Color 101: Red Interiors

I've been in a rather festive mood lately with it officially being December and Christmas only 22 days away! To kick off the holiday season I decided to do a post on the color Red and the various effects it has on us psychologically, especially when used in interiors. Here are some fun facts about this powerful color:

• Red has the opposite effect of blue; it's the warmest and most energetic color in the spectrum
  
• It increases blood pressure and respiration rate
• Red Increases enthusiasm
• Red Encourages action and confidence
• Provides a sense of protection from fears and anxiety
• Red makes people lose track of time and stimulates appetite
• Red is a powerful color so it's generally best used as an accent...however, certain shades like orange-red and brown-red may be muted; they are cozy, comforting earth colors like terra cottas, brick, and cinnabar
• Using red makes a powerful statement, so red furniture and accessories should be clean and in good condition. Ratty red furniture is likely to look REALLY ratty...not just marginally ratty
• Red is the highest arc of the rainbow
• Red is the first color you lose sight of at twilight
• Feng shui recommends painting the front door of a home red to invite prosperity to the residents.
• Bees can't see the color red, but they can see all other bright colors. Red flowers are usually pollinated by birds, butterflies, bats, and wind, rather than bees
• Red would not be the color of choice for psychiatric wards, prisons or a hospital
  
• FACT CREDITS VIA: DEMESNE.COM & SENSATIONAL COLOR.COM
  

PHOTO CREDITS: HOUSE TO HOME UK & LIVING, ETC.