As ELLE DECOR author Kristen Flanagan points out in her piece, The Viral ‘Unexpected Red’ Theory in Interior Design Actually Isn’t That Simple, opinions are mixed on the idea that adding an unexpected red item to a room will instantly elevate its look and feel. However, the popularity of the trend suggests that many people who try it may be pleased with the results. Of note, this is a theory that you can test with zero to little financial investment and can easily reverse, which means that giving it a try is a low-risk proposition. We’ll explore a variety of options for adding an “unexpected red” to your bathroom to see what YOU think of this trend.

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1. A Bouquet of Red Flowers or Leaves

 

One of the easiest ways to add a burst of red to a bathroom is to simply put a vase of flowers or leaves on the vanity counter. Benefits of trying this include:

• Adding something from nature is always a win.
• You can adjust the arrangement to match the season – ie scarlet leaves in the fall, branches with holly berries in winter, red roses for summer, and twigs with rosy buds during spring.
• This addition can be made with little to no expense. You probably already have a vase, jar, or pitcher and may be able to pick the flowers or branches by simply taking a walk or hike.
• Natural red hues are not jarring so this is unlikely to create a visually overwhelming space.

 

If you’re ornamenting the vanity counter, you might want to make sure that this piece of furniture is looking its best by updating the cabinet hardware, door knobs, and drawer pulls.

 

2. Change or Replace an Existing Fixture

 

If you’d like a more dramatic transformation than simply adorning the counter with a red bouquet, you could paint something in the bathroom red. Changing any item – from a piece of trim to the vanity itself – from a neutral tone to red will have a significant impact. While this is not as easy to walk back as a flower arrangement, you can always repaint the object again and go back to a more prosaic tone.

Another option is to replace a relatively inexpensive item, like a light fixture, with an alternative that includes red.

 

3. Buy a Red Accent Item

 

Continuing the theme of low-cost options for adding a pop of red, you can always pick up one simple red item and see how it looks in your space. Possibilities include:

• Bath mat
• Soap dish
• Cushion for a bathroom chair or stool
• Toothbrush holder
• Hand soap dispenser

 

If you have a clear glass sliding or swinging shower door, you could also add the pop of red inside the shower stall, such as a red shampoo decanter or red bar of soap.

 

4. Bring in a Red Towel

 

A very simple “unexpected red” is a bath or hand towel. Since many bathrooms are dominated by white, cream, beige, or gray, the addition of just a scarlet towel will instantly perk up the whole space. Be careful not to overdo this, though, and stick to one or two bright towels, keeping the rest white or otherwise neutral. Hang this burst of color on a towel ring, drape it over a towel bar installed on your shower glass, or simply lay it on the vanity corner.

 

5. Put Up a Red Wall Hanging

 

Last but not least, you can add red by bringing in a wall hanging you already own or by purchasing one. Choose a picture or other wall ornament that complements your chosen style and theme for the bathroom. You can even create your own wall hanging by using a frame you have and framing one of the following (as long as it includes red):

• Photograph from a vacation or memorable event
• Piece of patterned fabric
• Page out of a magazine
• Square of wallpaper
  
  

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Would YOU like to add an unexpected pop of red to your bathroom? While Glass Simple doesn’t carry any red items, we’re happy to help with other aspects of your bathroom improvement such as shower hardware, glass shelf clamps, and more! Give us a ring at (571)707-7760 to learn more or place your order.