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Add a pop of red furnishing to energize your home Red is a fascinating colour. Its moods are as diverse as its many shades and tones. Scarlet is bold and sexy, heightened if applied with a glossy finish. Reds with an earthier, brown tone are warm and have the feeling of country in them, think barn red. Pinky reds are often playful and young at heart like candy, fun for kids' rooms. When red is paired with other colours it makes a grand statement. If you are drawn to its refreshing character but not sure how to inject it into your décor, begin with a neu- tral background and add a selection of reds in fabric patterns for drap- eries, bed linens, a carpet, a lamp base or two and picture frames. These touches of red contrast beau- tifully against a white background. As seen here Lisa McFadden used two lively fabric patterns from De- signers Guild to infuse colour into an all-white bedroom, giving the room a fresh, morning glow that will cheer you on the gloomiest days of winter. Traditional wood tones have always been paired with red. The deep, rich tones and natural grains of wood for wall panels, doors, trim and floors are reminiscent of Cen- tury homes. Historically, wine reds were used in the dining rooms and boudoirs to create a theatrical setting. Jewel tone blues, greens and gold were introduced to maximize the plush, extravagant atmosphere. These elements are used in today's homes, contemporized by lightening the wood and choosing the same colours but brightened them up. A gloss finish, a modern pattern or a new piece of furniture will change the era, but not the stunning appear-the era, but not the stunning appear-the era, but not the stunning appear ance. Homes with a country vibe are very tuned into red. Taking a cue from nature, the yellowish red of poppies and the burnished red of autumn leaves are perfect comple- ments to light woods such as maple and pine and comfy, practical seat-and pine and comfy, practical seat-and pine and comfy, practical seat ing upholstery. Rag rugs, kitchen café curtains, and floral wallpaper prints in saturated tones bring life and whimsy to neutral backgrounds. If you are reluctant to use big splash- es, try a touch of red in each room. The theme will unify your living spac- es without overpowering them. And it's always easy to add more once you witness the positive change. This is true for any decorating steps. It's wise to start slow and build. Play around with texture as well as colour. Deep reds are more intimate as they absorb light as do nubbly or shaggy fabrics. Matte finishes for paint and fabric have the same ef-paint and fabric have the same ef-paint and fabric have the same ef fect. If you are looking to energize, go for orangy reds and glossy finish- es. A high sheen lamp base or vase, a selection of shiny leather or fabric cushions, or a bold backdrop be- hind a bookshelf in this intense red is modern and youthful. No matter where on the spectrum you decide to go, red won't disappoint you. It has built-in character to burn! Written by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email decorating questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. Follow Debbie at instagram.com/debbie_ travis, facebook.com/thedebbietravis, debbietravis.com. DEBBIE TRAVIS House to Home in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, F eb ru ar y 27 ,2 02 0 | 30 Wow! Rare opportunity to own in prestigious Tyandaga for under a million. Meticulously updated 3 bedroom 3 bath home with unspoiled walk out basement and 2 car garage on a 103 Ft wide corner lot. Walk to Amenities, Parks, Bruce Trail/Escarpment and easy Hwy access. Too many upgrades to list, this home must be seen. Offered at $998,000. Schedule your tour today! 1260AbbeyCourt.com Sinead Robinson Sales Representative Sinead@royallepage.ca Nancy Lorimer Sales Representative Nancy Lorimer Sales Representative Nancy Lorimer nancylorimer@royallepage.ca905-634-7755 OPEN HOuSE SAT & SuN 2-4 PM 1260 ABBEy COuRT BuRLiNgTON