Big Bang Theory's Johnny Galecki is a fan of eclectic interior design, maximalism, and bold color choices, and none more so than in his home library. Eye-catching and enchanting in every way, red is one of the most irresistible colors known to man.
There are many options when it comes to decorating with red. A passionate and life-enhancing color, red room ideas offer a luxurious bank of positive energy. Whether you highlight a design scheme with touches of carefully chosen accessories or paint walls floor to ceiling in a deep shade of this versatile color, it can transform interiors and create different moods, from refined to playful, depending on its application.
In Galecki's home, designed by interior design firm Pierce & Ward, the walls, including the fifth wall, have been color-drenched in a vivid red hue. Color drenching refers to using one color, or its tonal variants, in a big way.
‘A “drench” can be a strong, confident look with the benefit of unifying the architecture with the various elements of the room,’ explains Merlin Wright, design director, Plain English. ‘This homogenizing effect helps conceal irregularities in older properties, and in smaller rooms can disguise the room’s edges creating an illusion of space.’
It is a paint trend that should be considered carefully before committing, but done right, a home library color-drenched in red, can be visually striking and immersive.
With bold colors, it is time well spent to consider how you react to the color and how it makes you feel. There is often a clue in our wardrobes as to which colors we lean towards. However, while we can change our outfits, we can’t so easily make that change with our interiors.
Red rooms can be too intense for some people. It reminds us of danger and is considered one of the most stressful colors in history, and a color that makes you angry. It is strong, aggressive, and stimulating, which is why it is often used in warning signs and traffic signals. Physically, red can induce reactions in the body that are similar to stress responses, such as increased heart rate, heightened senses, and higher body temperature.
However, despite this, red is enigmatic, and strong, and can be used to great effect, and many designers agree.
‘A color like this feels both cozy and uplifting,' says Natasha Greig, director, of Veere Grenney Associates. 'It has great depth, so when used in small rooms all over the walls, it makes the room feel more generous. For our work as designers, it is a perfect backdrop to almost all colors.’
Brandon Schubert, director, of Brandon Schubert Studio believes that red color-drenching spaces work wonders in his client's homes: ‘I love deep red hues and use them often in my projects,' he says. 'It’s a color that can take on loads of different attitudes depending on what you pair it with. It’s that versatility that makes deep rusty reds a perfect choice for joinery, ceilings, and even furniture.’
‘We have been using red to decorate the walls of our homes from the beginning of human existence, and that doesn't show signs of fading.
Shop H&G's red edit
Experimenting with red is simple with the right products. We love these picks that tap into the look (and work in almost every space).
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