Pair bright white with soft orange for a playful retro look.

White and hot red with a Sri Lankan twist

The tales of history echo in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka's ancient Lion Rock. Have you explored its secrets? Look closely, and you might see bright red colours shining through the years. These reds were beautiful paintings on the rock fortress, showing Sri Lanka's love for colour.

Today, we take inspiration from this colourful history to bring a bold mix of white and dark red into your home. This style is both cool and full of character, like a cup of Ceylon tea with spicy red chillies!

Why White and Red?

White is the colour of purity, peace, and those beautiful white Kandyan sarees that drape so elegantly. But red brings the party! Think of the vibrant red of Vesak lanterns that light up the night sky, or the good luck and prosperity associated with those fiery red chillies. Together, white and red create a stunning harmony – the clean white base acts like a cool breeze, while the red adds a touch of warmth and Sri Lankan vibrancy.

Finding Your Perfect Shade of Red Hot

Don't be fooled by a single shade of red. There are many and the one you choose will depend on the mood you want to set.

Deep Maroon: This rich, earthy red evokes the feeling of Sri Lankan soil and is perfect for grounding a larger space like a living room.
Cranberry: This shade is all about adding a touch of sweetness and vibrancy. Imagine a feature wall in this colour behind your dining table – it'll be the perfect backdrop for a lively family dinner.
Wine Red: This sophisticated shade adds a touch of elegance, ideal for creating a warm and welcoming vibe in your bedroom.

Remember, the size of your room also plays a role. If you're working with a smaller space, a lighter shade of red might be the way to go.

Let's Get Decorating Room by Room

Now, let's get down to the fun part – reshaping your home with this sizzling white and red combo!

Living Room: A plush red velvet sofa (think soft cushions that practically beg you to sink in) as the star of the show, set against a crisp white wall. To balance things out, throw in some white accents like cushions with a touch of Sri Lankan design, or a woven basket (aliya) with pops of red for a local touch. Don't forget some statement artwork – a bold red piece, perhaps, or a traditional Kandyan painting with pops of red.
Dining Room: Who says a dining room has to be boring? Paint one wall a dramatic red (cranberry, anyone?) and use it as a stunning backdrop for your white dining table. Here's where you can get playful – mix and match your chairs with different shades of orange or red. Think of it as a celebration of Sri Lanka's vibrant colours! To add a touch of festivity, consider using a red table runner with intricate embroidery for those special occasions.
Bedroom: Want a cosy spot? A deep wine-red accent wall behind your bed conjures a warm embrace, perfect for your relaxing spot. To keep things calming, use crisp white bedsheets and linens. Bring in some woven coconut mats and a hint of green with indoor plants like anthuriums.

Red Hot Accents

Love the idea of red but don't want to commit to painting an entire wall? No worries! Here are some ways to add those fiery pops of colour:

Throws and Pillows: Think of red throws or scatter cushions in various textures – velvet for a luxurious feel, or cotton for a more casual vibe.
Artwork and Décor: Hang artwork with bold reds or display red vases filled with stunning local flowers like red lotuses.
Kitchen Capers: For your kitchen, add red tea towels, a bright red kettle, or even a decorative bowl filled with red chillies for a touch of Sri Lankan spice.

A Touch of Sri Lankan Podi

The beauty of this concept lies in its customizability. Don't be afraid to adapt it to your existing furniture and personal preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Heritage Touches: Think about adding family heirlooms or artwork with a touch of red. Maybe it's a red lacquer box passed down through generations, or a traditional mask from a Sri Lankan dance performance.

Upcycle with Love: Give old furniture a new lease on life with a splash of red paint. An old wooden stool could become a vibrant side table, or a vintage lampshade could get a red makeover.

Start Small

Not sure where to begin? Start small! Introduce red accents in a single area first, like adding red throw pillows to your sofa or hanging a piece of red artwork. See how you feel about the colour, and if you love it, you can always expand on the theme.

The white and dark red combination is a great way to show off the Sri Lankan style in your home. By adding pops of red to calm white areas and including bits of Sri Lankan heritage, you can create a space that's both stylish and personal. So, go ahead, welcome the bright colours, and let your home show the lively spirit of Sri Lanka!