The color red plays an important part in our lives. Red moves us, it’s dramatic and unforgettable. It’s a celebration, passionate and fun. During December, no color in the spectrum is more on display. Santa’s suit, poinsettas, even Rudoplh’s nose. It’s not the color for everyone and needs to be used sparingly, but this season red can be just the right wow factor you are looking for.

Four ways to incorporate red in your design … if you dare!

Sit down on it – I recently had a few yards of the most intense red silk left over from a project. It wasn’t the kind of fabric you could just leave in the closet. I purchased an architectural mid-century wood framed chair at the local consignment store and recovered the seat with this bold shiny red. Living in front of a window, where the sun dances on it, just one piece like this can suddenly become the focal point. But that’s red for you. It loves the attention.

Express yourself – There must be over 100 different shades of red in the paint store. Even the names jump out at you: Confederate Red, Sultan’s Palace, Chili Pepper. Painting an accent wall in one of these can really make a statement .One of my personal favorites is Benjamin Moore Vermilion. It’s a great hue that works well with khaki tans, cool whites and even lime greens, for that knock you off your feet room.

Eat it up – A punch of color is always appropriate on the dining table and red is the perfect compliment here. Whether it’s a mix and match with your fine bone china or layering colored plates, any table will be exciting with a little red thrown in. For the holidays, I love a crisp white tablecloth with red and green stripe napkins. Red is the color of food and I know my appetite is awakened by names like Raspberry, Rhubarb, Cherry and Tomato. When it comes to table decor, you are only limited by your imagination.

Lean on it – Probably the easiest way to make a change to your room is with pillows. They are easy to find and can be as personal as you like. Here is where red can really do its thing. Add brightly colored throw pillows to your sofa or bed. Mix up patterns and shapes. Plaids are really trending right now. My family Scottish plaid is red and yellow. It’s mellow yet royal and looks stunning against off whites and warm browns. Whether you choose linen or leather, red accent pillows update any decor. And the best part is they can be found for very little money, making it easy to change out seasonally.

So whether you are the ravishing red, salsa red or blushing rose type, add a little intensity to your life this holiday. Embrace your personal shade and let it shine. And tell us in the comments section below, what red gets you going?