Diana Vreeland’s living room is a masterclass in red

The widespread embrace of ‘the unexpected red theory’ – which advocates for integrating a pop of red into every room – proves something Homes & Gardens has known for years: our love affair with red interiors is far from over. Though TikToker Taylor Simon popularized the theory in the modern day, she wasn’t the first to harness the power of color in her interiors. In the mid-20th century, Diana Vreeland was the first to use the color as a full-room statement.

The legendary editor’s living room idea is a phenomenon. While working with the iconic interior designer Billy Baldwin in 1955, she famously told him that she wanted the space to ‘look like a garden, but a garden in hell.’ In his 1947 memoir, Baldwin wrote: ‘I knew what that meant: red.’ He got to work. He covered the walls, curtains, and furniture with red chintz from London decorator John Fowler, according to the LA Times.

Baldwin’s stunning design doesn’t stop at the living room color; Vreeland’s space incorporates almost every bold accent known to the design world. Her sanctuary includes a mirrored wall, crystal sconces, sculptures, paintings, and crocheted blankets. The sofa, decorative pillows, and decorative accents are as scarlet as the walls.