OK, OK, we’re weighing in on Unexpected Red Theory.
You may have seen the idea crop up in your Instagram feed (or on TikTok, if you’re really up to date). It started with TikToker/designer Taylor Simon, who suggested that adding a dose of red—”big or small, in a room where it doesn’t match”—makes the whole scheme more interesting. (Watch the original video here, if you care to.) Then Farrow & Ball weighed in (and shared a glimpse of The House on Dolphin Street), and we started noticing the principle in some of our favorite projects.
Much like the Wrong Shoe Theory (the idea that choosing a surprising, slightly off-looking shoe can make an outfit), the effect is probably more due to adding something unexpected rather than the color itself. Still, these examples make a strong case for adding a bit of red….
![red chair, red wall sconce, in at home with c. s. valentin: french eclecticism 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/cs-valentin-cobble-hill-brooklyn-jonathan-hokklo-1-733x489.jpg)
![no need to go all in on a red kitchen—just a little paint will do. photo 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/grybus-turfhouse-skogar-south-11-733x1099.jpg)
![red paired with green in angle of repose: a restored house in tielrode, belgium 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/sofie-lachaert-little-house-danica-o-kus-8-733x486.jpg)
![for your consideration: a red faucet. photograph from kitchen of the week: pale 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/reform-kolonihave-mgs-02-733x1100.jpg)
![a single red chair in a modern classic apartment interior in helsinki, finland. 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/helsinki-apartment-katie-lockhart-mary-gaudin-1-733x1100.jpg)
![splashes of tomato red in shed chic: architect mariana de delás turns an o 22](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/12-volt-retreat-mariana-de-delas-architecture-palma-de-mallorca-spain-tomeu-canvellas-photo-6-733x1100.jpg)
![painted red \2\20;piping\2\2\1; in a project by marta chrapka of 23](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/colombe-studio-podkowa-guest-room2-733x492.jpg)
![a rather unexpected red towel rack, mirror, and stool in the bath, as seen in f 24](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/8-holland-street-bedroom-sink-james-mcdonald-733x964.jpg)
![\230;and a jaunty red reading light, too (also from found and fine: a cu 25](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/8-holland-street-bedroom-3-james-mcdonald-733x961.jpg)
![and a red clip on light: see small space solutions: 5 tiny bedroom (and dorm) i 26](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/hobo-hotel-stockholm-studio-aisslinger-design-patricia-parinejad-photo-3-733x489.jpg)
![twin counter stools (painted in a “utilitarian red” called rusty 27](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/plain-english-kitchen-brooklyn-anat-soudry-architect-kyle-norton-photo-1-733x488.jpg)
![a le corbusier parliament lamp is the only hint of red in this &# 28](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/bond-11thstreet-garret-apartment-chris-mottalini-photo-2-733x980.jpg)
![a very unexpected red light fixture in a reimagined ranch house: an artist 29](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/maya-schindler-study-long-island-ny-michael-fine-photo-9-733x1100.jpg)
![a pair of red chairs almost clash with the dark surrounds in fred rigby studio: 30](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/fred-rigby-studio-kitchen-1-733x550.jpg)
![a low commitment option: red art, as seen in the right formula: a restrained re 31](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/anna-jewsbury-living-dining-room-1-733x488.jpg)
![another spotting in a c.s. valentin project: red beside the bed. styling by
32](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/cs-valentin-bellport-jonathan-hokklo-alexa-hotz-10-733x489.jpg)
![a mohair throw adds a twist to the living area in architect pat bernatz’ 33](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pat-bernatz-lincoln-heights-house-living-room-733x489.jpg)
![red tiles in an artful twentieth century house in italy in an of the moment pal 34](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/studio-strato-tuscan-red-house-rome-kitchen-2-serena-eller-733x1100.jpg)
![\230;and a pair of armchairs, too. an artful twentieth century hous 35](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/studio-strato-tuscan-red-house-rome-living-room-serena-eller-733x490.jpg)
![a red floor peeks out around the edges of the rug in this bedroom by beata heum 36](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/beata-heuman-main-bedroom-2-733x550.jpg)
![finally, the unexpected red theory heads outside. photograph by jenn verrier, c 37](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/washington-dc-house-remodel-by-fowlkes-studio-1-733x1134.jpg)
What do you make of the Unexpected Red Theory? Let us know in the comments.
P.S. More trends:
- Trend Alert: 11 Stylish Stainless Steel Kitchens
- Archive Dive: 13 Built-In Sofas, Trend Edition
- Feast of the (Many) Fishes: 17 Times Fish Made an Appearance Beyond the Plate
Frequently asked questions
What is the Unexpected Red Theory TikTok trend alert?
The Unexpected Red Theory TikTok trend alert is a viral trend on TikTok where users are sharing videos of their experiences with unexpectedly encountering the color red in their lives.
How did the Unexpected Red Theory TikTok trend start?
The Unexpected Red Theory TikTok trend seems to have originated when TikTok user @dianasweeettt shared a video about her theory that if you talk about the color red, you will start noticing it more in your surroundings.
Can you give an example of the Unexpected Red Theory TikTok trend?
Sure! An example of the Unexpected Red Theory TikTok trend is when users talk about red shoes, and then suddenly start seeing red shoes everywhere they go, even though they never noticed them before.
Is there any scientific basis for the Unexpected Red Theory?
No, the Unexpected Red Theory is not based on any scientific evidence or research. It is just a fun and entertaining trend on TikTok.
Why is the Unexpected Red Theory TikTok trend popular?
The Unexpected Red Theory TikTok trend is popular because it encourages users to be more observant and aware of their surroundings. It also brings a sense of excitement and surprise when users start noticing the color red in unexpected places.
Are there any other color-related TikTok trends?
Yes, there are many color-related TikTok trends, such as the Color Personality Test and Color Change Challenge. These trends often involve users discussing their favorite colors or showcasing their creativity through color-themed videos.
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