For some people the Fall brings out their lacquered reds, peacock blues, and vivd oranges while others shift into classic neutrals (tans, greys, browns) with pops of animal print. As a designer, I am comfortable with all of the above and depending on the day you will find me expressing myself with different colors. In the boldest environments I still like a polished sophisticated tone so even if color abounds I will keep a neutral wall, sofa, or carpet. While in a neutral environment I love a dash of bold rich color (found in Lamps, a throw, or a chair) to give the space depth and warmth. I have selected rooms that represent fall to me in all the colors of the rainbow.
Red: Crimson, scarlet, tomato, brick, oxblood, geranium, cherry, pomegranate, fire engine red, sangria, blue red, orange red, chinese red, tulip red… Everyone has a particular red in mind when they tell me they want a “red room”. There is a red for everyone. I adore red in a room. It feels daring and bold, while at the same time warm, sexy, and intimate. It works well with other colors ( particularly greens – not christmas tree green but apple greens, spring greens and other more modern shades) and blues ( I love it with pale sky blue, and cadet blue). Below are some of my favorite red rooms:
A high gloss lacquered red wall is amazing. It makes me think of nail polish. The neutral sofa, deep chocolate velvet arm chair, and leopard stools keep the room sophisticated.
This dining room/ library is fabulous. The deep red felt table skirt is so festive ( as are the tiny lacquered red sconce shades). Mixed with the antique carpet, warm wood bookshelves, and patterned drapes this room is so cozy. Many people only use their dining room for formal occasions. By making this a library/ dining room combo you would spend all your time in here.
This is a room done by me! Brick red venetian plaster walls gave this sunny room a bit of atmosphere. We kept the sofa and arm chair clean in ivory linen and let the throw pillows and zebra rug be our pops. A leather ottoman, leather floor lamp gave us some additional texture to keep the room tough enough for after dinner cocktails.
I love the bold red sofa and carpet mixed with all the various prints. Bohemian luxe!
Miles Redd kept it classic with a bamboo bed, antique carpet, upholstered fabric walls. But somehow you get a fresh feeling with the simple triple line sheets, pops of deep crimson in the table skirt and drapes. And the shape and detail in the pelmets…amazing.
Glossy red walls in a dining room set off by deep brown/ burgundy moldings. Very glam.
de Gournay wallpaper in red on the walls, chocolate brown and ivory ikat desk chair, bright red leather desk chair, blue and white china planter, and zebra rug make this room delicious!
Tory Burch’s New York apartment’s bar is another favorite. Glossy red walls with delicate unlacquered brass sconces brings a vintage feel to the space.
Another Miles Redd design- Red felt walls mixed with sky blue and deep cobalt blue- delicious.
Another woman who loved red… Diana Vreeland. She is pictured above in her “Garden In Hell” room by Billy Baldwin. The chintz fabric can be found at Pierre Frey.
Perfect red paint ships below:
Above: Farrow and Ball Blazer Red
Above: Benjamin Moore Chili Pepper Red
Above: Benjamin Moore Red
Above: Ralph Lauren Dressage Red
Above: Pratt and Lambert Vintage Claret
Above: Fine Paints of Europe Tulip Red
Fun red wallpapers below:
Scalamandre Baldwin Bamboo
Scalamandre zebra wallpaper has been a huge hit- we get lots of requests for this one… it was also featured in The Royal Tenenbaums ( see below)!
Clarenece House- Flowering Quince is another popular wallpaper. It has been featured in many design magazines but one of my favorite room’s is Sara Costello’s NY bedroom (below).
I love the above room: wallpaper is Jardin Chinois by Waterhouse Wallhangings
xo,
S
