When you think of a color combination for your entire interior, blue and red are probably not the first colors that come to mind. While saturated primary colors often conjure up images of nostalgia and Americana style, this once-beloved color combination has been replaced in recent years by more subtle hues.
That being said, I noticed that blue and red are showing up again, but it’s not like I knew this color combination before. Instead of extremely saturated and vibrant schemes, decorating with blue and red has been reimagined to work as a stylish combination with variations of these two color trends.
We’re intrigued by this unexpected color combination, so we’ve rounded up some of our favorite projects that are channeling it right now. Read on for inspiration on how to incorporate this nostalgic combination into your fall color scheme.
How to decorate stylishly with blue and red this fall
“Red and blue are opposite ends of the color wheel, but when used judiciously, they can create amazing balance in your interior design,” explains Miami-based interior designer Ania Aghadi.
(Image credit: Cathy Nordstrom/Fanny Radvik)
“Their contrasts bring out a dynamic energy, but when combined correctly, they harmonize beautifully,” continues Ania. “Blue is a cool, calming color that evokes tranquility, while red is warm and bold and represents energy and passion.” Together, they create a balance between blue as a base for a space and red as a vibrant focal point. Creates a perfect dynamic balance. ”
1. Use red in small amounts
(Image credit: James Thomas, photo Wener Straube)
As The Unexpected Red Theory proves to us all, you don’t need a ton of red to make an impact. Decorating with red sparingly creates a calm atmosphere based on blue without making it too lively.
“Blue and red always look good together,” James Thomas designer Tom Riker tells me. “For many clients, red can be difficult to use as the main color in a room, but when used sparingly alongside blue, it shines.”
“In this great room, the interplay of blue and red infuses the space with a playful and preppy spirit while maintaining a sense of classic sophistication,” adds Tom. “Here, red is used in the cord trim on the pillows and the accent trim on the lampshade. It’s also used as the accent color on the light fixtures and as the base color for the accent pillows on each couch.
Carys contrast linen pillow
I love the idea of using this dark brick colored pillow to add red to your plans in a subtle and lively way.
2. Choose a very light blue color.
(Image credit: Allito Spaces, photography James Furman)
When sourcing the right blue paint for your red and blue color scheme, you don’t have to go for vibrant neutrals, especially if like me you prefer a more neutral vibe. If you want a more timeless and calming look, choose a pale blue paint that essentially acts as a neutral across the walls.
This approach is reminiscent of coastal color schemes and takes cues from nature when decorating with blue.
“In this home, we chose to use pops of red to add just the right amount of contrast to a blue-saturated space,” says designer Alison Garrison of Allito Spaces. “By limiting the amount of red and combining it with soft blues, we avoided ocean areas and instead made this coastal space a calm space with an edge.” When using blue and red, I I love doing it in unexpected ways. ”
To create a similar look, choose a calm, airy, pale blue paint color like Farrow & Ball’s Borrowed Light.
Borrowed Light, Farrow & Ball
I would love to see this delicate pale blue paint applied all over the walls of the living room to create a calming atmosphere. Try pairing it with raspberry red for a simple twist on this color combination.
3. Team Blue and Red and Classic White
(Image credit: Diane Rath/The Rath Project, photography Erin Kestenbaum)
“Red and blue is a classic combination that suggests traditional Americana-type decor, Scandinavian style, or a cool postmodern aesthetic,” says Diane Rath, founder and principal designer of The Rath Project. Masu.
“Both are bold primary colors that have been used together in decoration and art for centuries, so not only have we learned to be comfortable together, but they also represent a combination of cool and cool.” We are naturally drawn to this pair because of their “warm unity,” Diane added.
I get a lot of inspiration from this living room. A dark red rug and dark teal blue accent chair add interest to the neutral color scheme of the white walls and decor. These two colors are so bold that they risk overwhelming a room with too many competing colors, but adding classic white here balances out the scheme and creates a visual break. Masu.
I love teal right now. It’s the perfect color for fall. This pillow is a modern take on this color combination.
4. Use red and blue to create a colorful bedroom
(Image credit: Sarah Vaile, photography Michael Kaskel)
Most of us (myself included) tend to stick to safe neutrals when thinking of bedroom color ideas. However, red and blue work just as well in this restful space. The key to doing this successfully is to choose a bright variation of the two shades to give a cozy atmosphere.
For this uplifting bedroom, interior designer Sarah Weil shares how patterned decor served as a starting point for a blue and red color scheme.
“This Schumacher fabric by Molly Mahon inspired the red and blue color palette,” says the Chicago-based designer. “Our client instantly fell in love with this fabric and knew that the bedroom walls should feature airy periwinkle blue trim to balance out the earthy persimmon-colored flowers. It is tempting to think that there are no more two colors that are naturally complementary, such as the color of water.
Poppy twig wallpaper, GP & J Baker
Create a similar look with this patterned wallpaper. A great way to add interest to your vintage bedroom plans.
Decorating in blue and red may seem surprising, but I love the cozy and nostalgic feel of it. Whether you choose the brightest shade of blue and pair it with raspberry red for a subtle look, or embrace richer teals and dark reds, this color trend will add interest to your home this fall. I’m sure I’ll add it.
