Amthal Karim – Head of Design at Furniture And Choice – shares her monthly overview of on-trend styles and interior looks currently inspiring furniture buyers.
Red is not usually the first colour that comes to mind when thinking about interiors, and not the easiest to style. But look around – whether cherry, ruby, clay, or brick – modern design shows strong affinity for the red and orange spectrum.
Earth tones became an established interior trend in the past year as traditional bold red gave way to easier to use, sister shades. Terracotta is always there and now colours like brick, burnt orange and russet have come into their own. Earthy reds offer a rich, spicy warmth that’s nostalgic and grounding. Clay, pottery and natural materials help us feel relaxed.
The beauty of red interiors is their capacity to create equal drama whether complementing or contrasting. Arrange a burnt orange sofa against burgundy panelled walls for a stunning hit of colour with a tone-on-tone effect that’s easy on the eye. Alternatively, red and green can be seen with emerald velvet and a russet red interior offering a moody yet intimate contrast.
Red is the colour of the moment for walls and now it’s influencing upholstery. For sofas, sumptuous burgundy velvet has a quality unmatched by other colours — bold, confident, undeniable. We’ve noticed designers bringing this classic colour back on curved, chic models, plus of course the Chesterfield.
In kitchen and dining, red again excites through versatility. Make a bold statement in an unexpected way. Picture a dark, luxe kitchen, marble is the hero but stylish, curved back dining chairs in red boucle provide a vivid pop. Or red as a cocoon. Appeal to the senses with a muted, clay red kitchen — natural worktops, light wood table and rattan chairs complement the soothing quality.
A final red alert. Whether you decide to shout or whisper, it’s important to note that the medium is the message, finish defines effect. To achieve depth, softness and character, satin paints have given way to matt, ‘dead flat’ or even chalky-to-the-touch application. Using a suitable texture is the red line that ensures your contemporary space connects to the past but sits firmly in the modern era.
