How I Use Red in Kitchen Decor – 32 Bold Ideas!

Alright. So you wanna add a splash of red to your kitchen. Mhmm. But you’re, Yeah. You know, hesitant about it.

Right. You don’t wanna go overboard. Yeah. You don’t wanna go full fire truck red. Exactly.

And that’s where this article Right. Decor, 32 bold ideas from Cardinal Memorials Yeah. Really spoke to me. I love this article. It’s so smart how they really focus on using red strategically.

Yeah. It’s not about, like, just painting the whole kitchen red. Yeah. It’s about finding those little moments of high impact. Yes.

And it’s funny you should say that because one of the things I wrote down Okay. Was this idea of, like, you know, instead of a big red kitchen island Right. It’s the pop of a cherry red KitchenAid mixer. Exactly. It’s like adding a spice to a dish.

You just need a little sprinkle here and there. Yes. Or even just a bowl of apples Yeah. On the counter. Absolutely.

And those small touches, those are what designers call focal points. Okay. They draw the eye in and add personality without being too overwhelming. And they had some really good tips about using red gingham or buffalo chip I absolutely love that. For a farmhouse feel.

Yes. It instantly gives you those cozy vibes, you know, that lived in kind of farmhouse feel. Totally. And it’s interesting how certain color choices can tap into, like, larger design trends Yeah. And even cultural associations.

That’s so true. Like, when you think of gingham, it’s like picnics in grandma’s kitchen. It is. It adds a warmth and nostalgia to the space. Yes.

It creates a whole mood. Exactly. And they made a good point about how red plays well with other colors. It does. They mentioned, you know, the classic white and red Yes.

The bold black and red Mhmm. Even using copper and earthy tones. Right. And that just shows how versatile red can be. It is.

It could be energizing, but also really grounding depending on what you pair it with. So true. Like, imagine a sleek modern kitchen with, like, those sharp red and black accents Okay. Versus, like, a warmer, more inviting space with, like, reds and coppers and natural wood. Right.

Totally different vibes. Totally different vibes. Speaking of vibes, they even suggested red pendant lights above the kitchen island Oh, bold. For a bolder look. I like it.

But for cabinets, they seem to be really into that modern rustic aesthetic. Yeah. You know? Red cabinets with butcher block countertops Yeah. And open shelving.

And what I love is they also suggest within that modern rustic vibe incorporating some vintage touches as well. Alright. So bringing in things like antique signs or using galvanized metal. Oh, cool. It’s about that blend of old and new, sleek and rustic to create a space that feels both stylish and lived in.

Like, don’t be afraid to mix and match. Exactly. But what about those of us who aren’t really into the whole modern rustic thing? That’s a great point. Not everybody is, you know, drawn to that style, and that’s okay.

Right. But the beauty of design principles is that you can adapt them to any aesthetic. Okay. So how would we do that? Well, let’s take that idea of using red accents on the countertop, for example.

Okay. That doesn’t have to be limited to a rustic kitchen. You could have a sleek minimalist kitchen and just have, like, a single striking red vase as, like, a statement piece Oh, like that. Against, like, a crisp white countertop. Very cool.

You see, it’s all about, like, taking that inspiration and translating it for your own style. It’s like taking a recipe and making it your own. Exactly. Okay. So we’ve talked about countertops and cabinets, but what about the kitchen island?

Oh, yeah. That feels like a good spot for some color. Yeah. They had some good ideas for that. They did.

Like, What really stood out to you? Painting the base of the island red. Oh, wow. Now that’s a statement. It is bold.

It is. Yeah. But then they also talked about, like, okay. Maybe if you don’t wanna paint the whole base Right. What about doing a red countertop material Okay.

Like a butcher block, but it’s stained with, like, a rich red hue I like that a lot. Or even just adding some red bar stools. Okay. You know, it’s like giving your island its own little mini makeover. I like that a lot.

Yeah. And it creates, like, a separate zone within the kitchen. Yes. That’s really cool. And if you wanna go even more low key, they talked about using just, like, a simple red tray as a centerpiece Oh, that’s nice.

On the island Yeah. Which I thought was a really nice, like, approachable way to bring in just a touch of red. Yeah. And speaking of approachable, we can’t forget about those red dish towels Yes. And oven mitts.

Such an easy swap. They are so easy. Like, you can instantly change the feel of your kitchen. Right. And you don’t even have to commit Exactly.

To, like, a big No paint involved. No. Just a quick swap. And you could even do, like, seasonal swaps. Oh, I love that.

Could do, like, a red and white stripe for summer cute. And then, like, a cozier plaid Yes. For the holidays. I love that idea. And it makes you think, like, how do you make a color like red, which can be seen as kinda trendy?

Right. How do you make it feel timeless? That’s a good point. And I think what they were suggesting is sticking to those classic color combinations. Yeah.

You know, things that have stood the test of time. Like what? Like red and white red and black. Yeah. Red with those warm, earthy tones.

Yeah. Those are really classic. Yes. Exactly. And I think picking the right red is important too.

It is. Like, are we talking, like, a fire engine red Right. Or more of a burgundy? Which is funny because, you know, they did mention incorporating, like, cardinal themed decor. Oh, yeah.

That’s right. So thinking about, like, the actual bird I love the cardinal stuff. If you’re into nature Yes. Inspired design. Exactly.

And it’s all about making your kitchen reflect you. It is. Yeah. So we’ve covered a lot of ground cabinets, countertops, islands, even dish towels. It’s a lot of red.

What was the most surprising suggestion in this article? You know, I have to say it was the red backsplash. Oh, yeah. They did mention that. Like, using red on the backsplash?

I don’t think I’ve ever seen that. It’s not something you see every day. It’s a But they were talking about, like, Moroccan tiles Okay. Subway tiles, even penny tiles in red, which can be really cool. It could be really cool.

And especially if you have, like, more neutral cabinets Exactly. Like, that would really pop. It would really stand out. That’s a good point. And remember they also mentioned you can always do, like, peel and stick wallpaper Oh, that’s true.

Or decals Yeah. Which is a game changer for renters Or it or people who like to switch things up frequently. You don’t have to commit. You don’t have to commit. It’s, like, tiling your backsplash red.

Exactly. That’s a good point. But you can still get that, like, pop of red. That visual interest. Exactly.

Yeah. I like that a lot. Yeah. It’s all about, like, having fun with it and experimenting. And, honestly, who doesn’t love a little color in their lives?

No. Especially in the kitchen. Especially in the kitchen. Like, that’s where we spend so much time. That’s the heart of the home.

It is so why not make it joyful? Exactly. It really is all about how you style it. You know? What you put around it.

It’s, like, less about copying Yeah. And more about understanding, like, the theory Yes. And then making it your own. Exactly. Like, picture this okay.

You have a bohemian kitchen. Okay. And you’ve got pops of red, but it’s woven through the textiles. Oh, I like that. Like, maybe there’s a vintage rug with this, like, bold red pattern in it.

Mhmm. Or you’ve got some, like, embroidered cushions on the chairs with, like, a little bit of red in them. Yeah. And then you think about, okay. Well, what if I had an ultra modern kitchen?

Okay. And then the only pop of red is this, like, really cool sculptural pendant light Oh, that’s cool. Hanging over, like, a pristine white island. I love that. You see, like, 2 totally different vibes.

Yeah. But that strategic use of red Yeah. It ties it all together. Connects them. I’m really glad you brought that up because it really drives home the point that Yeah.

Red can be energizing, but it can also be grounding. Totally. Uh-huh. Depending on its application. It’s all about how you use it.

Exactly. Okay. So for our listeners out there who are like, yeah. Yes. I wanna add some red to my kitchen.

Yes. What’s, like, the one piece of advice Oh, good question. You would give? I would say don’t be afraid to experiment. Okay.

And you can start small. How small are we talking? Like, swap out a dish towel. Okay. Put a vase of red flowers on your windowsill.

I like it. Or just put out a bowl of red apples. Okay. So easy. So easy.

And just see how it makes you feel. And you know it’s your kitchen. Exactly. So if you love it Go for it. You do you.

There are no hard and fast rules. That’s right. This is just about Guidelines. Guidelines. Yeah.

It’s all about creating a space that makes you happy. That’s what it’s all about. And on that note Yes. Happy decorating, everyone. Have fun with the red.