How To: Use Red as an Accent Color

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we've got all things pink and red on our mind. Red is a bold shade that, when used in the right way, can work wonderfully as an accent color in almost any room in the home. 

For the bedroom, it's best to keep red to one or two elements of the room, to avoid overwhelming the space with color. The room below remains mostly neutral save for the red carpet, which brings a fun sense of vibrancy.

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Red walls may seem like overkill, but when you use a soft red shade as in the bedroom below, the space exudes comfort and warmth. 

S+H Construction; Stone Fabrication & Install by Cumar Marble and Granite; Photography by Michael J. Lee

If you're not ready to fully embrace red, simply using it on decorative pillows or other small accent pieces is a great way to bring the shade into an otherwise neutral room. 

Living Room by Judy Lee Designs

The living room space below again pairs vibrant shades of red with cooler, more neutral shades of grey and white. The result is a relaxing space with pops of fun color.

LDa Architecture & Interiors

Red works well in the kitchen too, providing a warm backdrop that pairs well with neutral shades. In the kitchen below, the bright red tones of the pendant lamps and mosaic tiles are balanced beautifully by the light wood cabinets and white ceiling. 

Custom Kitchen by Weston Kitchens, Photography by Richard Mandelkorn

Deeper tones of red work well in the kitchen below too, drawing on the brassy copper shade of the hood and the mahogany tones of the cabinets.

Architecture by Battle Associates Architects; Interior Design Janice Battle; Photography by Bill Fish

In a dining room setting, dark red can be elegant and tasteful, while also keeping the room grounded in a warm shade. 

Architecture by MGA, Built by Sanford Custom Builders, Architectural Millwork, running trim, coffered and tray ceilings by Fine Finish, Inc.; Fireplace mantel with pilasters by Walter Lane Cabinetmaker, Photography by Richard Mandelkorn

By pairing red walls with red-toned drapery and upholstery, the dining room takes on a more traditional appearance.

Interior Design by Kotzen Interiors; Photography by Sam Gray

For the bathroom, red mosaic tiles are the perfect mix of fun and sophisticated, especially when paired with the darker shades on the countertop and sink. 

Design by Kotzen Interiors, Photo by Sam Gray