Decorating in Red

Color Winner

This room uses nearly every hue imaginable, yet it is the red wall that commands the most attention. Red makes a terrific background color for the shelves and is enlivened by its pairing with the vibrant green walls of the sunroom space.

Quilted

Any single element can be the inspiration for a color scheme. The room's multitonal quilt is the reason for the purple and red pillowcases, and lets our eye connect the two elements.

Boring to Bright

Tired of a neutral kitchen? Give it an inexpensive makeover with paint! Mouthwatering red imparts a vibrant personality that reflects the homeowner's love of color.

Focal Point Wall

Make no mistake in this room: the focal point is definitely the fireplace and surrounding wall area. Though red does not appear anywhere in the furnishing, the warm wall hue keeps this space from being too beige and boring.

Crimson Accents

Rev up the look of a wall of bookshelves by painting the back wall in an accent color. This inexpensive decorator's trick makes all the difference and creates a focal point out of a typical room element.

Red, White, and Chinese Blue

This ho-hum bath takes on a grander look and feel through the liberal application of red paint. Lots of white keeps the look open, while traditional blue-and-white accessories add an Oriental theme.

Color IQ

Zip up a color palette with touches of cherry red. Notice how little red was used, yet this entry feels surrounded in perky shades of bright color.

Red in Bed

Focus all the color on your bed with a set of patterned sheets, blankets, and pillows. Bedding is a great way to experiment with a new color.

Child-Like Boldness

Kids' rooms are the perfect place to pair bright color with bold pattern. Try a playful wallpaper, such as the one in this room, or experiment on your own with paint and stencils.

Double Duty

If you have the chutzpah to purchase a show-stopping piece of contemporary furniture, why not go further and get it upholstered in fire-engine red? Your functional furniture will double as a work of art

Test the Red Waters

If you're not sure about committing a wall (or four) to bright red, try adding it bit by bit with accessories. Artwork, small furniture, or a pillow and throw can help you decide if you red is a color you can live with.

Gallery Instruction

An accent wall can solve many a decorating woe. Use it to add a burst of red to a room and showcase a large work of art. The whole wall acts as a pseudo-frame for the piece, which works especially well in long, narrow rooms.

Color Tactics

Cranberry red walls add rich formality to this living room. A wall this bold acts as an accessory, so use open bookcases and leaves lots of space for the wall to peep through.

No-Fail Focal Point

A sedate color scheme calls for an obvious place for the eye to rest. Enter bold red furniture, which provides a strong focal point and a spirit of youthfulness to the room.