I fully admit I probably got a bit carried away with this post. But, my love for tomato red runs so deep I just couldn’t stop. So, grab yourself a hot cup of coffee or tea, or a cold glass of whatever you choose, and take a break from reality to admire all the eye candy I’m giving you today.
Red seems to get the shaft from a lot of designers, and for good reason. It’s had a few bad seasons, which I need not remind you of. I’ve always loved red. Maybe it’s genetic? It’s my dad’s favorite color, and now my oldest son claims it as his also. I’ve tried to quit red, probably because of how poorly it’s been used over the years, but my eye is always drawn to pops of red in home decor. I’ve owned my fair share of bright red dresses and cardigan sweaters (I always have a red cardigan in my closet.) When red is used tastefully, it adds the perfect bit of playfulness and drama. I’m especially loving the bright tomato red that’s popping up everywhere lately.
So, to celebrate my favorite in your face color, here’s a run down of inspiration pics I’ve pinned and saved over the years. Enjoy!
Artwork
The best way to dip your toe in the water when starting out with tomato red is with artwork. You can be as subtle or bold as you like. If you end up getting tired of it (but how could that ever happen?) just take it down.
I love anything by Esther Stewart. Her graphic pieces are mesmerizing, especially when she uses tomato red.
I’ve never been to this store, but that print on the wall would draw me in in a heartbeat. (You can buy that print in person or online here.)
I guess I have a thing for red circles. I’ve had this image pinned for years, and was planning to put a similar print at the end of a hallway in our Cincinnati home.
Even Willie agrees tomato red is awesome! (Or at least the artist who painted this mural in Austin does.) Maybe don’t paint a red mural on the side of your house if you’re afraid of commitment, but take a picture of something cool and evocative to frame and put up.
Accessories
If you feel like putting holes in a wall is way too much commitment when it comes to red, then accessories are the way to go. Just throw some in your decor and watch how your mood lifts every time you look at them.
Burtsbrisplease is one of my favorite Instagram accounts. I love the simplicity of her home, but what really draws me in is her regular use of tomato red. It looks especially sweet in kids’ rooms.
Open shelving in a kitchen is a great place to throw in some accessories. Maybe you don’t want a huge word across your shelf, but if it’s tomato red, you might want to reconsider.
Another great option for accessories is using cheap Ikea staples (like the endlessly customizable Bekvam stool) and painting them. I’ve done this, but left the top step natural, and I love how it pops against just about everything.
Textiles are another great way to accessorize with red. This blanket also has accents of pink. It’s a win-win.
And, if you’re looking for an even more subtle way to use red in a textile, take Jenny Komenda’s example and buy a blanket with a few red lines to throw on your mostly white bed. Perfection.
Rugs
Vintage rugs are still going strong in the design world. Luckily, these are a great way to bring some red into your home without going overboard. There are so many good options out there! I still haven’t pulled the trigger on one, but a vintage rug with red undertone is definitely a regular search of mine.
An entry is a perfect place to add some color without feeling overwhelmed by the busy design.
I also love using a small Persian rug as an accent in the kitchen. Also note the red stool in this pic, which was the inspiration for the one I DIYed. I love the pop of red against the moodiness of the dark cabinets.
Finally, a red rug is the perfect accessory to add color to a neutral setting. It even adds instant interest to slippers, luggage, and hats.
Doors
If you’re feeling a bit more committed to the color, why not paint your door red? Red doors aren’t new to the scene at all, but I have been seeing more red doors pop up as the modern farmhouse trend gains momentum. Get me a farmhouse in the California hills and the first I’ll do is paint the door red. (Seriously, anyone want to sell me a cute farmhouse in the Silicon Valley hills for cheap? Call me.)
Bonus points if your pants match your door.
This one had me at clean lines and simplicity. The contrast of the bright red door against the neutral palette is what dream homes are made of. (Click on the source link to see the entire tour of this home…it’s amazing.)
Another neutral base with a pop of red. This time in a more traditional space. And that black penny tile floor? Yes please.
Full-On Committment
And finally, if you want to go all in, paint the exterior of your house a bright tomato red. Just kidding – even I wouldn’t go that far! But, I would absolutely buy cocktail supplies at this liquor store solely based on its exterior color choice.
How about you?
Is there a bold color that always grabs your attention? How do you incorporate it into your home decor without going over the top?
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