change of scenery: Red room, Red room.

The Shining, 1980

I know, that's what I think of when I say it too. For those that are able to look past or don't have the mental image of two creepy twin girls, red can be a great color choice. Especially for a space that lacks a structural focal point or can withstand a strong color presence. To keep the room from becoming overly dramatic or looking like a murder crime scene, try these simple tips to start you on your way.

Use nail polish colors as a starting point. If you like the hue enough to put on your finger, you'll like it enough to accessorize a room with. Try hues with hints of coral or hot pink to keep the space looking fresh and playful. Or cherry red for something more classic.
Find your signature piece. Red is one of the easiest ways to direct the eye to something you want to show off. For example, if you have a gorgeous wall of windows or a tall hutch you adore, painting it red will help feature.
Play with pattern. If you can't bring yourself to commit to an entire red wall or row of kitchen cabinets, you can still add depth and visual interest by incorporating pattern. Stick with the same hue and vary the patterns in the room - keeping the amount of patterns between 3 and 5. The more patterns you feature, the greater the depth you'll create in the space.