Chinese Red

Red has been associated with China throughout most of the country's history.  Much different to the western symbolism of red: love, passion, even rage. In China, red symbolizes great fortune, happiness and luck. Check out this article in the Huffington Post for more details about red in China.

                                                                     

via Pinterest

Typically color here in North America color that is labelled "Chinese red" is quite bright. This not a color that is reguarly used in large doses, as it can be bright and overwhelming. Many say it is best reserved for front doors, furniture and feature walls. Lacquered reds on furniture are often used to replicate Asian style of decor and I would like to add that this color would be a great addition to a wall stencil or tattoo, either the stencil itself or as a background color.

See sources below

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges in choosing red paint is that your choices will have either a yellow or blue undertone.  The trick for this particular red is not to go too much either way. But if so- lean towards the yellow undertones. Check out some of my favorites:

See sources below

Happy Painting!

Picture collage credits (clockwise):

http://pinterest.com/pin/234046511855774109/
http://www.ruthburts.com/2011/12/rhttp://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3695035716452577370#editor/target=post;postID=6687767112635742956ed-rooms-true-reds.html
http://www.houzz.com/photos/590091/Villanova-Residence---study-traditional-home-office-philadelphia
http://www.hennydonovanmotif.co.uk/oversize_chinese_ravine.htm
http://pinterest.com/pin/53128470574241795/
http://www.houzz.com/photos/218121/918-modern-hall-san-francisco


Paint color collage credits (clockwise):

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6869-stop/
www.benjaminmoore.com
http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6868-real-red/
http://nestnestingnested.blogspot.ca/2011/02/20-diy-magnet-board.html
www.benjaminmoore.com
www.californiapaints.com
www.parapaints.com