Thursday, July 14, 2011

RED

Red Wallpaper Boarder in the Two Formal Parlors.

Red Gigham Curtains in the Kitchen.

Red Smocked Satin Valances in Library.

Oriental Rugs are Everywhere.


    What can I say? I LOVE RED!!!! It has not always been my favorite color, but, always has  been a favorite color to decorate with. But, now, it is  my very most favorite, of all colors. How can any one not love red? Several years back, I had a  client that I decorated for, he and his wife and me, had done up several houses in St.Louis. I had not even noticed, but I guess I always used red in these houses.They moved to California and I was sad to lose there friendship and there decorator business  One day, out of the blue, I got a call,  It was Mr. Richie, and he started out by saying, ("Richard can you come to California and, PUT A LITTLE RED IN OUR LIFE?") Well off I went, and yes we used some red. Since then I traveled to South Carolina to do another house for them, and ,we used a lot of red.Even the front door.
     Red is one of the primary colors of light. There are three primary colors, red, blue and yellow. From these three colors all other colors are made. Add white and you get a shade of these colors. Add black and you get a tint. Mix them together and you get all others colors. White is the absent of all color and black is the presence of all color. Add all colors together and you get brown. SORRY, the old art teacher  is coming out there, but , never hurts to have a lesson!


Antique George Washington Toile Chair in Kitchen.


Skirt under the Kitchen Sink.

Needlepoint Trivet.

Up River Parlor Chair and Oriental Carpet.

18th Century Lady in Red Dress.

    The world RED comes from the Old English word, "read",which meant blood. In the English language the word red is associated with the color of blood, flowers and fruit. Fire is also strongly connected ,as its the sun and the sunset. After the rise of Socialism, in the mid 19th century, red, was used to describe  revolutionary movements
     Red is a symbol of courage and sacrifice, an example of this , can be found in flags of many nations.
     Red has been used as a symbol of guilt, as in the Scarlet Letter. "A"
     Other symbolisms are: sin, pain and passion. The Bible says,"though your sins be scarlet, they shall be white as snow." Red has long been  connected to sin.
     Red is  associated with lust, love and beauty and connecting  to all these, is the red rose. Men often find women more attractive when they are wearing red.  The Red Rose is the one most often purchased at the florist, because of this association of the color red.
    Several phrases have been tied to the color red. "Caught red handed", meaning caught in the act of murder or blood shed. "Red Blooded", is some one who is robust,virile and top notch.
    In  some religions, red, represents, Satan and the 7 deadly sins.
    The Greeks considered the color red as a symbol of love.
     Red catches peoples attention and can be used either in a negative or positive way. Several studies show that red carries the strongest reaction of all the colors. Because of this, red is often used to get peoples attention. The best examples are, the Red Cross and the Stop sign.






19th Century Child in Red Dress.
Base of a Victorian Rocking Horse.

  Red  has been a popular color in decorating for most of all  time. The Victorians were great lovers of red. If you ever say the movie, "Molly Brown",where she decorated her Denver house in all red,  it gives you a feeling of how, the Victorians, did love that color. Red has made a comeback in the 21st century. Almost every home we see or visit has a red room, red wall or red somewhere. A lot  of this has slowed down with the latest decorating trend, all white and the absence of color. I for one,  Love Color, and why not, make it RED?I even have a red ceiling. It takes a special person to use a lot of red. It can be read in many different ways. Some will love it, while others will have a smart remark or two. Most of all, I decorate for Me. Of course, I want others to like it.,and what people think, means a lot., especially when you want to get a job in the decorating field. Having an old Victorian, Historic home, has made it easier to use a lot of red, but does not have to be the case. Red is a warm color. If you have a room that always seems cold, paint it red, and it will warm up. If you feel afraid to use red, paint a wall, it is only paint, and can be covered up very easily. Live with it awhile and see. If that is too drastic, use a red Toile or another red print and move in slowly.  And if you don't like Red, just don't use it.

Dining Room Carpet. 


Cut Velvet Throw in Ladies Parlor.

Needlepoint Lambrequin  on Mantle in Gentlemens Parlor.

Red Card Chairs in Library.

19th Century Lady in Red Dress.

    Today I am showing a lot of Red, from My Old Historic House.Please enjoy the pictures and maybe someday you can come by for a real tour. I will leave the lights on and Sissy Dog will meet you with a jump and a kiss, of course,wearing her red collar.

Valances from Double Parlor Windows.

Needlepoint Victorian Fire Screen, Ladies parlor.
Ruby Red Luster
French Gold Gilt Love Seat in Hall with Red Silk Damask covering.
Res Entrance Hall Ceiling.

Lee Jofa Toile , Entrance Hall Wallpaper.

 My Closet, see I even Wear Red.
Victorian Wedding  Dome.

Needlepoint pillows in Ladies Parlor.

Second Floor hall Chandelier.
Dining Room Dish Closet.


Tassels on Double Parlor Valances.

Details, Wallpaper, Double Parlor Ceilings.





36 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Richard! I just love seeing your most beautiful home! What gorgeous touches of red throughout! That little gingham checked skirt under your kitchen sink is so sweet! Now I have those same ruby red stemmed goblets! :)
Give Sissy Dog a hug and have a wonderful day.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Richard:
Yes, we totally agree with you that decorating with red is such fun. It can add drama to any interior design and give warmth to a room which seems to be unwelcoming. We too have a lot of red in our furnishings and a particular favourite is red velvet. It seems to us that velvet and red are just meant to be together, the depth of colour and depth of fabric making a happy marriage in our view. Thank you for the tour of your most attractive house.

Heirlooms by Ashton House said...

What a wonderful post, and your beautiful photos are always a treat to behold! I do love all those red accents. They certainly add drama to any room. I would love to have a magnificent red ceiling like that. Just gorgeous.

Deanna said...

Dear Richard, I love your red! Especially in the border on the wall and ceiling. Very nice.

You pretty well summed Color 101 in the one paragraph where you mention you being a Art Instructor. Enjoyed this sharing about color mixtures. It's been years since I took a Color Class and I think you summed it up really well.

Not sure I ever heard that black is the presence of all color. Liked this.

Enjoyed visiting you today on my Birthday!
God bless,
d

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

You have so many unbelievable items! Can not decide what I like best!

andrew1860 said...

Hi Richard, Red is one of my favorite colors! I love your use of it in your lovely home. Red was one of the most popular colors for the Victorians and there interiors. I just love seeing all of your beautiful things!

Historical Ken said...

Although my favorite color is green, I have also used red in my Victorian decor'- even in the more contemporary part of our home. In fact, we painted our modern living room burgundy to help give it that certain "feel" that other colors can't give. Everyone told me, when I mentioned about floor to ceiling burgundy, that it would be too dark. I proved them wrong.
Even with all the modernisms about, it still has that Victorian feeling.
You, sir, are a decorator's decorator. Simply awesome!

Bohemian said...

I'm ADORING all your Reds Richard!!! *swooning* I am a sucker for Persian Rugs as you know *winks* but I'm also mezmerized by those metal Valances, absolutely stunning!

You know when I photographed those Glass Eggs I thought of you since you'd once done a Post about them, I had a difficult time photographing them through the locked glass case, they were much prettier in person. Very delicate and I loved the hand painting on them. They do look nice massed together in a dish. I had been thinking about what little Treasure I could send you for making sure I got that magazine... autographed no less *smiles*... and I think now I know what would be perfect. *winks*

Blessings from the AZ Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

lvroftiques said...

Richard I was late to the red bandwagon but I fell in love with a red sofa and there's been no going back *winks* LOVE the color red but I most especially LOVE the reds at your house!! I've been oohing and aahhhhing the whole post *winks* Vanna

Anonymous said...

I am loving all these reds, Richard.

Have you done a post about the pelmets/cornice boards in your home? I would love to hear about them.

I thought of you today..I made a big pot of geen beans and potatoes. Reminded me of what you said in your comment the other day. They were very good and tasted like Summer.:-)

Lottie said...

Wow! I LOVE all the reds in your beautiful home! But I especially LOVE the red ceiling under the stairs in the entrance hall! I never would have thought of doing that but "wow" how great that looks!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Hi Richard, you always have the most interesting posts. I too have fallen in love with red the last few years. I love your stairs and entrance hall would love to see more. Give Miss Sissy a dog a pat and hug from us.
hugs ~lynne~

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Richard,
What pure eye candy you have shared with us all here today! I so LOVE all of your reds!! I just did red in my kitchen and I love the warm feel of it!! I adore your red and white curtains and really, everything else!!
Thanks for the wonderful treat you gave us today!!

Hugs,
Debbie

LydiaO said...

Oooh look at all that red! I especially love the 1850s lady in her red velvet dress. Didn't you tell me that you painted the red border in the parlors? It's beautiful. And yes, that Red For Richard post I did was for you :-)

Pearl said...

Thanks for the history lesson I love that! It took me a long time to like red also, your home with red is beautiful. Thanks for the tour, Pearl

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

I love red in a home, it looks so elegant, but cozy at the same time! That red toile George Washington chair is so beautiful-love it!

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Hi Richard, I truly have been meaning to get over here and see you. I am loving all of the reds, and your house tour over at No Minimalist was beautiful, as usual.
Ok now about that pickle you asked for, I think we can make a deal. You send me that antique George Washington toile chair, and I will send you a life time supply of home made pickles. Lol Glad you stopped by earlier. I will see more of all of you when garden season is over. Oh wait, hubby is now saying he is going to do a fall garden.....it may be Christmas before I see ya'll again :)

Judy said...

Hi Richard! So nice to "meet you! I do still love red but right now it's not working in my home. I'm hanging onto lots of my red accessories b/c one day I'm sure red will appear in my home.

Judy

Curtains in My Tree said...

I am always amazed at every post you write and love RED. I do enjoy the read

Your house is so history and red really gets our attention

I know Miss Scarlet couldn't have had a more beautiful home

xinex said...

I love all your reds, Richard. Looks very bright and cheerful. My favorite is the George Washington toile....Christine

Babs said...

Richard, I love all the red in your home, especially the oriental rugs and needlepoint pillows. I think that just like every room should have a little black in it... every room should also have a little red.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful, hisoric home.
Have a great weekend,
Babs

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Yes, my freind, RED does go in your house and with you!! Everything looks fabulous, red gives the whole atmosphere of palacial elegance. My fav...the oriental rugs. Thanks for sharing and for your lovely visit Richard.

Anyes K. Busby - Studio Vignette Fine Art said...

Hi Richard,
It's hard for me to choose one favourite colour, but if I have to choose, red would be at the top of my list. Gorgeous post!
Anyes
XX

Debbiedoos said...

You certainly have some beautiful antiques Richard. We are big collectors ourselves. Your window treatments are stunning, as is the rug. Thanks for sharing with my newbie party. Please add my link or button.

The mum of all trades said...

what a gorgeous post this was. your home is just how I would picture an american home of yesteryear. fabulous!

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

Oh wow I love all the RED and the Victorian period.

Tara said...

So you like red? Hee hee! What a stunning home! I enjoyed my tour very much. I love red too. I really want to get some red paint for some furniture I'm working on, I think it would be a nice change. Thanks for coming by to say hello and have a terrific week!

BTW~I loved the color tutorial refresher!

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

Beautiful reds! That's one of my all-time fav colors!

Stop by if you get a chance. Starting Thursday, I'm having a Vintage Linen & Dish Auction to celebrate my first year of blogging. Just click the auction button on my sidebar for the details!

Alison @ The Polohouse said...

Hi Richard!
As you can tell from my home photos, I too adore red and have at least a little in every room.
I am sure we love it because we are so passionate, right?
Your collections and your home photos never cease to amaze me. I love the unusual needlepoint trivet and the velvet throw in the ladies sitting parlor. There are twenty other things I was trying to remember to mention and of course my "sometimers" disease has kicked in and I now cannot remember what they were!!!

Oh boy.
Better not celebrate another birthday this week.
I am getting old!!!
:)
Love your red.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Red is my favorite color and my favorite color with which to decorate. I seem to find a way to weave strands of it in every room. I enjoyed learning about it. I'm your newest follower.

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Beautiful reds, Richard! My favorites are the red toile chair...fabulous fabric...and your painting of the child in the red dress! Have a great week!...hugs...Debbie

Gypsy Heart said...

Red is my favorite color! I'm a new visitor to your blog and so glad to have this tour of your beautiful home.

Have a great week!
Pat

victorian parlor II said...

Oh my goodness-it's all gorgeous!!!

Blessings,

Kim

we three dogs and me said...

I am always amazed that you visit me so often. My blog is so different.Your home is so beautiful but confortable and mine is so plain but comfortable. Your photos are gorgeous.I look at them over and over. Did you get picture of epergne just wondered. My only treasure.

kpoe said...

Besides all the very beautiful decorations you have in this house I guess we all agree that those Persian carpets are giving a very unique look to the room. but as you might know, a Persian area rug is more than a a decoration, is a symbol of Persian civilization, a unique and very complex one but still so beautiful.

Unknown said...

Love the how to see everything in red.. I love red and love your ideas. Your works Richard is such an inspiring and push me at my best to spend my skills.



Thanks,
Nancy
www.windowplanet.com