And it stands out distinctly from other shades of red. Helen Shaw, director of marketing at Benjamin Moore, spotlights the impact of this specific hue. “Deep cherry red tones can heighten the drama of any room with its trace of violet giving it a sophisticated allure. This differs from the more earthy end of the red spectrum, where muted rusty tones can evoke an easy-going, inviting vibe that blends beautifully with brown, taupe and wood.”
Rather than adding garish gloss to a space, incorporating this shade will bring vibrance and comfort – especially when styled with warm, complementary hues. The secret to styling success? Embracing the ‘less is more’ approach.
Instead of committing to an entire room in this vibrant shade, opt for subtle accents. A few well-placed touches, such as cushions, blankets, vases, or some cute kitsch accessories are what to look out for.
“Adding a dash of this bold tone via artwork, smaller furniture or the inside of a painted window frame, results in a scheme that’s both grounding and dynamic yet doesn’t overwhelm the space.” explains Helen.
Cherry red shines brilliantly in a bedroom, in the form of a bedside lamp or a duvet cover, or in a living room as a sleek side table or a scene-stealing rug. However, its impact shouldn’t be overlooked in other areas of your home. “Consider incorporating this shade in the kitchen, cherry red kitchenware, such as mixers or kettles, can make for an eye-catching statement,” advises Dayna.
Now for the practical considerations. Cherry red is a striking colour, but it’s easy to overdo it if you’re not careful. One common mistake is using too much of it in one space. Cherry red is bold and has high-energy, so it’s important to use it thoughtfully, in smaller doses.
As Dayna explains, “Pairing it with too many other vibrant colours can lead to everything being chaotic. Instead, balance the intensity of cherry red with softer, grounding neutrals or deep blues, which will complement without competing,” she advises.
When cherry red is paired with softer, muted tones like pastels or warm neutrals, it creates a balanced, cosy atmosphere, as well as making it easier to integrate into more minimalistic interiors as an eye-catching accent colour.
It can feel playful or grown-up, depending on how it’s used. Its versatility spans across seasons too — it’s a cosy, warming hue for the cooler months but also works beautifully in the summer, where natural sunlight enhances its rich tones. The opportunities are endless.