bold, energetic colour with a complex history, red is a tone associated with power, confidence and moral strength. Beloved by monarchs, who often wore it to represent a God-given right to the throne, it is a hue reminiscent of both fire and blood, symbolising life and, in the Western world, love and passion. In Asian cultures, it represents good fortune, joy and fertility. Originally a rudimentary paint made from red clay tens of thousands of years ago, it is one of the world’s oldest colours. Today, red receives mixed press: dynamic and powerful, it can evoke strong emotions; prolonged exposure to deep red can increase heartrate and metabolism. Used creatively, as an accent in a decorative scheme, combined with other colours in pattern, or in a less
