Detecting trends is a core and heartfelt task for everyone involved in design. In our creative studios, we work with architects and planners and learn a lot about trends. Our own interior designers are always hunting for trends that can be utilised in private residential projects.
Some trends become design principles. Others are just here for a while, and then they are gone. Today we want to know what happened to the ‘Unexpected Red’ trend.
About a year ago, an unexpected colour caused a sensation — and was given a suitable name: Unexpected Red. A red colour that popped up in minimalist designs schemes, slipped into simple architecture and made an impact where you would least expect it. Not just as a classic carmine red on velvet armchairs or as a bold signal colour: red flashed from the delicate edges of side tables, appeared as transparent synthetics or accentuated functional elements such as table legs or luminaires.
It was a trend that broke with visual habits and was deliberately irritating — a colour statement in contrast with the common neutral and earthy tones. Was Unexpected Red a passing trend, a brief interlude in the interior design world? Or has the impulse of this colour turned into a long-term phenomenon?
Join us for a chat with Teresa Gruber from our private interior design team.
One year after it was on everyone's lips, we can say: Unexpected Red has not disappeared — albeit it has become calmer.
The trending idea of using red as a surprising and fun element has been refined and further developed. The bold and flashy signal red has lost its predominance. It continues to exist in new, more nuanced variations.
Instead of a bright tomato red or a hot red colour, muted and deeper shades of red are becoming increasingly popular in interior design.
Bordeaux, burgundy and ruby - warm shades that are no longer just a source of contrast, but create an atmosphere of elegance and depth. These colours work particularly well in fine materials such as velvet, marble or textured wood.
The general trend of natural and earthy colours has influenced red too.
Rusty red, terracotta, brick red or cinnamon tones blend seamlessly into warm, soft colour schemes and are ideal additions to beige, sand, or cream. Especially in combination with rough, natural materials such as linen, stone or clay, red creates a subtle yet striking effect.
Bright red walls are less common nowadays, but red remains present as the colour of materials.
Red glazes on wood, tinted glass, textured fabrics or polished stone with a reddish grain - they all embrace the idea of Unexpected Red without taking centre stage.
Red is the colour associated with energy, passion and power. Yet it is a challenging colour to use: its strong presence can overload spaces, while a clever balance creates warmth and vibrancy. This is why it is crucial to know where and how red should be used in interior design:
Particularly avant-garde design studios continue to make bold use of red, with young designers considering the colour as an option to challenge and individualise spaces.
They pair red with unconventional shapes and surprising materials — such as high-gloss surfaces next to coarse ceramics or a matt brick red with neon accents.
Red remains an important colour in the premium sector - albeit with a classic, elegant touch.
From deep burgundy tones to rich ruby red, it is a key colour in high-quality materials such as leather, marble or polished metal. Brands often use red as a powerful detail - for example in the interior design of boutiques or as signature colour for exclusive pieces of furniture.
In private living, red is more likely a complementary colour.
While bright red kitchens or completely red walls have become a rarity, reddish accents are making a conscious comeback — be it as a loft-style brick wall, a wine-red dining table chair or decorative vases and lampshades.
“Red is fun, although it can quickly look out of place or disturb the balance in a room. Personally, I love the deep, rich red tones together with neutrals.
Red has not disappeared — it has evolved. And that's what makes it so exciting.”
In 2024, ‘Unexpected Red’ was an idea that fuelled discussion in the interior design world.
Today, red tends not to be a loud statement; it seems more mature, subtle and embedded in supple colour families.
The colour has evolved from being provocative to being deliberately elegant. We see a velvety Bordeaux armchair, a rust-coloured clay wall or a deep red glass vase. They still add an eye-catching touch, but a quieter one and fit perfectly into a minimalist, natural ambience.
Fancy a change?
We can help you find the perfect red colour for your home.
Images: Adobe Stock, home INTERIOR