GRACING THE CATWALKS of designer brands from Etro to Bottega Venetta, Erdem to Chloé, burgundy is the colour of Autumn/ Winter 2024. It’s a surprisingly versatile shade that works well with grey, blue, pink and even yellow tones. From the high-street to the high-end, burgundy is everywhere this season, and, with deep reds set to be key for 2025 too, we ask the experts whether burgundy is trending or timeless.
“Burgundy is a deep and relatively restrained red which is ideal for use in interiors,” says interior designer Tammy Lane, founder of Tammy Lane Interiors in Naas, Co. Kildare. “It’s inviting, brings a regal air of sophistication to any interior space, and is very cosy in candlelight and therefore perfect for these dark autumn/ winter months.”
Being brave with this deep red colour is easier than you might think. I suggest to clients who are hesitant with strong colours that they try this dramatic colour in their home office or bathroom, or perhaps on an internal door while paired with a paler, complementary colour such as an earthy rose tone. Paint is one of the more affordable ways of changing up your wall colour and painting a smaller room won’t break the bank if you decide to change it sometime down the line.
Lane says that: “Burgundy pairs naturally with earthy greens – they are opposite to one another on the colour wheel so they strengthen each other and bring visual energy to a room. This colour also works well with blue tones. Paired with a dark inky blue it will create a moody, impactful atmosphere which adds depth and drama and when paired with light blue, burgundy will give a contemporary, sophisticated feel and can lift and enliven the colour grey in your home.”
If choosing a burgundy wallpaper, Lane suggests choosing one with a historical or classic pattern such as Little Green’s Bayham Abbey Monarch or opting for soft furnishings and accessories in timeless tweeds, tartans, plaids and paisleys. “If you are embracing burgundy on your walls make sure to ground the space with a large jute rug,” she says. “This natural element and earthy addition will really compliment your space while gold and brass tones will finish the look.”
Irish business Cove & Co with its seven paint studios nationwide say that earthy, natural tones are making a strong comeback this season – Colourtrend’s deep, earthy green colour Burrowing works beautifully in living spaces, behind beds or as a bold trim. “This rich shade is perfect for homeowners looking to add depth and sophistication without overwhelming a room, while this year’s favourite – atmospheric burgundy – can layer beautifully across spaces in the home.”
When it comes to trends, Alannah Monks, Creative Director of Dublin’s OrianaB, believes that burgundy is more than just a passing craze. “Burgundy for us is more than a trend colour,” she says. “It’s a classic, historical shade that has deep roots in 19th and 20th Century design – from rich velvet curtains to the archetype Persian rug.”
“Personally, I am so wedded to burgundy that I am planning a kitchen renovation in 2025 that will feature rich burgundy floor-to-ceiling doors paired with black soapstone countertops and gold hardware for a decadent finish. However, if you would rather dip your toe into the burgundy waters, then treat it as an accent in side tables, artwork or lamps against lighter and more neutral backdrops.”
For the risk averse, Monks agrees with Lane’s idea of using burgundy in a smaller space. “Burgundy is great for colour drenching small spaces like downstairs loos or front porches. I’ve used Baked Plum by Colourtrend copiously in the OrianaB studio and in interior design projects and it has never let me down,” she says.
On the other side of the capital, Sinéad Moore, lead designer at Interiors Atelier, favours Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal – one of the eight colourways offered in the Interiors Atelier Irish-made furniture collection. “Brinjal works in any home whether modern or classic,” says Moore. “Our Wesley table in Brinjal enhances any room, bringing a warm glow and an air of luxury with its gloss finish while contrasting beautifully with many popular neutrals.”
Californian paint company Behr’s colour of the year for 2025 is a rich red colour called Rumours that brings a whole new meaning to this year’s unexpected red theory, while C2′s Raku a rich reddish brown and Glidden’s Purple Basil prove that rich jewel tones aren’t going anywhere for 2025.
Want to get ahead of the curve? Then why not add a rug such as the Brink & Campman Decor Deep Cherry rug (main image) to your space? Cormari Ryan, consulting interior designer at Rugs.ie says that rich reds and browns can add warmth and depth to our interiors.
“Burgundy rugs will pair beautifully with metals such as aged brass or pewter and woods – particularly with dark woods such as mahogany and dark stained oak. The deep colour helps to ground a space and adds depth. And, on a practical level, burgundy rugs are great for high-traffic areas as they hide a multitude.”
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