Monday, October 24, 2011

SEEING RED


All my life I've pursued the perfect red." -Diana Vreeland

There's something very glamorous about walking into a red room. The warm, vibrant tones immediately make me feel happy and energized. And whether it's a room of cayenne lacquered walls or a peppy ruby red accent pillow, the pop of color adds personality and style to any decor. My favorite design image is the iconic photo of Diana Vreeland snapped by Horst in her lipstick red living room. "I want this place to look like a garden, but a garden in hell," she said. The room, filled with layers of chintz and needlepoint pillows in tulip red is not for the faint of heart!  There are so many gorgeous shades of red to choose from there's sure to be a shade to fit your style. How do you feel about red?

 Tulip red, Paint of Europe, Sangria, Benjamin Moore, Salsa, Benjamin Moore, Ruby Red, Benjamin Moore, Chili Pepper, Benjamin Moore, Million Dollar Red, Benjamin Moore

 Kenneth Jay Lane's Chic Manhattan duplex is saturated in persimmon red
Gallery style art work frames the chic transitional room by Bibi Monahan
 Bold red lacquered kitchen cabinets-do you dare?
Miles Redd brings whimsy and fun to a NYC apartment
Glamorous red lacquered  walls pop with glossy black and white accents by Brian McCarthy

16 comments:

Acquired Objects said...

Love red and had my sitting room painted red with surprisingly no under tones. Unfortunately it also stimulates your appetite and I gained ten pounds…lol, so bye~bye red and hello ginger!

I tried your boursin cheese pasta last night and it was wonderful. Instead of frozen spinach I used fresh since the hot pasta will wilt and blanch it.

Splendid Sass said...

The second and last images are my favorite! I love vermillion especially and use it when I can.
Beautiful post, Barbara.
Teresa
xoxo

I Dream Of said...

Red is one of my favorite colors. We don't have any red rooms in our home, but many pops of the vibrant color against the white of our kitchen and great room. Helps wake me up in the AM as I drink my coffee.
Have a wonderful week!

The enchanted home said...

If there is a human being who personafies the fire of the color red, its Diana Vreeland, I think she has nailed the perfect color over and over again. I happen to love red, have yet to use it other than in tiny doses but one cannot deny the drama and glamour that a red room brings! Beautiful post.

Unknown said...

This is really amazing timing. I'm looking for the perfect RED holiday dress. So, for the past couple of days everything red has attracted my eyes!!!

xoxo Elizabeth

CDS said...

Red is great! When my hubs and I first moved in together after our engagement we started sprusing up his house. One of the first things we did was paint his Florida room in a color called "Cranberry Zing"...I love that color to this day! We have moved twice since then...and we do not currently have a "Red Room" but I am sure one day we will again! I have to say I also LOVE LOVE LOVE Red doors! ...and not just at Ardens! ;)

quintessence said...

Don't you just love that quote? One of my favorites! I had a red library once - rather a cliche I'm afraid but it worked. I love red but generally use it as an accent for a pop against something else!

Vannessa@Luxuria said...

OMG! I would have a heart attack if I woke up by mistake in that first room ;-)
I have never been brave enough to paint/decorate a room in red. I'm not even that adventurous about wearing it; only at Christmas time when I channel my Mother Christmas ;-)

beachside cottage Linda said...

Hi - I think Lane and McCarthy's reds are two that are most to my liking...reds are tricky colors, but they add such a vivaciousness to any room or wardrobe.

Coincidentally, am wearing my new "cardinal red" Land's End suede clogs today!!! Happy Feet!

Best Wishes,

Linda

Anonymous said...

I have a Hunting Coat Red family room and for someone who tires of decor easily I still love it as much as the first day it was painted!! xo

Splendid Market said...

I've always loved a red room, but never had the guts to do it. If I get the courage and wisdom, I'd surely use one of these colors.

Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...

I was at a party once and the dining room was a gorgeous red. The Waterford crystal chandelier looked so pretty in the center of the room and the red looked fabulous with their formal dining room furniture. After that, I tried painting my dining room red, but I obviously hadn't chosen the same color and quickly repainted, as it didn't feel the same at all! I think having recommendations for the perfect red is the secret! ;) xoxo Happy new week, darling!

Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou
http://oohlafrourou.blogspot.com

Cindy Albert said...

I love the drama of red, but I'm not sure I could live with it full time. I like how the black and white pictures look with it.

All the best, Cindy

annie@mostlovelythings said...

I agree with Enchanted Home...you simply cannot deny the drama or glamor the color red brings to a room. I should use it more...

SHERRY HART said...

I remember painting every dining room in Atlanta red in the early 90's! So southern.....

sheteason said...

high replica bags e73 g8c61l6b86 bag replica high quality k44 m5f10v5w48 replica wallets z81 s9k35o0p16