1
Select tones of red that you find appealing. Red with orange undertones works well with country and nautical interiors. It can give a space a more intimate feeling. Red with blue undertones, such as burgundy and fuchsia, has a deeper, cooler effect. Red with brown undertones looks earthier and evokes Tuscan villas, Spanish haciendas and French chateaus.
2
Paint red on an accent wall. Rather than dominate a room with red, dedicate a single wall, architectural detail or stenciled wall trim to the color. Reds with orange undertones look good against white, pale yellow, stone gray or natural hues. A deep red with blue undertones works with dark hardwood, espresso brown, indigo, silver and cream. Rustic reds look their best with antique white, pale yellow, faded blue, soft poppy seed black, cobalt and bottle green.
3
Create a red focal point. A red sculpture, chandelier, series of pendant lights or couch draws attention to that part of the room. In a monochromatic room of blacks, whites and grays, a red table, chair or mirror frame adds flourish. In an urban loft conversion, red warms the preponderance of industrial building materials and metallic surfaces. A highly lacquered red furniture frame, complemented with black and gold, has a classic Chinese look.
4
Integrate spots of red with textiles and artwork. An embroidered wall hanging with a red background has a subtler effect than a red accent wall. Underfoot, red Oriental carpets give rooms warmth and texture. Red frames can define a series of black and white prints or photographs.
