THE UNEXPECTED RED THEORY - WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO GET THE LOOK

The "unexpected red theory" was coined by TikTok creator and interior designer Taylor Migliazzo Simon. She defines it as "adding anything red, big or small, to a room where it doesn't match at all - and it automatically looks better."

The critical thing that makes this trend work is placing red accents in colours you may not traditionally pair with red to create a pop-out feature.

Think a red sink in a blue bathroom, a red lamp in a neutral living room, or a bright red piece of art against a mauve wall. The red serves as an eye-catching pop of contrast. This works because red is one of the most vibrant and attention-grabbing colours.

Red has incredible visibility power. Just as red lipstick complements any outfit, or a red telephone box or Royal Mail letterbox stands out, a dash of red livens up any room without introducing massive changes to the colour scheme.

HOW TO INCORPORATE  UNEXPECTED RED INTO YOUR HOME

Fortunately, testing out the unexpected red theory at home is simple. You likely already own red accessories you can repurpose or find small, affordable red decor items. Some easy ways to add pops of unexpected red:

• Paint an accent wall or door trim red.

• Get a red bed frame.

• Get a bed frame in a colour that contrasts red, such as white.

• Hang a red piece of abstract art.

• Add a red pillow or blanket to a neutral couch.

• Place a red vase on a console table.

• Install a red-light fixture or lamp.

• Layer a red rug over 

• Display red dishes on an open kitchen shelf.

When choosing red elements, be they fabrics or furniture, look for an intense, saturated shade for maximum contrast. A bright cherry or fire engine red looks best against cooler tones like green, blue, black, white, and grey. Earthy reds with a bit of brown work nicely with warm neutrals like cream, tan, and light wood tones.

Pictured: Sleepeezee Cooler Supreme 1800 Pocket Spring Divan Bed. (Available from Bedstar.)

THE POWERFUL PSYCHOLOGY OF RED

The use of unexpected red in interiors taps into the unique psychology behind this fiery hue – red is stimulating, exciting, and associated with energy. 

This boosting effect of "seeing red" translates when introducing red elements into rooms. Placing a red accent, such as artwork, lighting, or furniture, against non-red backdrops creates visual electricity. The red punches up the look instantly. This psychological and physiological potency makes unexpected red so effective in interior styling. Leaning into red's strength through strategic placement creates maximum decorative dynamism.

THE UNEXPECTED ORANGE AND YELLOW THEORIES

The vibrant, unexpected red theory can inspire similar bright accent approaches with other colours like orange and yellow.

UNEXPECTED ORANGE THEORY

Pictured: Shire Beds Trent 3000 4FT 6 Double Divan Bed(Available from Bedstar.)

Mimic the unexpected red theory by bringing in tangerine, pumpkin, or sherbet orange pops. Orange makes a cheerful impact against shades of blue, green, brown, and neutral backgrounds. An orange ceramic vase or textured lumbar pillow introduces the perfect summer brightness year-round.

Orange was the most characteristic colour for Art Nouveau and Art Deco, so it’s a fantastic choice for your vintage-inspired bedroom. 

UNEXPECTED YELLOW THEORY

Pictured: Milan Bed Company Ashbourne 4FT 6 Double Fabric Bed – Mustard (Available from Bedstar.)

Like red and orange, vivid yellow commands attention. Sunny yellow accents in table lamps, throw blankets, and artwork enliven spaces with grey, blue, green, and even purple or pink backdrops. A marigold door makes a welcoming entrance. For extra cheer, pair unexpected yellow and unexpected orange together.

The basics of the "unexpected" colour theory remain the same no matter the vibrant hue: choose an intense version of your colour and contrast it with cooler shades for maximum dynamism. This simple yet high-impact approach keeps your interior decor looking fresh and modern, especially in yellow.