1. Incorporate Small Accessories

When you’re first looking to dabble in candy apple red, you might feel a bit trepidatious. Keep it low stakes by making the color's impact minimal. In fact, Marcum advises keeping the color quotient to 10% or less of the room. “That’s what makes it feel modern and not like you’re trying to create a theme,” she explains. In Marcum’s home, a bowl of apples, red picture frames, and even a red matchbook placed on the coffee table are used as tools to lend a dynamic feel without overwhelming the space. In Westbrooks’ projects, you might notice subtle nods to the hue in a range of aesthetic styles, whether in a vintage, patterned rug or a modern piece of artwork.

2. Get Creative with Textiles

Napkins, tablecloths, and even subtle accents on bedding, such as white sheets with bright red piping around the edges, can help your home effortlessly transition from fall to the holidays. “Last year, I got a neutral tablecloth with bright red stripes, and I found myself pulling it out for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day—even the Fourth of July,” says Marcum. The versatility of good linens with a pop of color can’t be underestimated and almost always ensures your pop of color veers more toward timeless than trendy. “Think of it like the painted nails of the room,” says Marcum. “It’s a color that gets noticed and never goes out of style.”

3. Pair with Earthy Tones

When decorating with red, considering companion colors is a crucial part of the equation. Bright greens and yellows are big no-nos, but warm, earthy tones make a well-balanced pairing for this fiery hue, particularly in spaces like the more traditional, moody interiors of Marcum’s home. “I love candy apple red with a muted, yellowy olive green; the color combination feels very unexpected and fresh,” she says. “My favorite pairing, though, is probably dark brown. Brown paired with this unexpected candy red looks so good, whether it’s in a throw blanket, the piping on a velvet pillow, or even in fashion, like a brown outfit with a red lip.”

Dane Tashima

4. Create Flexibility with Small Furnishings

You don’t have to make a major commitment for your furnishings to get in on the fun of candy apple red. Instead, consider small chairs or stools that can easily be moved and/or repainted to create a cheerful gathering spot, suggests Westbrooks. The designer says limiting the splashes of red within your space still has the power to transform and energize without overwhelming.

5. Bring in Florals

Seasonal florals are an easy strategy for bringing seasonality to your home in a fresh and low-commitment way—meaning they’re the perfect opportunity to dabble in a new-to-you color like candy apple red. “I love layering in red florals, like poppies or dahlias, to bring playfulness to a room without overpowering,” says Westbrooks. Consider the vessel as another way to tie the florals into your overall decor. For a bolder, more modern look, the designer is a fan of gold. However, if you prefer a more toned-down finish, Marcum suggests using antique brass to lend an air of warmth and nostalgia to a more traditional-style room.

6. Make a Splash with the Front Door

If you’re really ready to commit to candy apple red beyond just the season of autumn, there’s no better or perhaps more impactful way to do it than with a front door makeover. Giving your door a fresh coat of paint in this punchy hue can add energy to the exterior of your house, says Westbrooks. Picture this: a lawn of freshly fallen leaves, giant mums, and heirloom pumpkins lining the steps, and a candy apple red door ready to welcome in the season. We’re in—are you?