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.
(Image credit: Horst P. Horst/Conde Nast via Getty Images)
Alma Wall Light with Dimmer
This beautiful and functional dimmer light incorporates both white and red into your living room with a modern sensibility. It’s perfect if you’re looking for an understated pop of the bright hue.
This beautiful and beveled table has an interesting shape to add visual contrast to any space. The unique design would be gorgeous next to a red sofa.
Burgundy Striped Large Lacquered Ottoman Tray
A beautiful tray is the perfect accent for incorporating a pop of red in any space. This one is sized for an ottoman, making it perfect for a living room.
Over the years, the way Vreeland decorated with red inspired some of the chicest minds in design. It elicited the creation of a 2012 documentary about the space featuring iconic designers like Carolina Herrera and Anna Sui. It cemented Billy Baldwin as a design giant. It even came up in my interview with Rachel Antonoff. Whether you choose to go for a pop of red, or color drench an entire space with it, Vreeland’s home is a reminder not to be afraid of the powerful hue, but to embrace it.
In case all this hasn’t convinced you to go out and swath your entire home in scarlet, I’ll leave you with a quote that might. Vreeland is recorded as stating: ‘Red is the great clarifier – bright, cleansing, revealing. It makes all colors beautiful. I can’t imagine being bored with it. It would be like becoming tired of the person you love.’
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