Red is on the Rise for 2026

Pop quiz! True or False?

  1. Red is the first color to be used in cave art dated 16,000 BC. 
  2. Its natural intensity is owed to the fact it’s got the longest wavelength of any color. 

If you answered True to both questions, you are correct! 

At a recent Sherwin-Williams Event heralding the comeback of red, I saved a few tips on which reds to use where, for your inspiration:

  1. Kitchens. I love a bit of cheerful orange in a kitchen space. One of my favorite choices is the red-orange SW6615 Peppery. I envision this color in a kitchen with brick walls, reminiscent of my grandparents’ old house in Salisbury, England. 
  2. Workspaces. A classic red brown such as  SW2735 Rookwood Red brings a grounded neutral look. It would complement a reflective workspace, the kind with exposed pipes and expansive windows.
  3. Doors and bathrooms. A bold red that’s slightly pink-y (in a good way), SW6866 Heartthrob could also look stately in a hall and living room. Overall, I would recommend using it for small spaces to add instant personality without overload. 

Want to refresh your space with an uplifting red, but don’t know where to start? I’m a certified decorator and an ASID Affiliate (American Society of Interior Decorators) and am happy to help. Ping me @info@lilacdustdesign.com. Chatting is free. 

NEW: Sign up for our mailing list on our homepage and receive quarterly updates on trends and Lilac Dust pricing specials. Have a question or comment? Email me at info@lilacdustdesign.com.

Check out our collection of Decorative Elements, for inspiration! Also – photos of our first commercial office space refresh in classy Sherwin-Williams neutrals. (Virtual Consulting) and a new River Condo refresh (Virtual Consulting) in Sherwin-Williams’ popular Snowbound, featuring all new paint, furniture and décor. 

Follow Lilac Dust Design & Color Consulting LLC @lilacdustcolor on IG, LinkedInYelp for Business and FB, for decorating tips and updates on industry trends. 

Image of Peppery SW6615 courtesy of Sherwin-Williams.

#sherwinwilliams