Decorating with Red

Red!  The color of passion, fire, power, stimulation, energy and romance!

Unlike most colors in a palette, red evokes emotions.  What other color can you think of that can bring out so many different responses or describe so many situations,  such as a 'red hot' romance celebrated with red roses, a scarlet woman, 'red carpet treatment' just to name a few.

When a woman wears a red dress, she is noticed and remembered, just as a man will wear a red tie to standout and exude a semblance of power.  Red indicates danger and is the color of fire...... is used on fire engines, stop signs and, of course, red lights.

In decorating, just as blue is calming and green is serene, red is stimulating.  Whether to use a lot of red in a room, or just a splash of it here and there, can be determined by the use of the room, as well as the personality and emotional wellbeing of the homeowner. 

This color not only stimulates our appetites, but our emotions, in which case if you feel you need a lift or want stimulation, then by all means, use red.  If you feel your life is already in overdrive and you want to relax when you get home, red would definitely not be your first choice of color.

I'm sure you've heard before that restaurants often use red to stimulate their diners appetites....well, that's true. And I have heard 'never use red in a bedroom or you'll never be able to unwind!' and whatever you do, never use red in a nursery or kid's room if you want a calm and happy child!

Having said all that, take a look at the rooms below and see how many red bedrooms there are.  As stimulating as they may be, they are also warm, cosy and welcoming.  

Some of the world's greatest artists, designers and decorators use red with abandon - just another indication of their passion for life and living!  From rustic to regal, it's a knockout!

Enjoy!

Carolina Herrera's daughter in family living room

Traditional Home

BHG Cottage bunks

Cath Kidston's kitchen, London

Charles Faudree's living room

A Charlotte Moss guest room

A Tom Scheerer bedroom

Framed fabric BHG

Galen Weston's Florida home

Katrin Cargill design

Gingham and toile bedroom Toby West

Red vignette

Katrin Cargill design

Lynn von Kersting dining room

Michael Smith design

Red frames Tumblr

Mary MacDonald living room

Real Simple

Sue Ellen Gregory

Carolyne Roehm vignette

Carolyne Roehm

Slipcover Sass

What a wonderful way to freshen your furniture and your interiors.......with slipcovers.  You know the old saying, "A change is as good as a rest"!  It's true! 

Nothing perks me up more than a change in our interiors......I stick with the basics, but continually change the look of our rooms with fabulous fabrics.

The change can be seasonal, for a special event or just to give your eyes something new to enjoy......in other words, a rest!  Right now, I am in the process of making new slips for two living room armchairs and six dining chairs...........the effect will give both rooms a fresh outcome!

Look at some of these ideas and let your mind wander about the possibilities.  And remember, slipcovers aren't just for chairs and sofas as you can see below........headboards, footboards, lamp shades, tables and yes, dog beds, can benefit too!

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

BEFORE photo of red striped chair



AFTER of same red striped chair

Note how Katrin Cargill accentuated the gilded carving at the top of the chair with ruffles.  As for the cushion on the chair, she dressed up a solid color pillow by adding a colorful sleeve tied with velvet ribbon!

 

  

  

Image 1 Lee Jofa, Image 2 Diamond Baratta

Images 3 - 9 Katrin Cargill via Country Home



The Fairest One of All.................?

Image 1 Katrin Cargill, Images 2 & 6 Charles Faudree

Image 3 Mark Hampton, Image 4 Charlotte Moss

Image 5 Unknown, Image 7 Nancy Lancaster

Image 8 Unknown

One of my favorite designers.......Katrin Cargill!

I have been following Katrin Cargill's designs for years and wanted to share some of her down to earth, simple, comfortable, welcoming rooms with you.  She often uses ginghams, sometimes alone and sometimes skillfully mixing them with florals, stripes, embroidery, etc.

She is an English designer and stylist well known for her own distinctive look and has often styled for other designer's magazine layouts, as well as having her own share of magazine covers and articles about her work.

Often, her work is referred to as 'one color' style, as it's not unusual to see her rooms in red, blue, green, gold (and other colors) with just white as an accent.   Simple, relaxing and absolutely gorgeous!

However, she has also come up with some beautifully colorful rooms......not to mention her 'Swedish' look!

Today I am featuring some of her red and white rooms, but will post some of her other looks at another time.
   Added to her vast talent is the fact that she has authored several books regarding her style with how-tos on how to make your own slipcovers, lampshades, pillows, bed covers, table cloths, curtains, linens.......the list could go on.  To see more of her ideas, go to http://www.katrincargill.com/.

Oh, yes, she also designs rugs to go with her rooms.  They can be seen at http://www.therugcompany.com/.

All images Katrin Cargill