An unexpected pop of red

Kitchen Walls & Window Trim: Angelica AF-665
Kitchen Counter Sides: Caliente AF-290
Kitchen Drawers, Ceiling & Living Room Trim: Frostine AF-5
Living Room Wall: Solitude AF-545

THE UNEXPECTED THEORY SURROUNDING RED

The "unexpected red" theory has been taking the interiors world by storm. Introduced by Brooklyn-based interior designer Taylor Migliazzo Simon the concept is defined as "adding anything that's red, big or small, to a room where it doesn't match at all, and it automatically looks better".

Over the past few years we've seen more and more design enthusiasts welcoming energetic colour choices as a way to inject personality in their homes.

The modern interpretation is to be strong and frivolous, it's all about being playful so get ready to have some fun.

Walls: Caliente AF-290
Alcove & Ceiling: White Opulence OC-69

Painting Furniture

One of the simplest ways to experiment with the unexpected red theory, particularly if you're working to a budget, is to renovate or upcycle the furniture you already have with this pop of colour. This is a perfect choice for when you don't want to go full on colour drench from floor to ceiling. Even just painting a tired bedside table or hallway chair is both creative and affordable, instantly adding energy to those more transient space in the home.

Wall & Trim: Old Prairie 2143-50
Chair : M illion Dollar Red 2003-10

The element of surprise

Whether it's red for life or a splash of red for a season - have fun. Even a tiny sliver of red can have a dramatic impact. A clever approach is to pick a feature of a room and give it the unexpected red treatment. A red painted door frame, cornicing or shelving edge will bring a decorative twist and add the desired injection of colour synonymous with the trend.

To elevate the overall feeling of playfulness considering mixing it into a wider colour blocking scheme. These small bursts in out-of-the-blue places are guaranteed to add a wow factor to your interior.

Door: Caliente AF-290
Walls: White Opulence OC-69
Woodwork: Wolf Gray 2127-40

Shelf Strip: Chili Pepper 2004-20
Panelled Wall: Soft Pink 2012-70
Right Wall: Yellow Finch 2024-40

A unique pop of colour

When it comes to redecorating, we often focus on rooms we spend the most time such as living rooms and bedrooms. However, this concept is about incorporating red in unexpected ways so lean into this and experiment with more forgotten rooms or elements in the home.

Painting stairs, or adding pops of colour on more functional items like appliances will breathe a fresh lease of life into a scheme, adding a dynamic charm to your decor. A hallway or stairwell is the ultimate opportunity to include this vibrant primary colour. The narrow yet long spaces allow plenty of scope to pack a punch and add depth, whilst bringing a unique and positive energy to a scheme. Combine with a crisp and fresh neutral such as White Opulence OC-69 or White Heron OC-57 for the ultimate pop of colour.

Stair Risers: Rosy Apple 2006-30
Walls, Trim & Stair Steps: White Heron OC-57

Walls & Ceiling: White Opulence OC-69
Window Frames: Black Beauty 2128-10

Kitchens are often the heart of the home, and red can't be left out of the conversation when it comes to considering bold colour choices. Kitchen appliances are often limited to white, black and grey, so mix it up and consider a ruby red fridge or a fire engine red over - their focal points of the cooking space so why not have fun.

Combine these pops of red with another primary colour in its loudest form. Blue is a great option, it's one of the other three shades that make the basis of the colour wheel and therefore the two colours make a perfect match. Go neutral on the walls and focus on integrating a bright, sky blue on the floor or ceiling to keep the 'unexpected' theme alive.

Walls, Ceiling, Cabinets & Shelves: Cloud White OC-130
Floor: San Francisco Bay 802

The only way is up

To fully embrace the unexpected, look beyond eye level and consider the vertical and horizontal opportunities in your space. When an otherwise neutral room calls for a bit of energy, an injection of vibrant colour will give a space a much-needed jolt.

Consider painting the entire ceiling, it's a powerful tool to either ground a room or draw the eye upward. Alternatively, for a showstopping look go against decorating rules and paint outside the lines. Introduce unexpected geometry by using a flash of red to an upper corner to create your own modern take on coving. Use masking tape to play with angles and incorporate furniture and accessories in the same shade to lock the scheme together.

Upper Wall Accent: Outrageous Orange 2013-10
Walls: Smoky Green CC-700
Ceiling & Woodwork: Dune White 968

Walls: Stoneware CSP-245
Ceiling: Tomato Tango CSP-1145

When it comes to using red in our homes, it's often a colour we shy away from because of its intensity. However, the true beauty of the "unexpected red" theory is its ability to allow even the more neutral decor fans to explore with a more intriguing and energetic shade. It's a concept that offers ample opportunities to create schemes that feel vibrant and alive, yet still cohesive and considered.

We know trends can come and go, but much like the prevalence of classic red lipstick, adding a splash of red is a timeless one.