This season, as we look forward to the holidays, one color is poised to make a dramatic entrance in our homes – a compelling preview of what is predicted to be a huge, defining trend throughout 2026: rich, sophisticated red room ideas.
This enticing and enveloping color trend is set to transform interiors, adding a luxurious, confident aesthetic. We will first see this trend emerge in this year's Christmas decorating ideas, but to understand its profound, year-round potential, we must look to the archives of actress Salma Hayek. Her older Instagram post showcasing a beautiful red scheme proves she was ahead of her time with her bold, passionate color choice.
Despite outdated negative connotations, decorating with red is unequivocally one of the most passionate, life-enhancing, and historically significant colors in existence. It offers a luxurious bank of positive energy, capable of transforming interiors and creating distinct moods – from refined to playful – depending on its application. Historically, red has always been associated with wealth and status.
Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director of Dulux, illuminates its deep provenance and impact: ‘We have been using red to decorate the walls of our homes from the beginning of human existence. We find red on the walls of the earliest cave dwellers, and red pigment was used in Neanderthal burials as a symbol of life. It has the longest visual wavelength of any color, which makes it the most impactful, and it is famous for stimulating the appetite, good conversation, and love, making it an enduring favorite in the dining room and the bedroom.’
Designers today are captivated by its versatility. Brandon Schubert, Director of Brandon Schubert Studio, shares this adoration for red rooms: ‘I love deep red hues and use them often in my projects. It’s a room color that can take on loads of different attitudes depending on what you pair it with. It’s that versatility that makes deep rusty reds a perfect choice for joinery.’
Choosing how and where to use red can create completely different effects. Color drenching a room with red walls and matching upholstery offers a fully immersive, enveloping effect – a key trend for 2026. Conversely, dialing down the red percentage to a discreet trim on white bedlinen or to the leading edge of a curtain can be equally as thrilling and provides a chic, modern accent.
Red is definitely not just for Christmas; be brave and use this sophisticated color trend throughout the coming years.
Shop Red Christmas Decor
Get ahead of next year’s biggest color trend by styling your Christmas this year with a carefully curated selection of my favorite red ornaments, wreaths, and garlands.
Illuminate your home in this year’s signature Christmas color trend – radiant red. These waterproof red string lights bring a festive glow both indoors and out, adding warmth and cheer to trees, wreaths, and garlands. Designed to last with a 2,500-hour bulb life, safety-certified features, and easy-connect plugs, they’re a timeless yet on-trend way to brighten your holiday decor.
Red is the color trend of Christmas this year, and this Holly Berry Garland captures it beautifully. Delicate red berries paired with golden metal leaves create a look that’s both timeless and elevated. Whether draped across a mantel, woven through greenery, or layered into your table decor, it brings a refined yet joyful touch to any festive setting.
Rich red tones are defining Christmas decor this year, and this Burgundy Velvet Ornament Set captures the trend with effortless sophistication. Featuring eight glass ornaments coated in deep wine-red velvet, the set unifies varied shapes and textures for a luxurious, cohesive look. Finished with glittering metallic hangers, these on-trend ornaments bring warmth and elegance to your tree.
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