What color makes you angry? The one shade to avoid indoors |

As anyone who has ever searched for a cheerful color scheme for a room will attest, choosing the perfect color can be a minefield of decorating options.

But a common question that we often ask when deciding on the best room color ideas is: what colors make you angry? According to color psychologists, “red” is the only color that could make you angry.

If you’ve felt angry, frustrated, and overly stimulated just sitting in a room painted red, you’re certainly not alone. Red room ideas can be too intense for some people. This confident and aggressive color often reminds us of danger, which is why it is often used in warning signs and road signs.

Here color psychologists, decorators and experts reveal why red is the most annoying color – and how to decorate with red in a more pleasing and less exciting way.

What colors make you angry?

Experts and decorators agree that red can infuriate, which will not surprise many. Physically, red is reported to evoke reactions in the body that are similar to stress responses, such as: B. increased heart rate, sharpened senses and higher body temperature.

With all its negative connotations, there is no denying that red is a color to look out for when it comes to our attitude and decorating ideas. Scientists have recently found evidence that Stone Age dwellers ground up red clay to make wall and body paint over 40,000 years ago. Another use was protection in the afterlife. Today, red is also a prominent color in weddings and religious ceremonies in some countries.

Over time, color psychologists have discovered that red can have a profound impact on our mood, perception, and even our actions. Decorating with red can even change your physiology and hormonal balance. So what makes the color red so potent in interior design?

What is an aggressive color?

With all its design potential, red is considered the most aggressive color. “It’s the one color we can’t live with in large quantities,” says Karen Haller, color psychology specialist, teacher, and best-selling author The little color book (opens in new tab).

“The most aggressive color for you is very personal,” she says. “It could be a color that conjures up a personal memory that has negative or uncomfortable feelings. This does not necessarily have to be carmine. However, we react more physically to red – it can get our heart rate racing and put us in fight or flight mode.”

“It helps to be aware of the visceral impact color can have on the way we think. For that reason, I would avoid red for a child’s room or playroom,” Karen continues. “You want them to go to sleep right away, and the color red says ‘stay awake and alert’ — it’s bursting with energy and can evoke an overactive imagination.”

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use red in your home decor ideas. In fact, the color red is enigmatic and powerful, and can be used to great decorative effect. We asked some of our favorite interior designers how best to use this controversial color in our homes.

Why is red such a strong color?

Red is a powerful and impressive color like no other; This physically stimulating shade should always be used with caution. Red is known to stimulate our senses and adrenal glands, making us more sensitive to our surroundings.

How to use red at home

Look no further than the warming tones of a rusty red, deep purple or earthy pink for a shade that packs a punch.

1. Use red in small doses

If you love the color red, use it in smaller doses for a unique and characterful statement. Despite its negative connotations, red isn’t all bad, especially when used as an accent color in the home. It also has many positive connotations. This shade has the ability to attract attention and evoke passion and sensuality, making it a perfect choice for the master bedroom.

2. Go monochromatic

“A lot of people think red is bright, but monochromatic I find it very calming,” says Chad Dorsey, interior designer and founder of Chad Dorsey Design. “We also used it for the ceiling in this room designed in collaboration with Porter Teleo wallcoverings.”

3. Soften red with a complementary color

“I love deep red hues and use them a lot in my projects,” says Brandon Schubert, Director, Brandon Schubert Studios (opens in new tab). “It’s a color that can take on many different attitudes depending on what you pair it with. It’s this versatility that makes deep rust a perfect choice for joinery.”

4. Don’t fight the light

Windowless guest toilet or cloakroom? Don’t fight the lack of light. “Dark hues are great for wardrobes with little or no natural light. The key is to keep the palette simple but strong,” says Kate Cox, Interior Designer, HÁM interiors (opens in new tab). “Here we decided on a rich red. Its dark undertones range from drab to dramatic and enlivening.”