The Paint Color That Bothers Joanna Gaines (& How To Better Use It)

Love it or hate it, the color red inspires big reactions from most people, including Joanna Gaines. In fact, she has said red makes her feel anxious. She's not alone. "Red is one of the most intense, energizing colors, and so it can be polarizing, especially saturated red tones that pack a punch," says Erika Dale, House Digest's interior design expert and founder of Erika Dale Interior Design. Even in small doses, red can be overstimulating for some, but if this feeling sounds familiar, it doesn't mean you have to completely eschew red from all your design plans.

For others, the excitement that red brings to the table is stimulating in a good way. "If the energetic power of red makes your heart sing, by all means, incorporate it into your home," Dale tells House Digest exclusively. Whether you love the color or just want to break outside of your comfort zone and do something different, the key to using red effectively is balance.

According to Dale, it is critical to "be very mindful of maintaining a balanced color palette, either by keeping saturated red tones to small pops of accent color or by using muted red tones to use it on a larger application like wall paint." Not sold on the power of red? Check out these red kitchens that will have you reaching for a gallon of paint.

If you're curious about the color red, but are still apprehensive about committing to such a bold hue, we get it. But you will never know until you try, right? "The first thing to determine is if you actually like having red in your space, whether it is exciting or overstimulating to you," says Dale.

To do this, start small. Don't reach for that gallon of paint just yet. Dale's exclusive advice for House Digest readers is, "Look at inspiration pictures online or incorporate small pops of red to test the waters before committing, such as a piece of art, decorative object, picture frame, pillow, or something else easily replaced if you decide red doesn't resonate with you after all." Is your attention drawn to these items? Is it in a good way or a bad way? Answer these questions before going any further. If you're ready to take the next step, consider adding just one accent wall in one of these 20 red paint shades to your room. From bold, fire-engine red to dusty, rose colors, there's bound to be a shade that appeals to you.

"Red immediately grabs the eye, calls for attention, and makes a statement," says Dale when speaking exclusively with House Digest. In fact, this is what makes it so controversial. Many people want a serene, monochromatic room that lets the eye rest, and red accents say, "Look at me!" That isn't always a bad thing.

"There is a reason that the 'unexpected red theory' has been a tried-and-true design practice for a long time," Dale explains. For the uninitiated, the unexpected red theory home decor trend that is polarizing the internet claims that adding red to any room, even if it seems out of place, makes it better. So, even if you doubt you will like that red vase or throw pillow, it may be worth a try. It might surprise you.

"It is invigorating, powerful, and visually impactful," Dale says of the color. "Therefore, even though red may not be Joanna Gaines' cup of tea, it's easy to see why many people are strongly drawn to it." So, if you have a room that feels a little boring or like it's in need of a cheap, easy facelift, adding even a touch of red may be just the trick you need to liven up the space.