This week we’re looking at colour blocking; a trend that keeps on giving. We’re delving into three considerations of colour blocking: What you paint, what colours you choose, and what shapes to go for. If you’ve been thinking about giving colour blocking a go, this is a great place to start.

 

@no5ishome Colour of the Year: Bold Boho Collection - Colour Gypsy Beads

 

WHAT IS COLOUR BLOCKING? 

If you’ve been scrolling through social media looking for inspo for your next project, chances are that you’ve come across some gorgeous rooms that embrace different colours and shapes across the walls - that’s  colour blocking. It’s a term that’s been around in the world of fashion for a while now, so it was only a matter of time before the trend made its way into home interiors - and it’s here to stay. 

While we love a full colour or wallpapered feature wall, colour blocking has its merits too. It’s a low cost, quick, easy way of transforming your space, and a great way of bringing personality into a room. 

There’s different ways to approach colour blocking too - so whether you live in a modern or traditional home, there’ll be a way to use colour blocking that’s in keeping with your interior style (without making your walls look like they belong in a modern art museum!).

Colour blocking comes down to three things: 

1. What to paint
2. What colours to use 
3. What shapes to create

We’re going to go get into each to help you decide what colour blocking style is for you.

 

WHAT TO PAINT

Colour blocking can work anywhere in the house. Better yet, because you’re not painting the full wall, it’s easier to change - so this trend is amazing if you rent or are someone who loves to frequently change up a room. 

 

@ourcosynest  Colour Design Colourmatch NTB47

 

We’re personally big fans of using colour blocking to accentuate a piece of furniture, or to give a bit of personality to an otherwise functional space - like a hallway or a dressing room.

Painting different parts of the wall, floor or ceiling in gorgeous colour combinations instantly makes your space more interesting. It allows you to change the focal point and bring some vibrancy to those walls. 

But… How do you make sure you don’t go overboard and leave your living room looking like it belongs in the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art? Or, if that’s what you’re going for, how can you achieve it? 

When it comes to colour blocking, we think you should start with the goal. Do you want to make a bold statement, or make the most of a room’s natural features? If this is your first time trying out colour blocking, we recommend starting small and choosing one feature to pull out in the room.

Once you know your intention, it’s easier to decide what to paint. For example, if you’re looking to make more of the shape of your dressing room, how about colour blocking in linear lines to accentuate the space? If you’re trying to get your personality across in your living room, how about a set of cascading shapes that bring your focal point to the TV? Or what about putting a bold contrasting colour in the recess of a window to add a pop of colour?

 

WHAT COLOURS TO CHOOSE

There’s really no right or wrong way to colour block. Complementary or clashing colours work equally as well, it all comes down to the look you’re going for. If you’re not very confident in choosing colours, a great way to build confidence with this trend is by choosing different shades of the same colour. For example, contrasting different tones of blue together can have a really calm, visually stunning effect. Or, if you’re going for an accent colour, why not pick something in stark contrast to the rest of your colour scheme, like a burnt orange or a rustic red? Really, the only rule is to pick something you love!

 

@briony.kasper.quinn Designer colourmatch NTB22

 

WHAT SHAPES TO CREATE

Ready to think outside the box? There’s no hard and fast rules about what shapes to go for when colour blocking. One direction is to opt for one main feature shape; like a big, bold archway. Another is to consider how similar shapes can pull together to create a frieze. Shapes can overlap or stand alone - the ceiling really is the limit! (Of course, you can colour block there too). 

 

@fromhomeatlodgehollow Designer Colourmatch NTB64

 

READY TO GO? 

To create your colour block, we recommend the following:

• Paint. This can be a great way to use up leftovers from other rooms! It will also connect other rooms if you’re using colours from throughout your home! Alternatively calculate how much you’ll need for the shape you’re doing (standard matt emulsions are approximately 12m2 per litre coverage)
• Masking tape. If the wall underneath your colour block is also freshly painted then you’ll want a sensitive tape like the Tesa Pink. If the wall underneath has been painted more than 7 days previously we love the ProDec Advance Precision Masking Tape. 
• Pencil 
• If making a rounded shape then some string and a pin. We used our plumb bob from our decorating toolbox. A plumb bob is also handy when doing longer straight lines when painting an arch for example.
• Spirit Level and a straight edge. This is to keep your shape level and also to be able to mark up your lines accurately. 
• Pointed Precision Brush. This is optional but we find the rounded sash brush so much easier when cutting in rounded shapes (we find the 20mm perfect)! Alternatively a cutting in brush for straight edges like the ProDec Premier Cutting In brush.

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel to know when our latest colour blocking tutorial goes live - and don’t forget to tag us in your amazing transformations! We can’t wait to see!