The Design Hack That Instantly Elevates Any Room

You’ve probably seen it while scrolling through TikTok or Pinterest recently. You’re looking at a perfectly styled room—maybe it's full of soft creams, moody blues, or earthy greens. It looks beautiful, but safe.

And then you spot it. A glossy red lamp in the corner. A stack of crimson books on the coffee table. A vibrant scarlet throw blanket placed on a beige sofa.

It shouldn't work, but somehow, it pulls the entire room together.

Welcome to the "Unexpected Red Theory." Introduced by Taylor Migliazzo Simon, a Brooklyn-based interior designer.

How to Try It (In Small Doses)

The key is to keep it subtle and surprising. You don’t need a red wall—just one or two deliberate accents:

  • Kitchenware: A tall, striped red and white pepper mill adds a playful, graphic punch to a counter.
  • Decor: A patterned tray or ceramic bowl, both function art and creates an interesting focal point on a stack of books.
  • Candles: A bundle of classic red taper candles brings warmth and a traditional touch to any vignette.

Ready to Add Your "Pop"?

The beauty of the Unexpected Red Theory is that you are only one accessory away from completely refreshing a room. It’s high impact with low effort.

Shop Our Curated "Unexpected Red" Edit