O is for Oxblood Red
‘O’ is for Ox Blood is the latest instalment in my A-Z of Interior Trends, and, what better time for a new interiors’ trend than now?
I have to admit that writing this article has been on my ‘to do’ list for quite some time because I’ve been struggling to find a contemporary trend beginning with the letter ‘O’. Open-plan was an option but given that the fashion for all-in-one kitchen, diner, lounge configurations has been around for, what seems like half a century, I thought it time to look for something new and fresh.
Tom Ford, Gucci, Hermés, Valentino and Versace all championed burgundy on the catwalk and now the paint manufacturers are heralding it as their colour of the year.
Oxblood Red Paint Colours
- Johnstone’s Colour of the Year 2025, Acai Berry
- Valspar’s 2025 Color of the Year is Ancient Burgundy 1011-6
Other paint colours in a similar vein (excuse the pun):
- Graham & Brown; Alizarin and Barolo and Sanguine
- Laura Ashley; Pale Cranberry
- Little Greene; Tuscan Red and Nether Red
- Farrow & Ball; Deep Reddish Brown and Eating Room Red
- Benjamin Moore; Arroyo Red (2085-10)
- Neptune; Burnham Red
Combine this fabulous cocktail of black cherry, merlot and Barolo to transform your interior by ‘double drenching’ all available surfaces to create an all embracing space. Imagine walls, ceiling, skirting, doors, architrave and coving painted with two or more related colours.
Oxblood Red Bedrooms
Couple with furnishings of a similar hue for a truly ground breaking approach
Of course, this all embracing colour isn’t restricted to the bedroom. It has become a real hit in bathrooms as well.
Oxblood Red Bathrooms
The colour isn’t just restricted to your choice of paint. Consider the use of stone and tiles.
In essence it is a colour that can be used anywhere that you want to make an impact. Conventionally, it may be more suited to a home cinema or snug than a kitchen or bathroom but it really depends on the look and, possibly, more importantly, the feel of a room that is desired.
Oxblood Red Kitchens
Oxblood Red Home Cinema
Oxblood Red Snug
If decorating walls and ceilings in this rich shade feels like a step too far, dip your toe in with a single piece of furniture or an accessory that gives a nod to the trend. Something like a table lamp or rug can work well, or, if you’re brave enough incorporate a piece of furniture such as a chair or sideboard.
Given that it is a relatively recent colour trend I’m not sure how long it’ll be around. Clearly it’s a winner for the Autumn/Winter 2024 season but I think some clever tweaks will be needed to carry it through to the Spring and Summer of 2025. Dial it down a notch by adding some pretty fabrics and contrasting paint colours.
Oxblood Red for Spring/Summer season
Round-Up
In summary, whether you want a room that is totally cocooning or one that gives a nod to this rich dark hue there are plenty of options from which to choose. With all colours, whether that be paint, wallpaper, or fabric it is advisable to obtain colour swatches and test them in the room in which they’re to be used before going ahead with the decoration. Try them in natural and artificial light at different times of the day and in different parts of the room. Make your decision on the one(s) that make you happy and leave behind the one(s) that don’t look or feel right. For more advice with regards to testing paint colours read my guide which can be found in the Useful Links below.
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