The Unexpected Red Theory: How a Pop of Color Can Boost Your Home
Color Trends

The Unexpected Red Theory: How a Pop of Color Can Boost Your Home

Posted on March 26, 2025

There have been a number of painting trends that we’ve fallen in love with over the last couple of years. Our most current obsession is painting with the “Unexpected Red” theory in mind. In short, this theory embraces the emotions and power of red to create a striking impact in a room. We love this trend because it is such a fun way of incorporating a less-common––but absolutely adored––paint color into our homes in a stylish way. 

Haven’t heard of it? No worries! Our color experts are here to go over all you need to know about the Unexpected Red Theory. In this article, we’ll cover everything from what this theory is and where it came from, to why it works on us the way that it does, to all the different ways you can bring it into your own home. “Red”y to get started?

wall in home painted red on trend with unexpected red theory

What is the Unexpected Red Theory? 

First things first: let’s make sure we understand the Unexpected Red Theory. Designer from Brooklyn, Taylor Simon, brought this interior design trend to light on her TikTok page. In her video, she explains the theory: “basically adding anything red, big or small to a room where it doesn’t match at all, and it automatically looks better.” After the video gained major popularity, homes and businesses started sharing their usage of the theory in their own homes. There is no doubt about it, the theory works! 

How and Why Red Influences Our Mood

Color has the ability to influence our moods. Different colors are associated with different emotions. Red specifically is a powerful color. It is associated with feelings of warmth, passion, excitement, and even confidence! You can see this color psychology used in commercial spaces. Red is commonly used in restaurants to stimulate appetite, or with retail spaces to encourage urgency. 

A bright red paint may not be what you want to color drench your home in, but a pop here and there can evoke pleasant emotions and add a touch of sophistication to your home. 

bedroom with red painted walls

How to Use Unexpected Red in Your Home

Because red is such a powerful color, you want to make sure you are careful with how you incorporate it into your home. Here are our favorite creative ways to add an unexpected pop of red that will look strikingly beautiful. 

Add an Accent Wall

Painting a single wall red can create a dramatic focal point in any room. Whether it be a living room, a dining room, or a bedroom, an accent wall in rich red hue adds warmth and personality without taking over the entire space.

red accent wall for the unexpected red theory

Paint Unexpected Places

For a more subtle effect, think about painting red in places you wouldn’t normally think of. Red doors, kitchen backsplashes, or even the insides of a bookshelf are small but impactful spaces! Giving them a pop of bright color can make your space feed curated and thoughtfully designed. 

red painted front door

Use Red Decor

If painting with red paint feels too bold for you, start by incorporating red through your interior decor. Consider adding red throw pillows, rugs, or even statement pieces like a red throw chair or side table to your space. This way, you can have the same visual impact, but can easily switch them out if you want to change things up. 

red fridge in kitchen

Our Favorite Red Paint Colors

Choosing the right shade of red can make all the difference in achieving the perfect look for your home. You have so many options to choose from. There are deep, burgundy reds that bring a sophisticated touch. Or, you can opt for bright, cherry reds that bring a more playful vibe. There are even more mute, terracotta reds that bring a warm, earthy feel to a space. Our color experts are here to help narrow these options down. Here are our favorite red paint colors: 

rojo dust by sherwin-williams sun dried tomato by sherwin williams wild poppy by sherwin williams

Bring Unexpected Red Theory to Your Home with CertaPro

Adding a pop of red to your home interior can be a game-changer. CertaPro Painters® is here to help you bring this bold and exciting design trend to life. Whether you’re considering an accent wall, a bold front door, or unique red accents, our professional painters can help you achieve the perfect look. Our painters offer high-quality craftsmanship and local expertise. 

Ready to bring this trend to life? Call CertaPro Painters® today or fill out our free, no-obligation estimate form to get a head start!