Australian interiors enthusiasts are embracing an adventurous new design trend that’s a far cry from the beige and white styles that were all the rage just a few years ago.
Stylists are getting more creative with color and turning to adventurous shades of red to make a space appear more luxurious.
He ‘Unexpected red theory‘ was popularized by American interior designer Taylor Migiazzo Simon on TikTok earlier this year and has taken the design world by storm.
He described it as when “you add anything that’s red, big or small, to a room where it doesn’t go with everything and it automatically makes it look better.”
But many go beyond small flashes of red and adorn walls, ceilings, and sometimes entire rooms with this striking hue.
Interior designer Kellie Richardsonof Melbourne, told FEMAIL she has seen an increase in homeowners experimenting with color and said red can be used to liven up a space.
Australian home stylists are getting more creative with color and turning to adventurous shades of red to make a space look more luxurious.
Celebrity interior designer Kellie Richardson (pictured) has seen a rise in homeowners experimenting with color and said red can be used to liven up a space.
“Red is one of those colors that is very powerful in many different ways, especially in color psychology,” he said.
‘Adding something a little quirky with a touch of red to a room will definitely give it more texture. It makes the room talk a lot more.”
Many of Kellie’s clients love incorporating red into their homes, and in some cultures, it is associated with money, love, and prosperity.
“If you’re standing in a room and you see something red, your eyes are automatically drawn to that color and that object,” he said.
“If you wanted your room to tell a story about the people who live in that house, red is the way to do it.”
Kellie said she tends to opt for more muted, earthy reds, like a “rich” burgundy.
‘Adding something a little quirky with a touch of red to a room will definitely give it more texture. It makes the room talk a lot more,” Kellie said.
Fans of a bold firetruck red or those not brave enough to commit to the color can add fun scripts to each room to spark interest.
Many of Kellie’s clients love incorporating red into their homes and in some cultures it is often associated with money, love and prosperity.
‘It’s a beautiful, bold color and a way to incorporate red by adding more browns to soften the drama. “You can wear burgundy with black, pink and light blue, it makes the color pop so much better,” she said.
“The new thing that’s starting to come back is not as fiery, it’s much softer and still has that richness.”
Fans of a bold firetruck red or those not brave enough to commit to the color can add fun scripts to each room to spark interest.
‘You can do it with some cushions, blankets and artwork. “You can incorporate it with other colors and different tones to make it stand out, speak for itself and tell the story of the room,” Kellie explained.
“Pillows, blankets and artwork aren’t too expensive these days and as our styles change over the years, you can save them and swap them for a different colour.”
“You can incorporate red with other colors and different tones so it stands out, speaks for itself and tells the story of the room,” Kellie explained.
Dulux recently announced the residential finalists for its annual Color Awards, demonstrating the impact of red and how much it has taken over Australian home style.
Dulux recently announced the residential finalists for its annual competition color awards and demonstrated the impact of red and how much it has taken over Australian home style.
Homes from across the country made the shortlist for their designers’ innovative use of color.
There are spaces that show how the ‘Unexpected Red Theory’ can add an element of surprise or sophistication through the subtle use of art and home items.
Others fully embraced red by experimenting with different shades on walls and large furniture.
Gold Coast Apartment by SJB Interiors did both, adding ruby red chairs in a sunny yellow dining room and covering the entryway walls in a unique vermilion hue.
Brooke Aitken Design went all out with a deep red in the master bedroom and splashed cohesive touches throughout its green hallways and crisp white living room.
Gold Coast Apartment by SJB Interiors did both, adding ruby red chairs in a sunny yellow dining room and covering the entryway walls in a unique vermilion hue.
Brooke Aitken Design went all out with a deep red in the master bedroom and splashed cohesive touches throughout its green hallways and crisp white living room.
Kellie said people shouldn’t be afraid to play with color and recommended starting with large neutral items and adding vibrancy in the smaller details.
“You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a beautiful house, you can do it on a budget, you just have to be smart about it,” he said.
“As long as you have your main things, like sofas and coffee tables, in a fairly neutral color palette, the colors and things you can combine can be amazing.”