The character, versatility and depth of Red

August 20, 2026

If there’s one colour that never fails to stop us in our tracks, it’s a thoughtfully chosen red. Warm, earthy, comforting. A colour we’ve used in client projects and our own home to great effect. We love the understated drama of dark red. Whether it’s colour drenched for a full cocooning effect, or sparingly used to intentionally add depth and contrast. And while many people fear using dark colours, worried it will feel cave-like and overwhelming, when used thoughtfully it can really do the opposite. So, as our minds ever so slightly turn to Autumn home plans, we take a look at how to use deep red to full effect.

Creating a mood with red

The thing we love most about the use of red in interior design, is its ability to transform the atmosphere of a room. In contrast to lighter shades, which often create a bright, airy feel, rich reds are pretty much guaranteed to deliver depth, warmth and a sense of comfort. We think red can be used in any home, in any room. It just needs to be well thought through to ensure the shade evokes the feeling you want for that particular space.

A deep, rich shade of red on the walls will have a cocooning effect. It naturally creates an intimate, cosy mood with a nod to the traditional. The kind that makes you ready to settle in and shelter from the world. Whether it’s drenched from ceiling to floor or used more sparingly to retain light yet deliver the mood, deep rich red is a guaranteed hygge vibe.

Alternatively, a red with undertones of orange and terracotta plays more into a vibrant warmth. A shade that can easily sway between Mediterranean heat and Autumn cosiness with a change of lighting and a carefully curated scheme. We find the earthiness and the versatility of a terracotta red hard to resist as it has a feeling of simplicity and nature at it’s core.

Use with intention

Red is certainly not an all or nothing colour. And there’s potential for red in every room, if you use it intentionally.

Choosing certain walls, cabinetry or architectural features in your room to carry the red – keeping the rest relatively neutral – can bring tonnes of character, depth and warmth, without overpowering the space completely. It can also add a playful, confident feel to a scheme, thanks to an unexpected use of bold colour.

*Photography credit: Aga Hosking for H&C*

At our Marshfield project, we used an earthy brick red on all walls and cabinetry. This is broken up with a warm light neutral on the chimney breast, ceiling and woodwork. When paired with light flooring and furniture, we were able to balance the dark with the light, creating a living room that feels inviting yet spacious.

Contemporary pairings

While red is full of character, our preferred style is to keep it feeling soft and contemporary. The key is in what you pair it with.

Layering natural materials is essential to bringing texture and balance to the depth of the red. Think oak and ashy woods, woven materials, linen and chunky knits. Aged brass and matt black with light whites and soft creams in the finishes and accessories help to lift the richness of the walls. And let’s not forget the power of foliage. Fresh (or faux) greenery adds another layer and a connection to nature. Elevating any scheme into a well-styled and considered space.

We’re also big fans of pairing deep red with an unexpected colour palette. Pink and red is a becoming and firm favourite of ours. It feels playful, feminine and modern. A tonal take on red – using different shades of the same palette – can retain a cohesive flow while adding depth and highlighting architectural features or points of interest in the home.

There’s something about a blue and orange palette, underpinned by a deep red which feels so chic and contemporary. It’s a bold use of colour and when the balance is right, it nods to that Scandinavian simplicity that we just love in interior design.

A recent client came to us as she’d seen and loved our use of warm reds in other projects and felt inspired to use something similar in her home. We transformed her garage into an office-yoga studio space by pairing deep red and aged terracotta. Combining the two shades creates a warm, intimate, contemporary space for her to work and work out.

Moments of red interior (and exterior) inspiration

One particular source of inspiration, which has driven our love of Scandinavian design and the use of colour, are Sweden’s iconic red cottages. The red cabins with white trims, synonymous with Swedish architecture and design, are often painted in a shade called Falun red.

Originating from a byproduct of the copper mines in the 16th Century, the iron-rich pigment was used on the houses due to it’s durability against the Nordic weather. The red cottages are now a symbol of Sweden’s heritage and the idea of ‘idyllic’ Scandinavian living.

As a design studio, we find lots of inspiration in Scandinavian design and their use of colour. The charm and colour of these cottages sparks something in us and has without a doubt influenced our love and use of red through our work.

We seem drawn to palettes of red wherever we go. These are just a few images we’ve taken over the years when we’ve felt inspired by this versatile colour.

Yes, red can be festive. True, red is Autumnal. But red can also have a vibrancy and a heat which makes us feel energised and ready to go. Interior design is all about making you feel something, and red is a colour that does exactly that.

If you’d like some help to figure out how to use red – or any colour – in your home, get in touch. We love to talk about colour, so let’s chat about how we can use it to great effect in your home.