Cherry red interiors: how to nail this trend

From the ‘Unexpected Red’ interiors theory to red kitchens being all the rage, it’s clear rich cherry is the shade of the moment…

The love for red has blossomed in interior design recently. Last year, Brooklyn-based interior designer Taylor Simon launched the ‘Unexpected Red’ theory on TikTok, explaining how adding a pop of this shade to a space where it seemingly doesn’t belong can automatically make the room look better.

“Towards the end of 2024, we saw burgundy become the colour of the season, with the dark hue taking over the interior and fashion sphere,” says Charlotte Ford, marketing director at interiors brand Ruggable. And what’s more, Pinterest has predicted cherry red as one of the top trends for 2025. “The brighter hue offers a gorgeously bold finish and can be used within interior design to effectively achieve a range of desired looks,” adds Charlotte.

If you’re keen to welcome this vibrant hue into your kitchen, bedroom or bathroom, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite ideas…

Colour drenched workspace in rich cherry.
Can-Can, £60 for 2.5 litres of Claypaint, Earthborn.

Use cherry red as an accent colour

If you’re unsure where to start decorating with rich cherry hues, why not follow the principle of the ‘Unexpected Red’ theory? Add a dash of red, be it big or small, to your interiors through a statement piece of furniture, soft furnishings, or lighting solutions. “By choosing accent pieces such as cushions and throws in solid cherry red or patterned designs incorporating this gorgeous hue, you can add pops of colour and create subtle focal points that draw the eye around the space,” advises Bethan John, founder at The British Blanket Company.

“Layering these elements against a neutral backdrop will ensure the colour remains sophisticated and effortless. For a refined touch, you could even bring in the colour in a detailed way, with lampshades, sheer curtains or embroidered bedding.”

Colourful bedroom design with a red floor lamp and quirky decorations.
Jam Glass Dome floor lamp, £390, Houseof.
Neutral dining room with a cherry red chair.
noo.ma Wem chair, £290, The Roost.

Go bold

If you are feeling daring, go all out by drenching your space in this stimulating shade. “A daring and sophisticated colour, cherry red can make a statement in any interiors when used boldly on the walls,” says Clarissa Hulse, creative director at the eponymous homeware brand.

“It’s an energetic and vibrant tone that draws the eye in, but still brings lots of warmth. If you go bold with cherry red on the walls, be it wallpaper or a wall mural, then you can create a really balanced design scheme by incorporating complementary shades such as deep burgundies, blush pinks or metallic golds.”

Cherry red dining room with soft seating solutions, a gold lamp and a clear glass table.
Jack three-seat sofa and Jack armchair, both in Jack Wills Red Velvet, Sofa.com.

Speaking of colour palettes, Emma Bestley, co-founder and creative director at YesColours, says: “This colour will work well with its neighbours on the colour wheel, also known as analogue colours, so consider pinks and oranges, or if you prefer cooler tones, opt for deep blues and purples to accompany.” As for textures, Emma recommends weighted fabrics like velvet, damask and heavy cotton.

Ready to get inspired? Scroll down…

Bathroom design with checkerboard flooring and a fitted tub.
Put a modern twist on the classic black and white checkerboard pattern by going for a colourful option such as cherry red. Squares Venetian Red LVT flooring, £40.83 per sq m, Harvey Maria.
Country chic kitchen design with a white cabinetry run and a statement red island.
Transform your kitchen island into a focal point by choosing an unexpected, contrasting colour to your main cabinetry. Tectonic Oak Chevron, £165.91 per sq m, Chaunceys Timber Flooring. Designer: Pringle & Pringle. Photography: Alexander James.
Kitchen-diner with natural wood accents and industrial-style appliances.
Balance red accent paint with natural wood textures. Caliente AF 290, £20.75 for 0.94 litres, Benjamin Moore.
A statement storage unit with fluted glass.
Nail the trend with a striking piece of furniture such as The Collector in Poppy, £749, Mustard Made.
Berry-toned linen with textured waffle cushions and throws in a dusty pink bedroom.
Create a warm, cocooning atmosphere in your bedroom with the help of cherry red bedding and complementing cushions and throws. Berry Super Soft 100% cotton bed linen, £15 for a standard pillowcase, Secret Linen Store.
Country style kitchen with a storage dresser painted in a vibrant shade.
Brighten up your morning routine with a stand-out breakfast cupboard. Portland medium half-glazed dresser by Painted Furniture Company.
Colour drenched kitchen with a wall-mounted cabinet painted in white.
Red and white is a classic colour combination and it can suit a range of kitchen styles, from country chic to colourful minimalist. Pepper Red paint by Dulux.
Neutral bedroom design with white and grey linen and a textured throw.
Enhance the tactile experience in your bedroom through textured soft furnishings. Totterdown waffle wool blanket in Air Balloon, from £80, The British Blanket Co.
Closeup of a kitchen rug.
Indulge in an extra layer of comfort in your kitchen with the help of a patterned rug adorned with a range of cherry tones. Otto in Berry Background Vanilla, £247, Pappelina.
Cherry red living room with neutral seating solutions and white woodwork.
Balance out rich red with creamy neutrals and inviting textures. We love the range of textures – from the bouclé accent chair to the wood flooring to the stone coffee table. Pristine herringbone plank in Cotswold Stone, from £68 per sq m, Knot & Grain.
Modern bathroom with a painted tub.
Welcome cherry red into your bathroom through a statement tub or basin. Milano Legend Traditional double-ended freestanding slipper bath in Saffron Red, from £999.99, Big Bathroom Shop.

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