Ask the Designer

To mark the Chinese New Year on Monday, interior designer Denise Walsh of Donovan Walsh Designs, answers your Oriental design dilemmas.

Q The Chinese believe that red is a lucky colour — but how can I use the daring hue in my home?

A. Of all the colours, red is definitely the most powerful — anyone who dares to wear Louboutin heels will agree! However, as artist Henri Mattise once said, ‘A certain red has an effect on your blood pressure’ — so use it carefully and sparingly! It’s safest to add a splash of red to your home with furniture or accessories — such as patterned red upholstery, a rug or throw cushions. But if you’re feeling more adventurous, consider an accent wall in a secondary room such as a dining room — which would look amazing with some gilded picture frames. For drama, use red to punctuate black or white. Alternatively, team it with shades of brown, orange or green.