Once upon a time, our house up north had a red dining room. I have no idea what color it was. Today, I can tell you the names of the colors in my house. Back then, I don’t know if paint companies were that into cutesy names. Anyway, I really loved the red walls. The kitchen was not quite a separate room from the dining room, but it also wasn’t an open concept layout. The kitchen was a peanut butter color. Trust me, it worked! The wood trim was painted a creamy ivory color. And, I haven’t had a red room since! We had replaced the door into the garage and the sliding patio doors with fiberglass doors. Just a funny aside…when we stained the patio doors, the first color was so dark. We panicked and bought something to remove as much of the stain as we could. Then, we stained it the color we liked. But, that dark color really accented the faux grain of the door. So, from then on, we did the same thing with other doors as we replaced them…stained them dark, wiped it off and finished with the main color!
The psychology of red…
When you think of red, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Well, given the title of my post, it may be power. I was surprised to read about the psychology of red (here). Red has a dark side. Because it has a long wavelength, it is the second most visible color. Think about stoplights, stop signs, firetrucks, and other warning signs. And, then there are the phrases, “in the red” and “red flag.”
“People tend to associate red with negative, danger-bearing emotions. This could be because it is the color of fire, blood, and sometimes poisonous or dangerous animals (source).”
A little more…
Before you throw out all your red, you’ll be glad to know it’s also the color of passion and desire. In fact, in 2008, someone did a study on the influence of red when it came to sexual interest. Women dressed in red were rated more sexually desirable than women dressed in blue as rated by men. Interestingly, they were the same women! Red can raise blood pressure, metabolism, heart and respiration rates! The other side of that is restaurants also know that so they paint the walls red which may mean you’ll eat more! Red also influences the outcome of sports! Did you know teams that wear red have a better chance of winning?
Still more…
Red has been recognized as the color of power for years. You may have noticed red ties on candidates during debates. Part of that is because red is energizing and motivating. It also may give the person wearing it more confidence. After all, our eyes are drawn to that color.
“A little can go a long way, however, and in large areas red can cause visual strain. Wearing it too much, too often can brand you as a person in charge, but also as a bossy person (source)!”
A maxi dress…
During the recent Black Friday sale at April Cornell, I bought this beautiful Cerise Tea Dress. I was intrigued by the crocheted lace on the bodice. I know dresses that verge on being empire waisted work best for me so I was sure it would fit well. This dress is even more gorgeous in person! I love a floral…you all know that. But, there are times, I am reminded of my dad chiding me about wearing my grandma’s tablecloth! This floral print is vibrant with varying shades of red, cream, and green. Luckily, those are roses and not poinsettias so it’s not strictly a Christmas dress. And, we all know red is trending right now! April Cornell often does button-on ties to pull in the waist. Sometimes, I actually tie them in front, but I didn’t do that this time. And, it has pockets! Win-win-win! Here’s the strange thing about me. I think nothing of wearing a maxi dress in the summer. It almost seems to call for it, right? But, I feel like I’m wearing something a little more dressed up when I wear a maxi in the winter. Someone please tell me they feel the same way about maxis in winter! Don’t forget, you can use my code, MARSHA15, for $15 off your $100 order at April Cornell. I haven’t checked to see if it can be used at the retail stores.
The Lewk!
These are my beautiful suede Clarks pumps. They’re from the Artisan line. I don’t think they have that anymore. They have little zips to make the shoes easier to get on. I bought these statement earrings at J Crew on Black Friday. The two bracelets are from Banana Republic. The diamond snowflake necklace was a gift from Nigel. I wore it to my daughter’s wedding so it’s probably over 20 years old!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I don’t wear much red. I wonder if it’s because I’m such an introvert and don’t want to call any attention to myself. The funny thing is I don’t mind being “on stage” when the time calls for it. I think that’s what makes me an extroverted introvert. Nigel has always told me I should wear more red. So, can we talk? Do you associate red with certain emotions and reactions? How do you feel about wearing red? Have you ever had any rooms painted red? Please leave a comment or two, and we can talk! I promise to respond as soon as possible.
Thank you!
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I am wearing a red sweater today but I tend to go more for burgundy than red with my clothes. We did have our bedroom painted a barn red color for years that picked up the red color in our toile armchairs and bedspread/quilt I had made. But I wouldn’t say I love the color red and we have long since painted our bedroom a deep brown with teal-blue accents and I find I like that so much better. Though, unlike you, I don’t think I know any of the color names of any of the paints in our house.
I am with you, Joanne. I usually go more for the burgundy color. My youngest son’s bedroom was a rusty red for a few years. And, my daughter’s bedroom, when they lived in Virginia, was brown with teal! I guess great minds think alike! I only really know the names because I keep the chips, or I’ve used the color over and over again!
Thanks, Joanne!
I really like red even though I don’t own much of it. I do love a room painted red though. Years ago my family room was red and khaki, I loved it! Your new April Cornell dress is so pretty on you, such a good find!
xo,
Kellyann
Thank you, Kellyann! I don’t really buy much red, but I liked the details on this dress. I’m really glad I bought it. Oh, red and khaki sounds like fantastic combination. I really did like the red dining room. We painted it yellow after so I said we had ketchup then mustard.
Red used to be a dominant color in my closet. I still have a lot of it, but I have a lot of other colors too, LOL.
That dress is gorgeous Marsha,
OOXX
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! Is there a color you don’t have…I’m just curious! Red hasn’t ever been dominant in my closet though purple and teal have!
I love red but don’t wear it too often. It’s a beautiful color on you! I love this dress. It’s so perfect for this time of year!
Thank you, Laura! I was surprised, when I saw the photos, how much I liked the red on me. I just never feel comfortable (is that even the right word) wearing it.
Love how this dress is perfect for the Christmas season but really would work any time of year. I think red would be too much for me on walls, but I’m sure the right room could change my mind. I’ve been enjoying wearing more red than usual with my capsule wardrobe this fall and winter; I do like red in December.
Thank you, Sally! I was glad the floral wasn’t poinsettias because that would really limit things. I loved the red dining room, and it was that color for many years. I think the light flooring and lots of natural light helped. But, I do remember, when we painted it, it took 3-4 coats! I need to wear more red all the time, I guess!
You are rocking that red dress!!!
I have always wanted a red house. Like the ones you see in Sweden. They are just so pretty to me. 🙂
Oh, yes, I love those houses! I would love to go to Norway and Sweden. My Norwegian boyfriends have a knitting cruise next October, and I’d love to go and knit under the Aurora Borealis. I doubt I will do it, though…oh, who am I kidding…I won’t spend that kind of money going alone because Mike won’t go!
Thanks, Erin!
I don’t sense any fire or blood with this dress. Lol! It’s so pretty on you and so perfect for the holidays Marsha!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much, Kathrine! I really do like it a lot and plan to wear it for Christmas Eve services.
We painted the main room and stairway in our last house red. Our current house is all neutral, and I kind of miss having the walls be a bold color. Your red dress is such a pretty print and perfect for the holiday season!
Jill – Doused in Pink
I love a red room, but I don’t feel the need to have another one. When we first moved into our new house last summer, I was determined to live with the neutral colors. I just couldn’t do it. Maybe, if I had chosen Sherwin Williams Alabaster instead of Antique White, it would have been ok. Oh, who am I kidding! I love bold colors. I still want to paint my laundry room Tricorn black, but I can’t seem to convince the boss to do it. He actually just doesn’t want to have to wrestle with the washing machine and dryer.
Thanks, Jill, for the compliments!
I love wearing reads and oranges and brights and you look fabulous in this dress Marsha!! You should wear more of it 🙂
Thank you so much, Debbie! I do need to wear more red! You look wonderful in reds and oranges!
You look gorgeous in Red, Marsha. I’ve recently discovered (from the comments on my blog) that Red is one of my colours. I love how bright and joyful it is and always try to incorporate some red during the Festive Season.
Thank you so much, Sue! Isn’t it funny how we don’t realize how good we look in colors until someone tells us so? I’ve never really worn much even though my husband has always told me I should. Maybe, I need to buy some more!!
Whoa! I absolutely love that red dress! Gorgeous!! I love red on other people but not as much on me. It looks great on you!
Thank you, Lisa! I’m usually not one to wear red either. But, I took a chance on this one, and I’m glad I did!