December 07, 2023

Color Service: How to Decorate with Shades of Red, According to Designers

An uptick of cherry here, a crimson there—over the course of the last year, the beginnings of a trend have become evident. But before it hit the runway, it’s always been red. Red has roots: the punchy hue was first found in ocher, one of the oldest natural pigments in the world, that dates back as early as 3000 BC in pottery. 

To double down, this hue has also been seen as a dominant color in Moroccan rugs for centuries. Red has considerable historic significance in Morocco. The color can be found in many shades throughout Marrakech and can be seen in marketplaces, textiles, and household wares. “Red is a color that has long been associated with Moroccan royalty since the 13th century," says Wafaa Fakhour, Revival’s Buyer & Stylist in Casablanca. “It symbolizes courage, love and strength, fundamental values of Moroccan culture.” But at its core, the color was primarily chosen based on locally available materials such as the reddish ocher earth found abundantly in the Moroccan desert, Wafaa adds.

Red adds liveliness wherever it’s applied —from rosettes to a red lip, but it bends especially well in interiors. Red has transcended traditional associations and become a versatile and bold choice for design. From vibrant accessories to rich, deep color schemes, the color breathes life into otherwise mundane spaces. And its usage isn’t just a standard bright red. It can also be muted or burnt, or an almost-pink. 

Living With Red

“Since red is such a strong and dark color, balance within interior design is crucial, says Victoria Holly of Victoria Holly Interiors. “When designing with red, I like to be mindful of which spaces are for relaxation versus which spaces are for energizing”. A red rug can serve as a focal point, adding warmth and personality to a space. It can provide a bold and strong base for a room. 

Before you swath your side chairs and sofas in the deeply saturated hue, try it where it’s inconsequential first. “When incorporating red, I suggest starting small and working your way into more bold decisions,” says Audrey Scheck, from Audrey Scheck Design. “Try starting with a low profile, red decorative object or a textile like a rug that is red, or has a pattern featuring red. Once you become more comfortable with the shade, you can move into larger scale decisions such as wallpaper.”

Here are some of our favorite ways to incorporate this timeless color into your own space through your rug.

For Energy Lovers: Stay Bright with Cherry Red

Red is a symbol of energy, let red be as profound as it can be: “When incorporating red, aim for a shade that's complimentary to everything else in your home,” Audrey says. “If your space is full of bold, primary colors, stick with a bright, vibrant red.” 

For an Almost-Neutral: Go Autumnal like Mahogany or Cottage Red

Since red is such a strong and dark color, balance is vital. If you have a neutral living room scene, a pop of mahogany or auburn will feel classic and fresh mixed with soft grays and muted pinks. “Red pairs exceptionally well with neutral warm colors like beige or tan,” says Victoria. “This combination allows red to pop without being too dominant.” 

For Earthy and Calm: Try Terracotta or Rust

If you identify more with desert decor, southwestern style terracotta will help to mellow out your space. “Terracotta or muted reds offer a more subdued and earthy feel,” says Victoria.

For Sophisticated But Warm: Look to Burgundy & Maroon

Deep, brown-tinged reds are moody, but at the same time can play a role in keeping things  refined. “If your space is more earth-toned, consider a deeper, cherry red or a burgundy,” says Audrey. “Keeping the undertones in the red aligned with the rest of your space will help it to feel more intentional and balanced.” 

Shop Revival Red Rugs