Psychological effects of red in interior design

Using Red in Decorating

Neolithic hunters considered red to be the most important colour endowed with life-giving powers. A red flag was used by the Romans, in the French Revolution and by the Bolsheviks. Ancient cultures used the colour red to stimulate the body and mind and to increase circulation. Red is the colour of power, action, passion and danger.Of all the colours in the visible spectrum, red is the one that demands - and attracts - the most attention.

Red stimulates the nervous system and breathing rate, and increases energy levels. In nature's palette there is an abundance of greens, blues, browns and even white. Against any of these backdrops, red stands out and impacts our moods: arousing, startling, warning, energising or agitating us.

Large foyers and hallways wear deep reds well as they suggest warmth and stimulation and aren’t spaces you spend a lot of time in. Smaller accents of these same shades, in a chair, rug or a pillow, work extremely well in both living and work areas and can make a neutral colour schemes come to life. A touch of red in a bedroom can be arousing and romantic.

Copious amounts of red can look disturbing and vulgar. Red can agitate and create irritability, so not an optimal choice for a bathroom. Large amounts of red are best avoided in places where a lot of time is spent, trying to relax.