Kmart August Living range reveals bold new red decor trend

Kmart’s newest collection proves that a once boring trend is now on its way out thanks to an “unexpected” new addition.

For years, it has been all about neutral tones and capsule wardrobes, but finally that trend is being ditched thanks to an “unexpected” addition.

Kmart launched its August Living range, set to hit stores on July 24, and while neutral tones were still very much present it seemed this season was all about colour.

For those unsure how to bring a pop of colour into their home, Kmart buyer Nic Holmes recommended the “unexpected red theory”.

The theory refers to a design concept popularised by Taylor Migliazzo Simon, which is the idea that a touch of red can make any space feel more vibrant, stylish and pulled together.

A new trend is taking over Aussie homes, bucking the neutral tones and minimalism we have seen of late. Picture: news.com.au.

This is because the colour instantly demands attention and draws the eye in.

It purposefully goes against what we’ve been told for half a decade — that we should be trying to make our homes as neutral as possible.

“We’re seeing some very viral moments — so anything red, this ‘unexpected red theory’ that’s coming through,” the longtime Kmart buyer told news.com.au.

The budget retailer has brought red into store in small ways, such as the $19 Nico Portable Rechargeable Lamp and the $39 Hourglass side table.

It's known as the 'unexpected red theory' and brings in a pop of red to elevate a room. Kmart is leaning into the trend. Picture: news.com.au.

“They’re small pieces where you can introduce red into your home without significant investment,” he said.

“Layering these berries and reds is becoming a real theme of the season.”

Mr Holmes said customers did love the peeled back, neutral tones but the global trend was shifting towards dopamine decor — putting items you love in your home to make it more inviting and ditching trends in favour of what brings you joy.

“It’s about being able to introduce colours into your home and making that very big statement away from what you’re used to seeing,” he said.

There is even a hefty amount of sage, also known as 'millennial green'. Picture: news.com.au

Kmart's August Living range featured colours such as blue, green, red, pink and mustard. Picture: news.com.au

“And you don’t have to spend a lot of money to sneak in a dopamine piece — a cushion is enough. You can bring in side tables, you can bring in different pieces.

“And once you get comfortable with that, you can really layer on. We started introduce a bit of colour last season, and there was a lot of appetite for it.”

Kmart’s latest range features green, blue, red, pink and mustard yellow all for the sake of that dopamine decor trend.

He said Kmart saw that, and decided to run with it. Mr Holmes said it is something he is expecting to see a lot more of in coming collections.

Last year, Isfira Jensen, CEO and principal interior designer at Jensen & Co. Interiors, told ELLE that dopamine decor was a “much needed” trend after years of neutral and minimalism.

Originally published as Kmart August Living range reveals bold new red decor trend