In Honor of July 4th - Patriotic Decorating - REDS

Internet image - Celebrating the 4th

Since this is the week of the 4th of July, I thought I would do a series of postings about using the basic patriotic flag colors - red, white and blue - as a decorating theme. I started with my overall favorite color - red!

It is easy to find advice about how to use the color red in a decorating plan - whether as an accent or piece or furniture or more. I am always most inclined toward upholstered pieces and how to bring color into a room with fine furniture. These are the images and ideas that capture my attention but there are many other ways to incorporate red into a home.

I thought this article that highlighted bringing red into a home - both inside and outside - based on style was a fresh approach and emphasized choosing the right "hue" of red source .

Choose Your Style to Find the Right Red 

Contemporary design incorporates neutral elements with pops of bold color, often red.
 

On the door: Bold, bright red 

Inside: Bright red shades in a pillow, rug or throw 

Modern design calls for all kinds of reds: from primary hues to classic shades with burgundy or brown undertones.
 

On the door: Any red you love that makes a statement. 


Inside: Consider injecting red through a painting or piece of art. 

Traditional design stays away from primary reds and instead involves burgundy or black tones.
 

On the door: A deep, rich red. 


Inside: Decorate with Oriental rugs injected with darker reds.

Transitional design relies on a neutral palette, a perfect canvas for pops of red.
 

On the door: Match this red to hues you use 

Inside the home, or skip the red door entirely to keep a more neutral theme. 


Inside: Choose a softer and more indirect approach like a red lamp or piece of art. 

Country reds are chalkier and softer: Think barn or scarlet reds. Choose reds with pinkish and purplish hues, like the color of a ripening apple. 

On the door: Barn red. 

Inside: Accessorize with country reds in knickknacks and fabrics.

I found a lot of great ideas about how to incorporate red into any decor as well as inspiring images.  Here are a few sources - Country Living  and House Beautiful.

And here are some images that grabbed my attention - of course, many of them are of upholstered pieces - what else?  All are located on my pinterest page - Sources.

Love the lively mixture of patterns here although it is a bold traditional look with a hint of country! 

This could be my chair! 

This piece looks like it has be refurbished with a red chalk paint and dark wax overlay - I like it!

Sweet polka-dots - I would call this a transitional look.

Interesting variation on chairs - this looks very contemporary to me. 

A great transitional look against a very neutral palette.

This one looks modern to me - love those bright red chairs. 

Contemporary or modern - either way!

AI love these loveseat/sofas and their cheery pillows but am not sure about the background/drapes on this one - transitional, I guess! 

Great pattern mixing going on here although a little too much for me!

Since I already have a lot of deep reds in my traditional/transitional home including three Chinese red rugs, I naturally am drawn to these color palettes. What do you think about the liberal use of red in a home ?