Preference Red

Preference Red is a modern take on heritage crimson

Preference Red feels luxe and cocooning without veering festive. It is deeper than Rectory Red and more sophisticated than a standard burgundy, which makes it perfect for panelled dining rooms, library walls, and jewel-box bathrooms. Because it carries a hint of brown, it flatters brass, marble, and dark timber, but it can also be sharpened with matte black hardware for a contemporary edge.

Use it to envelop a whole room or reserve it for cabinetry, bar fronts, and interior doors while keeping neighbouring walls warmer neutrals such as Bone. Layer with velvet upholstery, patterned rugs, and vintage art for a clubby feel, or contrast it with polished nickel and crisp mouldings for a more modern interpretation.

Testing dupes & finishes

Bold reds show every brush mark, so sand surfaces smooth, prime with a tinted undercoat, and apply two thin coats of your chosen dupe. The right match should stay rich under both daylight and lamplight without tipping magenta or orange. Estate emulsion gives walls a velvety finish, while estate eggshell or satin keeps doors and cabinetry resilient.

When pairing Preference Red with neighbours like Mahogany or Brinjal, keep sheen levels aligned so the palette feels intentional. Lighting matters too—picture lights, sconces, and candles bring out the depth, while cool LEDs can make the hue feel flat.

Where Preference Red excels

Deploy it in dining rooms, stairwells, and exterior doors for instant curb appeal. It also shines on kitchen islands or bespoke wardrobes when balanced with stone counters and unlacquered brass. Because the colour is saturated, offset it with pale ceilings, linen upholstery, or honed concrete so the scheme never feels heavy.