Rachel Perls, a decor8 reader, an artist, and an IACC accredited color consultant, wrote in recently to tell me all about what she does and how color consultants help people chose just the right mix of hues for their home, office, product design or marketing. I thought it would be fun to have her write a bit about color and how it affects our mood, starting with Red, often known as the color of love and passion. Rachel, take it away...

For the Love of Reds
By decor8 contributor: Rachel Perls

In honor of Valentine's Day, we're paying tribute to the color red. Ever notice how this color gets all the attention? Ah red, so passionate, so fiery. Like that crimson velvet sofa you can't help but drool over. Reds make statements, whether a brilliant ruby, understated burgundy, or sexy fuchsia. A study in contradictions, they can represent love or hate, sex or innocence, power or passivity.

(images top left clockwise: Design Assistant, Domino, House + Home, Miles Redd.)

Why does red tug on your emotions? Scientific studies have shown that the color can actually induce physiologic changes. As a visual stimulant, red can accelerate a heart rate and cause an adrenaline rush. As such a dominant color, red works great as an accent: a rich scarlet Oriental rug, cheerful cranberry throw pillows, or cluster of persimmon-hued candles can really perk up a space. And for bigger spaces, by first understanding the different personalities of this stimulating hue, it can be used to its fullest potential. A heart-pounding fire red will evoke a dramatically different response than that of a cool, regal wine red or a soft, romantic pearl pink.

More than any other color, red has the ability to stir up emotions and set a mood. Because of its incredible power, take care in its application to avoid over-stimulating your audience.

For professional advice on effective use of color, please visit Rachel?s blog Hue.

(images top left clockwise: Ralph Lauren, Eastern Accents, CB2, Pottery Barn.)

Any questions for Rachel regarding Red? Ask her by commenting below.

[Update: Reader Vanessa pointed us over to a fabulous article on Red over on NPR. It examines how Red has been used throughout the ages, and for those who haven't taken a color theory class, I think you'll find it rather fascinating. Thanks, Vanessa]