The shiny red pitcher and glasses and retro red dots and spirals add excitement to the neutral wood shelves in this bar. The pink pitcher and yellow glasses are harmonious and pleasing, and the complementary blues and greens make them pop.

Red drapes and piano
Linda used red Osborne & Little Chinoiserie fabric to make the vibrant drapes in this formal living room. Their gold trim, the persimmon lampshade, and the gold & orange harlequin stool provide the harmony, green ceramic vase and stems create contrast, and the black piano anchors the colorful yet elegant room.

Red Sectional
Linda’s clients needed a kid-proof yet comfortable place to spread out in the family’s rec room. She covered the gold leather sectional’s bench cushions in red and plaid and added a striped shade. The fun fabrics and artwork are anchored by the black chest with its colorful knobs, a black and white throw, and a black lumbar pillow.
The Romance of
RED
 
February is the month of red. Roses... ribbons... rubies… red is everywhere. And while you may not be planning to redecorate your home in honor of Valentine’s Day, it does seem like a good time to revisit one of the most popular topics Linda addresses in her work - color.
 
How can you use bold colors, such as red, in your home? The answer can be found on our old friend, the color wheel.
 
Linda’s advice for making strong colors work is to create harmony, which pleases the eye, and contrast, which complements the color and makes it pop.
 
12 part color wheel
 
To create harmony, surround your bold color choice with analogous colors - those within one or two places of it on a 12-part color wheel. Next, add contrast with complementary colors – those opposite each other on the color wheel. Finally, ground your color scheme with neutrals such as grays and browns or, as Linda did here, use black which integrates all colors. The result is a colorful room that reflects your personal taste and makes a statement, but doesn’t overpower the senses.
  
Here are six examples of ways Linda used red for that WOW factor in styles from fun to formal to French. Now that you know how it's done, why not add a little romance to your life?
 
 
"Red is the ultimate cure for sadness."
 
- Bill Blass    
 
 
Bi-Color Chair
Can’t decide? Split the difference.  Linda really had fun with this bi-color chair. It works because the red and gold are analogous, the blues and greens in the pillow and plant provide contrast, and the black and white throw grounds the palette.

Red and Gold Blanket Cover
Pale gold walls and window shades create a serene background, while a red blanket cover, red leopard box spring ruffle, and red striped draperies pop against the neutrals in this sophisticated master bedroom.

A French secretary becomes a dramatic display cabinet when painted Chinese red with a black interior and a mysterious green door. Try this technique on a funky old piece of furniture that has seen a better day. You have nothing to lose, and may gain a new treasure.