It's been said that red lipstick is the beauty equivalent of a shot of espresso. I think that's a great way to explain the recently popular design topic known as the "unexpected red theory". This design theory means adding a shot of red to a room even if it doesn't seem to go with the existing color palette. I mean why not? Have you ever seen a red lip that ruined an outfit? And a Louboutin red-soled shoe that clashed with a dress? It's a signature, iconic color accent so the theory seems to a workable thought process in shaking up a design plan.
Fancy yourself as a barista and whip up a shot of espresso for your next design project. Start curating those red elements into your design resources and find joy in why James Bond likes his martini shaken not stirred. Let red have its moment. But remember to keep it classy.
So, if we approach the unexpected theory of red like adding a shot of espresso to a design plan let's have some fun and look at it like making the perfect shot. There is a careful process to creating the perfect shot of espresso. Grinding and weighing your coffee - your grounds should be powdery and fine, using the finest setting on your grinder. Apply this to adding red to the design plan - it should be of fine quality, tried and true with thought put into the red element to give the perfect dose and yield (what is the ratio) in the space.
Next in the espresso shot process is time - this is the fine-tuning step. Distribution and tamping - what is the level of the red before we tamp it into place on the design plan. Then we ultimately pull the shot - this is the discovery step. We try the red element, tasting its flavor in the design plan. Perfecting the art of the unexpected red theory takes practice, patience, thoughtfulness until we discover the most pleasant interruption for the design plan. Once we have sipped the perfect shot of the unexpected red theory it is pure bliss. We've shaken things up and it feels good.
Steps to the Perfect Unexpected Red Theory Shot
- Grind and Weigh: Make sure your red element is the finest ground and the right dose.
- Time: Fine tune the red element, change the grind (red element) until is the Goldilocks bed.
- Distribute and Tamp: Add your red element to the design plan and tamp in place once you know the level is just right.
- Pulling the Shot: Shift the red element until it feels like the perfect espresso shot tastes. Perfecting the unexpected red theory takes practice, don't give up until it's right.
The way to destroy a pleasure is to overindulge. The unexpected can become the expected when overdone. Take the unexpected red theory and treat it like a unicorn. Respect it like the perfect shot of espresso. It is not for every design plan. It may very well be your Pina Colada song, your one-hit wonder of this design theory and that is just fine. You did it well and you gave the world a classic that is memorable.
Artistry is found in so many of life's journeys. The artistry of conversation. The artistry of a writer. The artistry of a baker. The artistry of a painter. The artistry of photography. The artistry of the barista. Application of a talent is the definition of artistry. How we take something brewing in our soul and interrupting it to the world is our artistry. Pay attention to this because once you do you will be in awe of so many people. More often than not this artistry is shown to us by humble persons because they are just doing what they are built to do without need for applause. But don't withhold that applause. Dish out encouragement and joy and you will be rewarded.
Show your artistry in the design plan. This has such an impact on how your client lives their life in their home. You affect that, do it well. Whether it is the unexpected red theory or another element of your design plan for them, do it well.
How loud or subtle the unexpected red theory is in the design plan is individual. The intensity of the tone of unexpected red, the dose of the unexpected red. The unexpected red could be a hidden gem that is picked up by the eye after the rush of the overall design plan is drunk in. Or it's what greets you right at the entrance into the space.
The unexpected red theory can be like walking into a surprise party if you like surprises. It is either right for you or it's not. If you are not sure, then play with the theory. Look at the design plan and add a small dose of unexpected red if it feels comfortable try changing the dose to a larger amount, a bit much then back it down. You'll find your perfect shot of espresso, or you'll find you prefer a perfect plain cup of coffee.
The great thing about this unexpected red theory is that it fits into any plan regardless of the design style. I wouldn't define this unexpected red theory as a trend. Designers have been adding a pop of color to interiors for many years. Red is just having its moment and it brings an energy to a design plan that can be felt instantly. Red in the dining room will increase appetite and liven conversation. Red captures attention and conveys confidence. Red represents passion, joy, and warmth. Not a bad combination of things to add to our home.
Be inspired by the unexpected red theory. What will your shot of espresso taste like in your design plan?
Sources: BHG, House and Garden UK, Clive Coffee, Home to Love AK, Katharine Paravicini, Instagram, House and Home, Foter, Charlotte Gaisford, Sherrill Furniture, The Nordroom, Kelly Wearstler, Decorilla, Laurel Bern Interiors, This is Glamourous
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