RED CARPETS FOR THE HOME: TIPS FOR USE AND GIFT IDEAS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY
Red textiles, furnishings and are red wallpapers for the home a gamble or a good idea?
It depends on how they are dosed and used.
Surely if we are talking about large accessories, the use of red becomes a real style statement, but you should not overdo it. In addition, you need to know how to choose the right shade of red and how to match it.
Are you a lover of the colour red but, for the reasons just mentioned, are afraid of making mistakes and overdoing it?
We have created this guide to help you conquer your fear!
The choice to talk to you about this colour comes from the time of year we are at.
It is not Christmas, but another festival is approaching that makes love a cornerstone. We mainly refer to romantic love, but we like to think of Valentine's Day as the feast of those who feel love, with all the facets that this feeling has and can have.
On 14 February, everything is painted red, flowers or chocolates are given, love cards are exchanged and dinners and evenings are held to celebrate. This is the case in many parts of the world, although not everyone knows the origins of this holiday. Although in modern tradition it is an event marked by sweetness, in reality, it has its roots in events that are anything but romantic.
In fact, as with any self-respecting tradition, there are different hypotheses about its origins. Some say Valentine's Day derives from a pagan festival called Lupercalia, which in ancient Rome celebrated fertility around mid-February. Others claim it is a Christian day dedicated to the memory of the martyrdom of a saint who bore the name Valentine. Still others believe it is a festivity of Anglo-Saxon origin, taken from the poems of Geoffrey Chaucer who, in the poem Parliament of the Birds speaks of February as the mating season, inspired by the customs associated with the world of birds.
Now, after this brief introduction on its origins, let's take note of what this holiday is nowadays: the day of love yes, but also a commercial occasion, now since the beginning of the 20th century.
A time of year when buying something red is almost a must. But why only give this colour the attention on Valentine's Day and Christmas?
Red carpets for the home: do you know the meaning of the colour?
If there are certain colours that never go unnoticed (and in fashion), one of them is red. As far as its use in the home is concerned, there is a fine line between a wow result and a misstep.
It is necessary to start with an analysis of the various types of red, to understand, first of all, which one YOU like best, then to ask yourself to what extent it matches the finishes already present in the house or in the rooms in which you intend to use it (e.g. the tone of the parquet floor, the colour of the furniture in your kitchen, etc.) and, finally, what significance the choice of one shade rather than another brings.
Passion, strength and intensity.
Red represents Love, but also War. It tirelessly draws attention to itself and undoubtedly wears an aura of warmth. Is it by chance that red is the colour of two winter festivities? We think not!
What types of red to use at home?
When we talk about red, we tend to think of the classic vermilion red, bright and bold.
But there is not just one red. Depending on the saturation and brightness, it is declined into a world of sub-tones. Each of them can have different visual effects and, especially in the home, can also influence the mood and psyche of those exposed to them.
It would take hours to analyse all the existing shades and we don't want to go into too much detail here.
We will just make a primary division, distinguishing warm reds from cool reds and light, medium and dark reds.
Some shades of red have a yellow component within them, which is useful for making the colour warmer and more enveloping. Others tend towards violet and blue, making them cooler. In terms of brightness, light reds include coral red, raspberry red and strawberry red. Among the medium (closer to orange) we find vermilion, brick and rust. Among the darker ones are burgundy, burgundy and burgundy.
You can use any type of red in the home, what makes the difference is how you use it!
Generally, the rule is to choose darker tones where spaces are larger and brighter, and lighter ones in smaller spaces or those with little natural light. Also, whatever your choice, don't overdo it: a colour such as red (in any declination) in a room can be present but occupy no more than 30-40% of the colour palette.
Find out where it looks best in the next paragraph.
How to use red in the home with the help of textiles and carpets
Red in the home? For us, it is a big YES.
In addition to the right proportions, you have to pay attention to the room you want to use it in: it is more suitable for a kitchen and less so for a bedroom, for example. The kitchen is an energetic and convivial place, the bedroom is a place of calm and relaxation.
For this reason, we recommend using it mainly in the kitchen or living area, where textiles, furnishing accessories and red home carpets can look their best!
In the kitchen it is easy to match even without using it on the walls or without choosing an all-red kitchen, which could get tired over time. If you want to put it 'painlessly' in this room, it is very simple. Choose a red kitchen wallpaper in a plain or patterned colour, add tea towels, tablecloths and placemats, centrepiece runners, recipe books and small kitchen utensils in the same shade. If the brightness of your room allows it, you can also use it for curtains, but in light, muted tones.
In the bathroom you can play with sponges and towels, small accessories and candles and, again, with bath mats and non-slip mats for the shower or bath.
In the living room, one of the pieces of furniture that can most help you define the character of the room is the decorating mat. If you have a light-coloured sofa and your walls are painted in a neutral colour, using a rug with red tones can really help to shake up the room. Remember that the carpet will still have to recall at least one other element of the same colour so as not to look 'randomly placed'. You can rely on plaids, vases and ornaments.
Some gift ideas for Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day, however it is interpreted, is loved by some... and by others less so.
If you love it and experience it as a special day for you and someone you love, you will certainly be planning something.
Even then, everyone's modus operandi is different: some exchange a gift, some are more sentimental and opt for a letter and a box of chocolates, some organise a special outing or some organise an intimate, romantic dinner at home.
Here are a few "homey" ideas for this Valentine's Day and for those who love the colour red:
- A gift for the home, especially if it is your love nest or if your she or he cherishes home decor, is always a welcome gift.
As we have seen in this article, one of the best ways to incorporate your favourite colour into your home (in today's case, the colour red) is to use furnishing accessories and home carpets that recall it.
Doormats, kitchen rugs, bathroom rugs in particular: these are indispensable complements because they have a practical and not just decorative role. A furnishing carpet can be a more complicated choice because it influences the style of the entire room in a much more pronounced way. It would therefore be preferable to have it chosen by the person concerned. Don't worry, we have the solution: a gift card!
- A gift card (or gift card) is always a welcome gift because the person receiving it can freely choose what to buy. It turns out to be a great way to tell someone 'I love you' by giving them what they need, but leaving them free to choose it.
Gift cards are a fresh addition to our e-commerce. Click here to discover them: GIFT CARDS.
- Organise a romantic dinner at home by choosing your favourite dishes... or the ones you ate on your first date! You can turn your living room into a cinema and create an alternative, different evening. Fill the carpet in the living room with cushions, equip yourself with a plaid, some snacks and something to sip on. Play a home-made film on TV with photos of your travels or important moments in your history together... or switch on one of the many streaming services and choose a romantic film.
Here we leave you with a few ideas of films perfect for the occasion: FILM.