A Touch of Red

When it comes to Christmas decorations, I am a little too eclectic for a defined scheme. I love a traditional scheme with reds and golds, but I won’t say no to a pink or blue bauble. And luckily for me there are a lot of colour schemes to choose from. Too many for one post. So we’re going to look at these schemes across a couple of blog posts. And hopefully, you may find a scheme you love and can make work with your own collection.

Any discussion on Christmas colour trends/schemes has to start with red. It is the quintessential Christmas colour. But I’m also including pink here because it is so similar to red and none of us have the time for separate posts on each colour.

“Festive Fancy”, “Once Upon a Christmas”, and “Christmas Cheer” are some of the names given to this colour scheme. It involves rich reds, emeralds greens and glittering golds. It is by far the most popular and enduring scheme and it evokes childhood memories of Christmas. There is a reason that this is deemed the classic look.

However, if the red and gold look is too much for you, or if you feel you want something more mature, you can tone it down with deeper shades of red. This trend which has been called “Merry Mulled Wine” and “Winter Romance” offers more subtle shades such as burgundy or mulberry. They keep that nature touch with their earthy colours but will offer warmth and luxury through the richer colours. Add a gentle contrast with champagne tones or greenery.

The pink trend is definitely one that is growing every year. And even though the trend has been given evocative titles such as “Winter Pinks” and “Opulent Charm”, it can be hard to see how this scheme works. But pink is a surprisingly versatile colour. It can be styled with white feathers and ballerinas for a very sweet Swan Lake theme. For something softer and more ethereal, combine pink baubles with warm white lights and earthy floral arrangements. Or go full glamour with sparkly pinks and iridescents whites.

However, don’t be afraid to play with colours. Pink can offset purples or burgundy beautifully. Red is often paired with green because they are complimentary colours, but it is also paired with blue for a regal look. Gold will work for most schemes. It’s really about what makes you happy when you see it.

So, I can’t wait to talk more colour trends with you but let me know how you like to decorate. Do you stick to a scheme? Is it a colour free-for-all? Is it colour black hole? (We will get into schemes that use black). I’d like to know these things.

See you soon.

Resources.

The Range Shop, Cork.

Brown Thomas, Cork.

Libertys London, London.

Hanleys Garden Centre, Cork.

“What Makes Red the Colour of Christmas?”, Psychology Today.

Ideal Homes, Dec 2022.


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