Romantic Retro Reds

Nadine Truong, Tuesday 24 January 2012

Valentine’s Day is synonymous with the colour red – sensuous and symbolic of love – in the form of a dozen roses or the colour of an opulent boudoir.

Red can also be retro and bold – a classic colour that never goes off trend and I, for one, love using it throughout my home.

For a love-inspired look in the kitchen opt for individual pieces in bold reds, like the cute heart-shaped stoneware bowl and matching ladle from Berry Red, very sweet for all your cooking needs and perfect for serving up a romantic meal on Valentine’s Day. Hold the heat with the silicone Guzzini Love Pan Stand that’s both pretty and practical. I’ve just the thing for coffee lovers: the Delonghi Eco310-b Espresso Maker available in a range of colours including red. It’s effortlessly cool - the coffee machine equivalent of a Vespa – and your home will be filled with sweet, sweet coffee aromas.

There’s much more scope to play with reds in the bedroom: this is your personal space and just about anything goes – as long as you like it! I love both the Quilt Red feather wallpaper by Georgia Horton and the Wild Daisy design by digetexhome.com; the latter is striking yet quite soft. Balance the room by painting one or more of the walls a neutral cream and/or Ra Ra Red, from the new vintage paint collection by Wayne Hemingway, available at Homebase. Finally, dress the room – depending on the time of year – with bright greens and yellows for spring and summer; earthy, golden tones for autumn; and divine darks and shiny blacks for the winter months. And don’t forget a spot of soft, mood lighting to enhance the romance...

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