COLOUR CONFIDENCE Sophie Robinson on earthy reds

Our columnist Sophie Robinson knows all about the power of a hue, and each month she shows you how to make a shade work in your home…

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1 Moroccan Souk matt, £51/2.5L, Andrew Martin 2 Pantile pure matt, £50/2.5L, Fenwick & Tilbrook 3 Gubi Ronde pendant, £235, Nordic Nest 4 Hexa Russet mosaics, from £173/sq m, Mandarin Stone 5 High Rise cushion, £45, John Lewis & Partners Antiquarian Hadschlu rug, £386, The Rug Retailer 7 Ciao bed in Burnt Sienna, £1,355, Loaf 8 Casserole, £26, Habitat 9 Alfeo table lamp shade, £58; both Graham & Green 10 Eating Room Red emulsion, £52/2.5L, Farrow & Ball

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EARTHY RED

There

’ s something really grounding and homely about colours of the land, and we are seeing more of these hues, from muted clay to vibrant ochre, in the most fashionable interiors. With connotations of terra firma, they help us feel safe, stable and closer to nature.

Earthy red is my favourite as it incorporates all the drama and richness of red, but made more liveable by the grounding properties of earth brown. It’ s an assertive, strong and bold colour that brings a hearty feeling of warmth and wellbeing. I’d feel confident using it on every wall in a room, or on a large piece of upholstery, such as the sofa, for maximum snug appeal. I have terracotta floor tiles in my north-facing kitchen and I love how the toasty red tones create a cosseting backdrop to my green kitchen. And it doesn ’t have to be the main event – earthy red can also make a wonderful warm neutral that allows other colours to shine.

Because of its natural vibe, it goes very well with rustic textures, like rough-hewn stone and timber. Accessorise with antique Persian rugs, Moroccan tufted cushions and burnished-gold light fittings to ramp up the luxurious sense of cosiness. This colour has a resonance with the past and looks completely at home in period properties. I’drecommenditforanywhereyouwanttocreateawarm welcome – in the hallway, kitchen or living room – and it would look fabulous in a dining room highlighted by sultry candlelight. In a more modern interior, use it as an accent colourwithanodtomid-centuryvibes,andkeepitfeeling fresh with house palms and pale wicker furniture.

If you want a dose of heartiness at home, light the fire, put a pot of stew on the stove and fall back into an earthy red velvet sofa for maximum feelgood vibes.

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This month, I’ll be

ADDING A SPLASH OF COLOUR…

...to my kitchen table with a vase of gorgeous spring blooms. A handful of daffodils or tulips in a pretty vase infuses the whole room with a cheerful mood. HB