Red and Black are the Latest Colours Dominating Interior Design

Red and black colour palettes are making a big comeback in interior design. A lot of this comes down to the rebellion against the monochromatic greige trends we have seen over the years.

The Unexpected Red Theory

One big reason why red is making such a comeback right now is due to the unexpected red theory. This was a viral design hack, where people would place a pop of red, whether it’s cherry or oxblood, into a space where it would not normally make sense. 

When paired with black, the red stands out more and breaks up the monotony of the room. Interestingly, the red and black colour combination is all around us, making it an interesting source of inspiration. The NBA team, the Chicago Bulls, has a prominent red and black colour scheme, which represents their energy and dominance on the court. 

KFC also uses red and black in its logo, as do popular streaming sites like Netflix. Popular casino games UK like roulette, also feature red and black. Prior to the introduction of synthetic dyes, colours had to be created via natural processes. 

Dyes were pulled from flowers, weeds, and natural byproducts, and by the time roulette became popular in France, red and burgundy were very popular and accessible colours and are still part of the roulette wheel to this day. Examples like this not only show how much of a classic combination red and black are, but also how they’re deeply rooted in history, and not another passing trend.

We are also seeing warmer, more soft-toned blacks being used over harsh, cold blacks. Livable shades like this pair well with brick and terracotta tones. Luxurious stone, like Calacatta Viola marble, also incorporates black as a way to add a stark contrast, while avoiding the gothic feel that is traditionally associated with colours like this.

With top paint brands like Graham & Brown rapidly expanding their red collection to include more deep cherry and burgundy shades, it’s clear that there’s been a shift in the world of interior design, and that maximalism is now a dominating trend. Interestingly, it’s not just interior design that is seeing this trend either, as some major US fashion magazines like Vogue are also highlighting how powerful the combination can be when styling outfits, giving the colour combination a real boost to its resurgence.

Achieving a Successful Balance 

The key to using red and black together successfully comes down to balance. By avoiding tones like cherry red and instead opting for earthier burgundy reds and brick reds, it becomes possible to make your home look more grounded. US interior design websites have covered this in depth, showing how it’s possible to introduce red in numerous ways, whether it is through artwork, textures, or textiles.

You can also introduce black through trims, lighting, and even hardware, as a way to add nuanced touches that really elevate the space while giving you a solid foundation on which to build.  As the online world is so full of inspiration, it’s never been easier to adopt a more maximalistic colour scheme.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.