TikTok's ‘unexpected red theory’ is an interior designer trick you need to know (2024)

According to TikTok, the newly coined ‘unexpected red theory’, is the secret to making any space look better. Essentially, it’s adding anything that’s red – be it big or small – to a room where it doesn’t match at all, transforming the space in one fell swoop. One TikToker is so keen on this theory that she's “petitioning for red to be a neutral colour because it just looks good with everything”. As interesting a trend as it appears to be, a quick scan through the House & Garden archive shows that this is a secret that has been favoured by interior designers for quite some time. From lampshades to sofas, cabinets to trims, red pops up across the houses featured in print and online, and below are simply a handful of the ways in which red can enliven a room.

Ways to use the 'unexpected red theory'

TikTok's ‘unexpected red theory’ is an interior designer trick you need to know (2024)

FAQs

What is the red theory in interior design? ›

If you've been online at all lately, you've probably heard about the “unexpected red theory.” This phenomenon was coined by a TikTokker, and it basically says that adding any amount of red to a room where it doesn't belong automatically makes the room look more pulled together.

What is the unexpected red design theory? ›

The unexpected red theory is not a complex design concept. It suggests that adding a hint of the titular interior color can make any space feel more cohesive. Along that vein, a pop of red—whether it's small like a red vase or huge by way of a rug or an entire painted wall—can suit any overarching design style.

What is the surprise red theory? ›

According to Taylor, once that red piece has been added to your room, it automatically looks better. It can be as simple as a red lamp or soft furnishing, scarlet a painted window trim or doorframe, or a completely random brick red cupboard that stands boldly in your otherwise neutral kitchen.

What is the random red theory? ›

Coined by an interior designer on TikTok, the Unexpected Red Theory is a social media phenomenon, suggesting that a random injection of red in any room, whether big or small, can elevate any style or sensibility.

What is the unexpected red decor trick? ›

Unexpected red theory is a term recently coined by Brooklyn-based designer Taylor Migliazzo Simon on TikTok. It describes the interior design phenomenon by which adding a pop of red instantly improves the look of any space, especially in places where it shouldn't necessarily make sense.

What is the red theory? ›

In a quick TikTok video with over 800,000 views, creator and interior decorator Taylor Migliazzo Simon defines the "unexpected red theory" as "basically adding anything that's red, big or small, to a room where it doesn't match at all and it automatically looks better." In the video, Simon goes on to show several ...

What does red stand for in design? ›

Red: Passion, Love, Anger. Orange: Energy, Happiness, Vitality. Yellow: Happiness, Hope, Deceit. Green: New Beginnings, Abundance, Nature. Blue: Calm, Responsible, Sadness.

What is the red rule in design? ›

The "unexpected red theory" was coined by Brooklyn-based interior designer Taylor Migliazzo Simon in a video that has had over 900,000 views on TikTok. Simon describes it as "adding anything that's red, big or small, to a room where it doesn't match at all" with the result that "it automatically looks better".

What is the one red thing theory? ›

According to TikTok, the newly coined 'unexpected red theory', is the secret to making any space look better. Essentially, it's adding anything that's red – be it big or small – to a room where it doesn't match at all, transforming the space in one fell swoop.

What is the unexpected red theory? ›

The theory was coined by interior designer Taylor Simon in one of her tiktok videos, where she described it as “adding anything red, big or small, to a room where it doesn't match at all;” and whether it's the walls of a room or a piece of clothing, the colour beckons us to embrace its fiery essence.

What is the theory of surprise? ›

theory of surprise: The greater the risk, the less likely it seems, and the less. risky it becomes. In fact, the greater the risk, the smaller. it becomes.18.

What is the theory of the color red? ›

The Color Red Conveys Danger and Warning

Its ability to instantly grab people's attention is the reason why it's often used to warn people of impending danger. Think: stop signs, sirens, fire engines, and red traffic lights. Red is also used to convey danger in a non-literal way.

What is the red design effect? ›

A tendency to perceive women wearing red as more attractive and men wearing red as more dominant.

What is the red effect theory? ›

The red dress effect, which can be broadened to the general red-attraction effect, the red-romance effect, or the romantic red effect, is a phenomenon in which the color red increases physical attraction, sexual desire, and romantic sentiments in comparison to other colors.

What is the pop of red trend in interior? ›

The premise is simple yet intriguing: add touches of red, regardless of size or form, to a room where it doesn't traditionally match, or might not be expected to occur. The result? A space that feels dynamic, vibrant, and undeniably eye-catching.

What is the red rule in interior design? ›

According to TikTok, the newly coined 'unexpected red theory', is the secret to making any space look better. Essentially, it's adding anything that's red – be it big or small – to a room where it doesn't match at all, transforming the space in one fell swoop.

What is the red thread theory interior design? ›

What is the red thread in interior design? Originating from Sweden, the term 'the red thread' is used to describe the presence of a theme being followed. It's important to note that the term doesn't literally mean a 'red thread' rather it simply refers to creating a sense of cohesion.

What is the meaning of red color theory? ›

Red. Red is a very strong color with associations both positive and negative. On the positive side, red symbolizes strength, passion, and confidence. But it can also be aggressive, symbolizing anger, alerts, or danger.

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