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In 2024, red is the new black.

From pops of red on the runways to the Cherry cola hair trend, the colour has firmly cemented itself in our wardrobes and our lives.

It comes as no surprise then, that the next area to succumb to the red treatment is our homes.

The unexpected red theory is a phrase coined by TikTok user Taylor Migliazzo Simon (@intayriors) to describe the impact of using a hint of the colour in a living space.

“The unexpected red theory is basically adding anything that’s red, big or small, to a room where it doesn’t match at all and it automatically looks better,” Taylor explains in a TikTok video.

In the video, Taylor shows her viewers a selection of rooms with a pop of red, including an old Victorian-era painting of a man in a red frame.

“I mean this Victorian painting has no business having a red frame, but it automatically updates it and makes it look so fresh.”

Taylor adds. “I’m petitioning for red to be a neutral colour because it just looks good with everything.”

While the phrase may have been coined by TikTok, the idea of using a hint of red in an unexpected way is actually a trick used by interior designers.

The colour can instantly break up a room that’s feeling a little too ‘matchy’ or put together, giving the space a sense of freshness and completion.

As a colour, studies have shown that red is one of the best at capturing our attention.

When wearing the colour, people have been shown to be perceived as more attractive to potential partners, while sports players have been shown to win more often.

Just like a touch of red lipstick can immediately brighten our look, an unexpected piece of red décor can do the same thing in our living spaces.

How Do I Bring Red Into My Home?

Of course, decorating with such a bright and powerful colour can feel a little intimidating at first.

For this reason, you might want to avoid painting any walls and instead, start experimenting by bringing in little removable pieces.

This might be as simple as placing a red candle on your coffee table, throwing a red pillow on your couch or bringing in a red picture frame.

Red Home Décor Items We’re Buying In 2024