Photo: RDNE Stock project
Colours like red, cobalt blue, and emerald green can instantly bring a room to life, yet they’re often overlooked in favour of safer, more neutral tones. This is understandable, as bold shades can feel risky, especially if you’re unsure how to use them without overwhelming the space. But with the right approach, these colours can add warmth and character to your home in a way that neutrals simply can’t.
Whether you’re working with a compact flat or a larger family home, there are plenty of ways to introduce high-impact, attention-grabbing hues that feel balanced and considered. From small decorative touches to feature walls, this guide explores how to use red and other strong colours in your home décor with confidence and style.
- Start small with bold accents:
Using bold colours in your home design doesn’t always mean you have to repaint your entire living space. A practical and low-risk way to begin is by adding small accents. Cushions, throws, table lamps, plant pots, and art posters are all great starting points. These items allow you to play around with colour and see what resonates with your style and space.
For example, a pair of red velvet cushions on a neutral sofa or a crimson lampshade in an otherwise minimalist hallway can instantly add visual warmth and energy. Similarly, a vintage movie print with a vibrant palette or an abstract poster featuring bold brushstrokes can instantly add personality to a room without the long-term commitment. If you change your mind or your style evolves, then you can easily switch them out.
- Let your furniture carry the colour:
Furniture also presents a stylish way to integrate bold colours while adding functionality. A statement piece like a red velvet armchair, mustard yellow sideboard, or an electric blue corduroy sofa can instantly become the focal point of a room. These pieces showcase your personality and provide a lasting sense of character and charm.
Photo: Steph Wilson
- Pair strong colours with neutrals:
One of the most effective ways to make bold colours work in your home is by pairing them with neutral tones. Neutrals act as a grounding element, helping tone down the intensity of stronger hues and keep the overall aesthetic from feeling too chaotic. Colours such as white, cream, or soft grey work beautifully with bold shades and can help them stand out without completely taking over the space.
As an example, you can pair a scarlet armchair with a light grey rug and white walls to create a clean yet eye-catching contrast. Using neutrals also allows you to gradually build up your comfort level with colour while ensuring the room maintains a harmonious balance.
- Explore different shades and tones:
When people think of bold colours, they often imagine primary shades or neon tones. But what they might not realise is that there is a wide spectrum to choose from, each with its own mood and personality. Instead of fire-engine red or electric blue, consider richer, more nuanced variations like burgundy, terracotta, forest green, or teal. These deeper or slightly muted tones still offer impact, but with a more elegant and timeless feel.
The shade you choose should also reflect the atmosphere you want to create. Warmer tones like rust and ochre can make a space feel inviting and cosy, which is ideal for living rooms or dining areas. On the other hand, cooler, jewel-toned hues such as emerald or sapphire can add a sense of sophistication and drama.
Photo: Jonathan Borba
- Use feature walls strategically:
If you’re ready to take a bolder step, a feature wall is an excellent way to incorporate strong colour without committing to painting an entire room. To get the most out of a feature wall, choose a spot that naturally commands attention, such as the wall behind your bed, the fireplace wall in your lounge, or even a recessed alcove.
Striking paint colours like paprika red, moody indigo, or olive green can be used to anchor the space and serve as a backdrop for coordinating décor. You can further enhance the impact by adding artwork or including complementary accessories that tie the wall colour into the broader design scheme. This approach creates a cohesive look while allowing the colour to shine in a more controlled way.
- Embrace bold colour in unexpected spaces:
Many people focus on applying colour in living rooms and bedrooms, but smaller or more functional areas can be perfect canvases for bold shades. Hallways, cloakrooms, laundry rooms, or even built-in shelves offer unique opportunities to be playful with colour without altering your main spaces too drastically.
A navy blue or maroon hallway, for example, creates an inviting entrance that leaves a lasting impression. A brightly coloured cloakroom with patterned wallpaper can surprise and delight guests, while adding colour to open shelving can highlight books, pottery, or curated decorative items.
Wrapping Up...
Indeed, using red and other bold colours to decorate your home can be a big decision. So, it’s a good idea to test the colours in your space first, whether through one small, inner wall or small décor pieces you can live with for a while. Remember, the goal doesn’t have to be to make a statement for the sake of it. Instead, you should aim to create a home that reflects your taste and feels right to live in. Start with what genuinely draws you in, and let the rest come together over time.
