Have Your Own Red Carpet Moment Anytime
The red carpet has a long history as a symbol of welcome. Back in 458 B.C., Aeschylus wrote about Clytemnestra’s welcoming Agamemnon’s return from Troy with a crimson path. Rumor has it, Joan Rivers was waiting for him at the end.
Today the red carpet is a staple of awards shows. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve enjoyed your fill of red carpet moments over the past few months, between the Golden Globes, the Screen Actors Guild Awards, the Grammys and the Baftas. All of that comes to an end this Sunday, March 2, with the presentation of the Oscars.
But there’s no need to say farewell to our crimson crony. You can enjoy a red carpet moment anytime you want — right in the privacy of your home. Spread out a bit of burgundy broadloom or carmine carpeting and watch the pace (and your pulse) quicken. Because let’s face it: There’s something about a red carpet that makes everyone feel like a movie star. For a moment at least.
Red carpets are ideal with traditional interiors, like this one, where an expanse of cardinal carpeting sends hearts racing. But the look can be tricky to pull off. In this instance the contrast with the white walls would have been too pronounced if the red weren’t also repeated in the curtains, upholstery and pillows.
Two-story living rooms can feel like a no man’s land: too towering and vast to invite intimate conversation or relaxation.
This one is different, thanks to the area rug; it draws the focus downward, to human level. The space is still grand but not intimidating, and the eyes don’t wander as much.
Another traditional interior, but a totally different approach. Here the red carpet is like the cherry on the sundae, adding a dollop of color to a monochromatic room. Notice how the patchwork design instills a sense of variety and texture without overt use of pattern.
Red carpets can look great in a modern interior, too. Here an island of red helps anchor the seating group in an open plan, defining the space as clearly as walls — but without interrupting the panoramic view.
Sure, this view is stunning. But once the sun sets, you want something to draw the focus inward. That’s where the red carpet comes in: It gives the room a focal point at night without stealing attention from the vista during the day.
And, I must confess, the telegram on the TV makes me laugh.
Putting a red rug in a neutral room is a little like lighting a fire — it adds instant warmth. Consider rolling one out in winter, then swapping it out for sisal or sea grass when summer approaches. Sure, an area rug can be costly, but it’s a lot easier to swap a rug than to paint the walls, and achieves a similar result.
Why limit yourself to carpeting? Here a red sisal area rug makes a family room feel instantly inviting; the natural fibers help lower the formality quotient a couple of notches.
What is it about log houses and red carpets? Log walls can overpower a room, so it helps to have furnishings and colors that can compete. No color stands up to timber walls like red.
Like they used to say in the Brylcreem ads: A little dab’ll do ya. Here a paprika-colored runner warms up a sleek, contemporary kitchen, instilling just enough spice to take some of the chill off the room.
Red connotes energy, making it an attractive — albeit controversial — choice for a child’s room. (Leave a candy bar on the dresser and stand back!)
On the other hand, red is also the color of romance, and has been shown to stimulate appetites, making it an apt choice for Mom and Dad’s boudoir.
During awards season red carpets are a fixture in front of movie houses. But they belong inside them as well, where they connote elegance and pampering. What better choice for a private home theater?
Red is a perfect choice for stairways, too. Think of Dolly Levi’s returning to Harmonia Gardens, or Scarlett O’Hara’s confronting Rhett Butler. You don’t just walk down a staircase like the one here: You make an entrance.
Now if you could only train your children to ask, “Who are you wearing?”
More: Oscars: From Home Decor to the Red Carpet
