The combination of red, orange and yellow is easy on the eyes.

Red is a colour not meant for the faint at heart. Dynamic, optimistic and impulsive, it stands out defiant and bold. Those who embrace this colour have found it to be one of the most transforming, stimulating and dramatic colours ever used. Not only does it encourage activities but it also increases alertness and excitement.

However, not everyone can tolerate a red environment, but for those who can, a dramatic environment can be created by using any member of the red family, in almost anywhere of the house, on a featured wall or all the walls of an area to create a warm and embracing atmosphere.

Brighter reds can be used on living rooms walls to add pizzazz, but for a more formal and sophisticated atmosphere, a darker more burgundy shade would be appropriate. In the dinning room, walls red will add warmth, increase appetite and conversation. If you choose to use red in your bedroom it can give you a rush and create a sensual vibe. It's the ideal backdrop for furnishings made from wood, metal or rich and luxurious fabric. If you want to work with the colour red effectively, there are a number of colour schemes you can select from the colour wheel, for red to create a desired atmosphere.

Monochromatic scheme

Red is the ideal backdrop for furnishings made from wood, metal or rich and luxurious fabric. - Contributed photos

Red working with its tints, tones or shades gives a relaxed and sensuous feeling, ideal for the room you want to create a calm and tranquil mood.

Complementary scheme

Red and green, colours that are opposite on the colour wheel, are an exciting scheme to work with it and provide a wonderful contrast. When using this scheme one of the colours should be dominant and the other used as an accent creating a colour combination that is exciting.

Analogous scheme

Choose red and watch your space come to life.

Red, orange and yellow are colours that are neighbours on the colour wheel. A combination of these colours is easy on the eyes, since they naturally flow from one to the other creating a harmonious space.

Triadic scheme

Red, yellow and blue are three primary colours that create a dynamic combination. This scheme is stimulating and bold. These colours are completely different from each other but form a unique trio.

Now that you are stimulated go ahead and turn up the temperature in your home by splashing some red around.

Window treatment courtesy of Sharon Interior Décor

Send your queries and feedback to Sharon Lowe at sharonintdec@yahoo.com