Color Inspiration: Red

Red has become synonymous with February so I put together an inspiration board using the crimson hue. Red is a favorite color of mine... as it serves as my company name, a tribute to my coloring and an oft-used moniker. Red is often used in events during the holidays, but I find it to be a stunning color for fall as well as a great accent color for other times of year. Pair it with chocolate brown, navy, black, ivory, gold, oranges/hot pinks and shades/half tones.

But, before I display an Event & Entertaining Inspiration Board (below), let's learn more about the color: *

Love and War: Red is hot. It's a strong color that conjures up a range of seemingly conflicting emotions from passionate love to violence and warfare. Red is associated with Cupid but also the Devil.

Nature of Red: A stimulant, red is the hottest of the warm colors. Studies show that red can have a physical effect, increasing the rate of respiration and raising blood pressure. The expression seeing red indicates anger and may stem not only from the stimulus of the color but from the natural flush (redness) of the cheeks, a physical reaction to anger, increased blood pressure, or physical exertion.

Culture of Red: Red is power, hence the red power tie for business people and the red carpet for celebrities and VIPs (very important people). In some cultures, red denotes purity, joy, and celebration. Red is the color of happiness and prosperity in China and may be used to attract good luck.

Red is often the color worn by brides in the East while it is the color of mourning in South Africa. And, the red Ruby is the traditional 40th wedding anniversary gift.

Red Words: These words are synonymous with red or represent various shades of the color: Scarlet, crimson, vermillion, carmine, maroon, burgundy, ruby, rose, madder, rouge, brick, blood red, blush, cinnabar, russet, rust, Venetian red, flame, Indian red.

Photo credits: Top (L-R): BT Elements, French Martini w/ Raspberry Chambord, JCrew; Bottom (L-R): Yumsugar.com Governor's Ball; Red Velvet Sweets Tray.

*Red Color Meaning Information above provided by Jacci Howard Bear on about.com