Utilizing the ‘Unexpected Red’ Theory in Your Home

If you follow interior design accounts on social media, you might be familiar with the newly coined “unexpected red theory”. Depending on who you ask, it's the secret to making any space look instantly cooler and more put-together. What is the theory, exactly? Well, it's essentially tossing anything that's red—be it big or small—into a room where it doesn't match, thus transforming the space in an instant.

Content creator and interior decorator Taylor Simon is often credited with the theory. And she says that adding just one pop of red to a room enhances the vibe immensely. The unexpected color looks intentional and makes a space feel fresh and unique. After bouncing around TikTok for nearly a year, it's still making waves in the interior design scene. Plus, it's earned the stamp of approval from design gods like Nate Berkus. “I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually into this red thing,” Berkus recently shared. He makes a distinction that the unexpected red theory doesn't refer to a red color drenched room, but a simple “line of red” that feels almost surprising.

The nice thing is that you can start with your existing palette. If your room is muted (greys, beiges or wood tones), the red piece will really pop. Then pull in one red item. It could be a lamp, a mirror or frame, or an accent piece of furniture. Ensure it's placed where the eye naturally lands.

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