Red: Not Just for Fire Engines

Red is a fantastic color – so versatile. Red runs the gamut from the bright stoplight variety to soft, subtle shades. It works equally well outside and inside, in modern and traditional homes, in kids’ rooms or very adult spaces. One small shot of red can energize an entire aesthetic, and four solid red walls can have an almost calming effect.

There are so many ways to use red – in my house, I’ve painted a tiny bathroom an electric shade of the color and accessorized with funny black and white postcards. I love it. Here are some of my other favorite uses of the color:

Kit Pollard

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I love the way the red over this modern fireplace is echoed by the outside wall. It's also neatly complemented byt the green, orange and red artwork. While red with green often evokes a Christmassy feel, using the right shades of the contrasting colors adds energy to a space.

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These red light fixtures are so cool. Imagine the room with white or clear lights - it's got a whole different feel. Bold red gives the room a fresh, young, in-your-face feel.

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Again, using red in small doses adds personality. In this case, red kitchen chairs liven up a black and white kitchen. The bonus here is that the chairs can easily be swapped out for a different color or style to change the whole feel of the room.

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The bathroom is a great place for little splashes of red - they're exciting and fresh. Here, a red vanity and wall cabinet brings life to a black and white space.

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Red is a great color in dining rooms of any design. Here, a darker red - usually more traditional - is matched with simple furniture, a mirror and cool lighting fixtures. The result is an eclectic mix of conservative and current.

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In this open space, a red sofa adds personality and flash. The room's white walls and the understated colors of the artwork are a nice match for the eye-catching sofa. Also, I love that close-up of the Mona Lisa.

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This room's red is both bright and traditional. It's kept light by a wall of glass, but is neatly offset by conservative drapes and furniture.

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Red kitchens are interesting to me - depending on the shade, red can lend a room a traditional country air, or an extremely modern one, like this room. Bright red with blue undertones pops against a somber gray wall and reflects beautifully against a dark floor.

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Brick red is a natural fit for exteriors. This modern home uses the color in an unexpected and interesting way, setting it off with the blue of the pool and yellow accents.

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Red's energy is natural for kids' rooms, like this one. The wall and bedspread are nicely balanced by the white wall, light wood and colorful accessories - the room feels like fun.