Color Obsession: Why Red Rocks

Photo from CB2

I think it was the uber-stylish Margaret Russell, editor of Elle Décor, who once said that every room looks better with some red in it.

And she's right. Red adds drama, glamor, sexiness, and sophistication to any space. This bold, hot hue is especially welcome during the winter months, when the world outside our doors is cold, bleak, and color-drained. Plus, as you can see from the photos above and below, red is equally at home in a modern or traditional setting.

Photo from House Beautiful

From cerise to garnet to vermilion, the color pairs exceptionally well with a variety of other hues -- from basic black and white to warm camels and taupes to cool silvers and grays to neutral sages and sky blues to poppy yellows and aquas to rich, royal blues and greens. Because red is such a stimulating and potentially overpowering shade, though, remember that a little bit goes a long way.

A look at current accessories, textiles, and furnishing that will help you bring a touch of red's signature verve your own abode:

Diamond Pillow, $99 from Room+Board; Jonathan Adler Apple Pillow, $95; Thomas Paul Dervish Pillow, $96 from Velocity; Raspberry Mu and Zig Zag Pillows, from Madeline Weinrib; Leather Pouf, $75 at Authentic Morocco; Judy Ross Spray Pillow, $190, and Japanese Floral Pillow, $90, from Weego Home

Tube Top Table Lamp, $99 at Room+Board; Murano Glass Chandelier, $2,900 at Design Within Reach; Stout Pot Table Lamp, $177 at Bellacor; Kulla Lamp, $50 at IKEA

Katrin Fabric, $6 a yard at IKEA; Acorn Filigree Fabric, $14 a yard from Lewis & Sharon Textiles; Marimekko Lumimarja Fabric, $38 a yard at Kiitos

notNeutral Letters Napkin Set, $28 at Design Public; Vine Ripe Tablecloth, $30 to $50; Hemp Tea Towel, $24 at French General

Red Mohair Throw, $98 from Graham & Green; Reversible Bamboo/Cotton Throw, $39 from West Elm; Red Squared Blanket, $325 from Sweetfeltgoods

Hable Construction Ruby Mum Stretched Canvas, $45; Round Scalloped Tray, $32 at Decorative Things; Floral Square Salad Plates, $26 for four, and Lacquer Nesting Boxes, $20 for three, from West Elm; IKEA Stockholm Vase, $35

Party Girl Wallpaper, $150 per roll at Flavor Paper; Flower Field Wall Stickers, $60 from Ferm Living; Orla Kiely Stem Wallpaper, $88 a roll at Anthropologie; Florence Broadhurst Circles & Squares Wallpaper and Moulin Rouge Wallpaper, each $448 a roll at Woodson & Rummerfield

Mandala Rug, from Madeline Weinrib; Diamond Indoor/Outdoor Rug, $34 to $495 from Dash & Albert; Angela Adams Kenga Rug, $70 to $1,550 at Design Public; Hedda Rug, $249 at IKEA; Coqo Floral Rug, $78 to $898 at Anthropologie

Hippie Dining Chair, $119 from CB2; Emile Chair, $198 at Anthropologie; Philippe Starck Victoria Ghost Chair, $279 at Unica Home; Truss Cafe Chair, $279 at Design Public; Midcentury Sofa, $480 from Urban Outfitters

Ukiyo Table, $598 at Anthropologie; Chunky Console Table and Curved Leg Coffee Table, both $299 at West Elm; Offi Magazine Table, $149 at 2Modern

Philippe Starck La Boheme 3 Stool, $182 at Hive Modern; Spool Stool, $270 from House Eclectic; Fiberglass Coffee Table, $200 from White on White

Kartell Componibili Modular Units, $105 to $145 at Hive Modern; Linnarp Bookcase, $349 at IKEA; Olauf Cabinet, $698 at Anthropologie

Floral Bed Cover, $450 at French General; Suzani Quilt, $120 from Urban Outfitters; Gova Curtain, $50, and Chinoiserie Bed, $1,898 to $1,998, both from Anthropologie

P.S. Red not revving your engine? Check out my posts on Yellow, Black, Lime, and Turquoise.