How to decorate with red

2. The colour of passion

'It's fascinating that something as ubiquitous as colour has an effect on our behaviour without our awareness,' says psychologist Professor Andrew Elliot form The University of Rochester.

Red is the colour of fertility, anger and passion. Go fiery with this popular Yidilzi cushion cover (£35) from OKA.

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3. Saturated colour brings energy

'Throughout history, red has signalled excitement, dynamism, danger and sex,' says Leatrice Eiseman, author of Colours for your Every Mood.

Consider carefully which room to decorate red. It's a motivating colour; hence the mydeco office cabinets are blood red!

This Bisley 10 Drawer Cabinet (£97.87) from Heal's will bring energy to an otherwise neutral palette.

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4. Rouge for dining room decadence

'Use red with only one or two other shades, say black, grey and ivory for and elegant urban look, or stone, taupe and for a warmer, soft country feel,' says Stephanie Hoppen, author of Perfect Neutrals.

Create a cosy dining room with these Modello Dinning Chairs (£248) from Danetti set against a white table and black candles.

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5. Red: the colour for feature wall

According to Dulux, 'the intensity of red makes it perfect for creating a feature wall particularly to enhance a chimney breast, alcove or bed head wall'.

To really make the wall a key focus, add a mirror to the scheme, like this simple but quirky Squares Out of Square Mirror (£20.99) from www.Sendmeamirror.com.

Why not create instant curb appeal and paint your front door a glossy red?

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6. Rosy red pattern

According to B&Q, nearly a fifth (17 per cent) of UK residents have introduced a feature wall and bold coloured floral designs are the most popular.

Red broken up with other colours within a pattern becomes less evasive than block colour.

Check out this Metallic Bloom Wallpaper (£19 per M) from Marks and Spencer.

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7. A little blush goes a long way

If adding red to your home is a little daunting, make a statement with moveable accessories.

A 'bright red cushion or a single upholstered chair add a jolt of interest and vitality, as do decorative objects and pictures,' says Sir Terence Conran, author of How To Live In Small Spaces.

'A particular benefit of this approach is that such elements are easy to change'. Add artwork like this Red Rose by Laurent Pinsard (£13.95) at easyart.

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8. Contrast or compliment?

Ever heard the saying 'red and green should never be seen?'

Well, according to Sir Terence Conran, these colours are a perfect match. He says: 'Colours that sit directly opposite each other on the colour wheel are said to be complimentary.'

Use darker or softer shades like in this Meadow Silk cushion (£79) by Clarissa Hulse, as acid tones may appear too much of an assault on the senses.

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9. Tone it down

You don't have to use pillar box extremes to achieve a strong look.

Softer hues - even deep pinks - can be equally dramatic. Terracotta is an earthy and calm version of red.

How about introducing your shades with a central rug, like this Red and Orange rug (£369) from Modern Rugs.

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