A bunch of cherry here, a crimson there—over the last year, the beginnings of a trend have emerged. But before it touched the runway, it was always crimson. Red has roots: the vibrant color was initially discovered in ocher, one of the world's oldest natural pigments, dating back as far as 3000 BC in pottery.
To reiterate, this shade has long been a dominant color in Moroccan rugs. Red has significant historical significance in Morocco. The hue is seen in a variety of tints across Marrakech, including marketplaces, fabrics, and home products. Red is a color that has long been associated with Moroccan royalty since the 13th century. It symbolizes courage, love and strength, fundamental values of Moroccan culture. However, the color was mostly chosen based on locally available materials, such as the plentiful reddish ocher dirt prevalent in the Moroccan desert.
Red provides vibrancy wherever it's used, from rosettes to a red lip, but it works especially well in interiors. Red has transcended traditional connections to become a versatile and bold design color. Color brings vitality to otherwise dull places, from bright accessories to rich, deep color schemes. And its application is not limited to the conventional brilliant red. It may also be subdued, burned, or almost pink.
Red Supremacy
Because red is such a bold and dark color, balance is essential in interior design. When designing with red, you have to be mindful of which spaces are for relaxation versus which spaces are for energizing. A red Moroccan rug can act as a focal point, bringing warmth and individuality to a room. It can form a bold and solid foundation for a room.
Before you drape your side chairs and sofas in the heavily saturated color, test it somewhere unimportant first. When incorporating red, we recommend starting small and progressing to more bold decisions. Start with a low-profile, red decorative object or a textile, such as a red Moroccan rug or one with a red pattern. Once you're comfortable with the color, you can make broader decisions like wallpaper.
Here are some of our favorite ways to incorporate this timeless color into your own room using a Moroccan rug.
For Mid-Century Lovers: Stay Minimalist With this Neutral Red
Red is a symbol of energy, thus let it be as profound as possible: When using red, choose a shade that complements everything else in your decor. If your room is filled with bold, primary hues, stick with a bright, lively red.
For an Almost Neutral: Choose Autumnal Colors Like Mahogany or Cottage Red
Because red is such a bold and dark color, balancing is essential. If your living room is neutral, a flash of mahogany or auburn will feel classic and fresh when combined with soft grays and muted pinks. Red works very nicely with neutral warm colors like beige or tan. This combination allows red to shine without being overpowering.
For the Minimalists: Mahogany or Cottage Red Are Perfect
Because red is such a bold and dark color, balancing is essential. If your living room is neutral, a flash of mahogany or auburn will feel classic and fresh when combined with soft grays and muted pinks. Red pairs exceptionally well with neutral warm colors like beige or tan. This combination allows red to pop without being too dominant.
Terracotta or Rust Are Ideal for Earthy and Calm Colors
If you want desert-inspired decor, southwestern-style terracotta will help to soften your surroundings. Terracotta or muted reds offer a more subdued and earthy feel.
Burgundy and Maroon Are Ideal for a Sophisticated Yet Warm Look
Deep, brown-tinged reds are somber but can also contribute to a sophisticated look. If your room has a more earthy tone, choose a deeper cherry red or burgundy. Keeping the undertones in red consistent with the rest of your decor will make it feel more intentional and balanced.
