may sound wild, it can be surprisingly relaxing and luxurious. Try red tiles or towels to liven up the space.

• If you decorate in the style of Joan Miro or the 80s and 90s, the color palette of that era definitely includes red.

If you are interested in using the color red in interior design, also read our article Unexpected Red Theory.

Different shades of red in the interior

There are other reds than the red of the fire engine. The red color offers a wide range of shades, each of which brings its own special atmosphere to the room.

The color red in the garden and summer cottage is a familiar shade, at least as a traditional shade of red mud paint. A red house and potato land is a statement familiar to all of us. If you have a Japanese garden, you will certainly use red as the color of your garden. The garden bench in the picture is painted in Hot Lips tone, from the Al Fresco series.

Check out all the Frenchic red paint shades here and you will surely find your favorite.

• **Bordeaux** – This deep, dark red shade brings elegance and dignity to the room. It is perfect for a living room or a bedroom. Check out the dark purple Boujee shade of eggplant and the red Boho Berry shade of blackberry.

• **Peach and Salmon** – A lighter and brighter red that adds freshness and cheerfulness. Salmon-toned pink works well in a children's room or in summer living room decorations. Check out the salmon-toned rose color Sweetcheeks and the tropical Peach & Love peach-toned paint.

• **Tomato** – An energetic and bright shade perfect for a kitchen or dining room. Tomato red can also be used as small details, such as pillows or decorative items. Check out the Hot Lips red interior color and the royal Rubina interior color.

What Goes With Red?

Pairing red with other colors can be challenging, but done right can create stunning results.

• White – A classic combination that brings freshness and purity to red. White and red are especially suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. Blue, white and red are the basis of classic sea-themed interior design and familiar in many archipelago villas and sauna cabins.

• Black – This combination brings drama and modernity to the space. Use with caution, as too much black can make a room gloomy.

• Gold – The combination of red and gold is luxurious and festive. It works well in the living room or dining room, especially during the festive season.

• Green – Contrasting colors always work, or what do you say about red flowers with green ones in nature?! Works!

• Other reds – Yes, take a cue from, for example, the models in the clothing industry: combine red, pink and orange. Or from nature, for example, from the layered coloring of a peony flower.

• Use the Color Circle to help you with interior color design and read about its use here.

Psychological aspects of the color red

The color red has a strong influence on people's emotions and behavior. It is an energizing and stimulating color that can evoke passion, strength and warmth.

• Source of energy – Red increases alertness and can improve concentration. Therefore, it is well suited for a study or a space where a lot of energy is needed.

• Symbol of passion – Red is the color of love and passion, making it ideal for the bedroom. Red bedding or decorations can add romance.

• Warning color – Red can also symbolize danger and warning. Use it judiciously so that it does not cause restlessness or anxiety.

The color red is a versatile and powerful tool in interior design. It can attract attention, increase energy and create a warm atmosphere in your home.

Feel free to try different shades and combinations, and let the color red bring life and passion to every corner of your home!

Pictured is Rubina.