My sister teases me endlessly about my love of “color”. Colors like, white, black, grey or tan. (Which are TOTALLY colors – don’t get me started.) While I might not dress or decorate with a rainbow of colors, deep down, my favorite color is Red.
This could be genetic. My Momma is from Nebraska.
GO BIG RED!!! GBR!!! (Sidenote: I really love that the ‘new’ Herbie Husker has a bit of a gut and wears Dad jeans – can relate. He’s basically a lovingly wrought caricature of my Grandpa Butch. Also, I have a professional studio portrait of me, age 3, wearing exactly what Lil’ Red is rocking, but funnily enough, I couldn’t find it for this post…)
Anyway, genetics aside, I love red because it’s just so damn beautiful. It’s powerful, it’s elemental. It can shine or compliment. The right red can make every skin tone glow. It can be angry or joyful. It’s truly versatile.
So I wanted to round up some of my favorite inspirations and ideas for the bold color Red.
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Red Paint Color Inspiration
Red is SUCH a classic. It’s traditional for barns and dining rooms, and in the south and east, for front doors. But I also love it in little surprising hits of color, like roofs, cabinets, and large pieces of furniture. Or, you know, your entire house.
Here are some of my favorite red paint colors. The color names are pretty indicative of the emotion you’re gonna get from each one – each one tells a story. Good job, color marketers…
01 – TOP LEFT: BACKDROP – LIPSTICK ON THE MIRROR
02 – TOP RIGHT: FARROW & BALL – INCARNADINE
03 – CENTER LEFT: BENJAMIN MOORE – MILLION DOLLAR RED
04 – CENTER RIGHT: BEHR AT HOME DEPOT – 100 MPH
05 – BOTTOM LEFT: SHERWIN-WILLIAMS – POINSETTIA
06 – BOTTOM RIGHT: SHERWIN-WILLIAMS – STOP
On that note, Happy Holidays! May you have whatever color you find most inspiring in your life, and may you celebrate your own holiday with those you hold dear!
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As Founder and Principal Designer of West | South, Mel is known for creating exterior color and materials plans that elevate homes across North America. Blending practical know‑how with a warm, personal approach, she helps homeowners update older houses or shape brand‑new builds with balanced, beautiful combinations that last. With clear guidance and a friendly touch, Mel makes exterior design easy to understand and enjoyable from start to finish.
I love red also and bought a red couch and love seat . Now I’m having trouble with color combinations . I’m more primitive and country . Not farmhouse . I have pie safes,dark wood plank floors and red brick fireplace . Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Hey Pam! I really like warmer colors like cognac and ochre with red – especially with the Primitive style! Here’s a pin showing what I’m thinking: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/87538786497976993/ and I also really like the way Pottery Barn is doing this style right now, too. I’m obsessed with the Jaxson quilt!