With Canada Day as inspiration, what could be a better time to add a little red to your home? Red is the colour of passion, excitement and of course for Canadians, the colour of patriotism. So hang your Maple Leaf flag proudly over your front door and inject a little red into your living space. Long after Canada Day is over, you’ll enjoy the rich beauty of red. Here are a few suggestions on how to decorate with red!

Use Red Sparingly. Red is a very intense colour, so use it discriminately. Too much red will make a room feel restless rather than relaxed. Go subtle. Maybe an accent wall versus a whole room of red. Maybe a single red armchair versus a whole living room suite.

Experiment with Shades of Red. Bright cherry red, orange red, burgundy red, pink red – there’s a red for every taste and home. Modern homes are often better suited to vivid jolts of red, while traditional homes work well with muted shades – but really, it’s all in the balance and in choosing a red you love.

Try Red Outside. A garden filled with red flowers is nothing short of joyous. Paired with a bright red front door, the welcome is both beautiful and dramatic. TIP: Try painting a cast iron bench red!

Add Red Accessories. Choose red home accessories for a pop of colour! There are the tried and true options like bed linens, draperies and cushions, but how about something unique like red candles, red lamp bases or small red appliances?

Consider Red Furniture. A few statement furnishings in red add glamour to a home. Choose a gorgeous red chest of drawers, an accent chair or recliner, an ottoman or even a red bench at the base of your bed. Quality, well crafted red furnishings have timeless appeal.

Pair Red with Neutrals. To keep red toned down, pair it with neutrals like grey, beige and taupe. Black and white may be a little harsh unless you like a very contemporary vibe. TIP: Chocolate brown looks incredible with some reds.

Pair Red with Natural Materials. Red contrasts elegantly with natural materials and textures like wood floors, stone/brick walls and metallics. Used judiciously, the result is sensual and sophisticated.

Define a Space with Red. Because of its ability to draw the eye, red is an excellent way to define or divide a space. For example, red backs on bookcases highlight the contents; a single red wall can mark a new room in an open floor plan; a red rug delineates a conversation space. TIP: Hang black and white photos on a red accent wall.

Choose Red Patterns. Red doesn’t always have to be used as a solid colour. Red florals and chintzes are on trend while red stripes have classic appeal. Perhaps the most famous red pattern is gingham, still charming and popular.