Valentine’s Day is coming soon –the perfect time to talk about red, my favorite color.  Decorating with red can be tricky, but if done right, red can add that extra something to your niece’s or nephew’s room that they will never get tired of.

About Red
At the top of the color wheel, red captures your attention more than any other color. Red can be used successfully in boys’ and girls’ rooms alike. Boys like red because it is a color used on many sports logos, and girls love red because it’s a darker shade of pink.

Psychologically, red is associated with confidence, energy, and enthusiasm. What better emotions would you want to instill in a child’s room!

Be Careful
Since red it is such a strong color, be careful when decorating with it.  You want to project power, but you do not want the room to feel too intense for a child, and this is what will happen with too much red.

Just a Pop
A pop of red is all you need in your nephew’s room. Does he love the Miami Heat? Decorate his room with yellow and white, and then use the red team logo as a focal point. And what a statement you will make by painting his desk chair red— that will surely help him with his homework!

For your niece’s room, throw in some red pillows, or choose red window coverings. And do not be afraid to mix red and pink. Pink fabrics with red polka dots will look great, and if you cannot find them, mix the patterns yourself. You can take a more risks with color and pattern in a child’s room.

Long Lasting    
Many aunties are concerned that they will have to re-decorate their niece’s or nephew’s room in a few years.  They grow so fast and you want to make sure that your investment is worthwhile.  When shopping, try to find themes and patterns that will still be stylish as your niece and nephew get older. Adding red to the color scheme will ensure this.  

A red lamp will be perfect for her, and you can be sure that she will still love it into her teen years.  Patterns mixed with red are still cute, but they also add an element of maturity.

For him, stick to a theme he loves (ex. sports, transportation), throw some red into the mix, and he will be happy for a long time, I promise!

Are you energized and inspired?  You should be by now because that is what the color red will do! As Valentine’s Day comes, try to encourage your niece or nephew to consider red in their color scheme.  Bring home a red heart-shaped box of chocolates and use it for inspiration!

Published: February 5, 2012