Red colors are known to actually raise body temperature. In tests it has been shown that red prompts the heart rate to speed up, which causes adrenalin to be released into the bloodstream, thus increasing body temperature.
This is why many people find a this color room somewhat overpowering, unless the red is balanced by a more restful interior design color. If you want to use a strong version of it, then use it on small areas such as paintwork, or introduce it in a rug or large picture.
You can use red if you want a room to have impact. It's often used in dining rooms, where you're normally busy eating and chatting with other family members or friends. When you're concentrating on another activity you aren't too aware of the surrounding decor. Or use it in a cloakroom or hallway, somewhere you visit briefly.
It usually comes into its own when used as an accent color in flower arrangements, pictures, pillows and especially area rugs.
(Because it is stimulating, red is often used in restaurants. The theory is that it stimulates conversation, which stimulates eating and drinking, which results in people spending more than they intended!)
Video: Modern Red Color Home Interior decor & design
Deep colored dining room walls make for an ideal place for eating. Meals are often taken in dim lighting conditions, and the deep colors give a sense of intimacy. If you wanted to make more of a feature in this room, you could paint the panel edges in white, which would set them off against the darker walls. Although the rug contains the wall color, it is played down and gives less of a dramatic effect.
Video: painting - Working with RED colors. You might think that if you use a deep red for painting a wall, you'll only need one or maybe two coats of paint. But take a look at this video for some insights from a professional decorator.
Even in dim light this room feels warm and inviting. The upholstery cloth used for the chairs brings in the same color in the pattern.
There's an easy way to make sure the paint colors you select will look great in your home. Sometimes you find you run out of ideas, and when you do see something you like, you're not sure it will work in your situation.
The Shortcut to Perfect Paint Colors - Paint Color Cheat Sheets
