The idea of a pop of color isn’t new when it comes to interior design, and the Unexpected Red Theory is a play on that. In the video where interior designer Taylor Simon explains this theory, she shows images of rooms with a pop of red from a light fixture, a piece of art, and a statement sink. While it may look like a surprising choice, in most cases, the shade of red is most likely well-thought-out. That specific shade was chosen to complement the other colors in the room, and the entire color scheme of the space looks unconventional but cohesive because of color theory.

Color theory is how colors work together and how they communicate a message. Red’s connotations with boldness and passion make it an ideal color to use as a statement in a room. As for pairing colors, this is where a color wheel comes in. The six types of color schemes can help you choose what shades to have around the red accenting piece for the most pop.

For example, Simon provides an example of a piece of red art on a wall painted purple. Though they may not be two colors often paired together, red and purple are analogous to each other, which means they sit next to each other on the color wheel. Using the color wheel can help you choose colors that will complement the red, so you feel more confident about having such a bold statement piece.