by michael daigle · 9 Jan 2024You've seen it in magazines and Instagram - rooms bursting with bold blocks of color. At first glance, it seems daring and dramatic, the interior design equivalent of a statement necklace. But color blocking is more accessible than you might think. With a little know-how, you can use color blocking in your own home to create a space that's vibrant, cohesive, and uniquely you. The key is to start with a color palette you love, then apply some basic principles for distributing those colors in your space. Keep reading to unlock the secrets of color blocking and turn your home into a work of art.
What Is Color Blocking in Interior Design?
Color blocking refers to the strategic use of solid colors in interior design. It’s a simple way to create drama and interest in a space. The basic idea is to choose two or more colors to feature prominently in a room.
What are the benefits of color blocking?
Color blocking offers some key benefits:
- It's eye-catching. Using bold, vibrant colors in a coordinated way naturally draws attention and interest.
- It's a simple decorating approach. You only need to choose a color palette to get started.
- It creates a dramatic look. Color blocking is all about making a visual impact with color.
- It highlights architectural details. The solid use of color helps bring out the lines and shapes of a space.
How do you pull off color blocking?
Here are some tips for successful color blocking:
Focus on either warm or cool colors. Mixing warm and cool tones can look jarring. Choose a color palette that shares the same undertone.
Use the 60-30-10 rule. Have one dominant color that makes up 60% of the space, a secondary color at 30% and an accent color for the final 10%. This creates balance.
Consider the mood you want. Warm colors like reds and yellows are energizing while cool blues and greens are more calming. Choose a color scheme that matches how you want the space to feel.
Color block with paint, furniture, art, rugs, and accessories. Use whatever combination works for your space. Painting walls and ceilings in solid colors is an easy way to color block a room.
Start with a focal point. It could be a statement piece of furniture, bold wallpaper on one accent wall, or an oversized work of art. Build your color palette around that focal point.
The Psychology Behind Color Blocking
When it comes to color blocking, the colors you choose and how you arrange them can have a big impact. The psychology of color is fascinating.
Warm vs Cool Colors
Warm colors like reds, oranges, and yellows are energetic and stimulating. They advance visually, making a space appear more intimate. Cool colors like blues, greens, and purples are more calming and soothing. They recede visually, making a space feel more open and airy.
Complementary Colors
Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, like blue and orange or red and green, create high contrast. Used together in a color blocked space, they attract the most attention and create visual excitement. But they can also be jarring if not balanced properly with neutrals.
Analogous Colors
Colors next to each other on the color wheel, like blue, blue-green, and green, are analogous colors. They create harmony and a sense of cohesion in a space. Analogous color schemes are more subtle but can still be striking. They are often easier on the eyes than complementary colors.
The 60-30-10 Rule
A good rule of thumb for color blocking is to use one dominant color for about 60% of the space, a secondary color for 30%, and an accent color for 10%. This creates a balanced, harmonious look. The 60% color establishes the overall tone, the 30% color provides contrast, and the 10% color adds visual interest.
Following the basic principles of color theory and the 60-30-10 rule will help you color block with confidence. Now get out there and start rearranging your space - the results can be positively transformative!
Best Color Combinations for Color Blocking
The most impactful color blocking combinations are complementary colors - colors opposite each other on the color wheel. Some of the best complementary pairs for color blocking in interior design include:
Red and Green
The contrast between warm red and cool green creates visual excitement. Use red accent walls or furnishings against sage green walls. Or do the opposite - green couches and chairs against a warm red painted room.
Orange and Blue
Vibrant orange and calming blue are complementary colors that provide wonderful contrast. An orange accent chair or bold abstract painting against a navy blue wall is eye-catching. Or paint one wall of a room electric orange and the opposite wall deep midnight blue.
Yellow and Purple
Cheerful yellow and royal purple are an unexpected color pairing that adds whimsy. Try yellow patterned curtains against eggplant purple walls or a plush purple armchair in a room with yellow cabinetry.
Complimentary Colors with Neutrals
For a more subtle look, pair complimentary colors with neutral shades like gray, black or white. A burnt orange sofa, navy blue chairs and pale gray walls is a stylish combination. Or lemon yellow chairs at a white lacquer table against a gray patterned rug.
Using complementary color blocking in your space, whether through paint, furnishings, art or accessories is an easy way to create rooms with visual impact. Start with the suggestions here and then adjust the specific hues and shades to best suit your personal style and the feel you want to achieve. Complimentary color blocking is all about experimenting and having fun with color in your home!
How to Use Color Blocking in Different Rooms
One of the easiest ways to use color blocking is in your living room. Start with picking two main colors you want to feature, like navy blue and burnt orange. Use those colors on walls, pillows, rugs, and accessories.
Walls
Paint one wall in each color to create a dramatic look. Or do two walls in one color and the other two in the complementary color. For a bolder look, paint all four walls in different colors.
Furniture
For furniture like couches, chairs and tables, choose pieces in neutral colors like gray or beige so they don’t compete with the colorful walls. Then add pops of your main colors with throw pillows, blankets, rugs and other accents.
Accents
Use your accent colors on items like:
- Throw pillows
- Blankets
- Rugs
- Vases
- Baskets
- Artwork
- Ottomans
Group items of the same color together for maximum impact. Repeat your main colors throughout the room to create a cohesive look.
The kitchen is another great spot for color blocking. Paint your walls or cabinets in contrasting hues, or choose appliances, rugs, chair cushions and decor in bright complementary colors.
In the bedroom, use color blocking for:
- Walls: Paint two walls in one color and two in another for a dramatic look.
- Bedding: Choose a colored duvet cover and shams in one color, and sheets in another color. Add throw pillows to tie it all together.
- Rugs: Place colored rugs on each side of the bed to define each space.
- Accent furniture: An colored armchair, bench or dresser can make a bold statement.
The possibilities for color blocking are endless. Have fun with it and make a space that reflects your unique style!
Color Blocking Tips and Tricks
To get started with color blocking, keep these tips in mind:
Choose a color theme. Pick 2-3 colors in the same color family that you want to use in your space. For example, you might choose various shades of blue and green for a coastal theme or reds and oranges for a warm space.
Start with the largest surfaces. Paint your walls, floors, furniture or decor in solid blocks of color. These large areas will anchor the space and provide a dramatic impact.
Add accent colors. Bring in accent colors with pillows, rugs, throws, artwork or accessories. The accent colors should complement your main color theme. For example, add pops of yellow to a blue and green space or turquoise accents to an orange and red room.
Repeat colors. Use the same colors multiple times in different areas of the room to create a cohesive look. You might paint two walls the same color, use matching pillows on your sofa and chairs or choose a rug, throw and artwork in the same accent color.
Vary intensities. For depth and dimension, use shades and tints of the same colors. A bold navy wall color paired with a lighter blue rug and pale blue throw pillows is an example. Or go from light to dark, with pale green walls and deep forest green velvet chairs.
Leave some space. Don’t feel the need to fill every surface with color. Leaving some areas like ceilings, trim or flooring white or neutral creates contrast and allows the color blocked areas to stand out.
Start with a small space. If the idea of color blocking an entire room feels overwhelming, start small. Do an accent wall, color block a vignette in your living room or paint colorful patterns on a piece of furniture. Once you get comfortable, you can build from there.
Take risks! The great thing about color blocking is that you can create dramatic spaces. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone by combining bold or unconventional colors that you love. You can always make changes later!
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Color Blocking
One of the biggest mistakes people make with color blocking is going overboard with too many bright, intense colors in one space. While color blocking is all about bold, dramatic uses of color, you still want the overall look to be cohesive.
Stick to a color scheme and limit yourself to 2-4 main colors for the best results. Consider using a color wheel to choose hues that complement each other. Analogous colors that sit side by side on the wheel, such as blue, blue-green and green, create bold but harmonious looks. You can also choose complementary colors opposite each other on the wheel, such as red and green or yellow and purple. Just be sure to vary the shades and tones.
Another common error is not providing enough contrast. The whole point of color blocking is high contrast for maximum impact. Don’t be afraid to pair light and bright colors with deep, dark shades. For example, a bright red accent wall pairs well with charcoal gray furniture. Pale blue cabinets pop against a wall of forest green. High contrast also helps define the separate color blocks.
An imbalance of color blocking in a space can seem chaotic and disjointed. For the most cohesive look, repeat your color palette throughout the room. You might have one brightly colored accent wall, then bring in accessories, art, pillows or other furnishings in the same or related colors. This helps tie the whole look together.
Not varying textures is a missed opportunity. Color blocking really comes to life when you incorporate a mix of glossy and matte surfaces, soft and hard textures. A sleek lacquered cabinet pairs beautifully with a nubby linen-upholstered chair. A smooth leather ottoman is the perfect companion for a plush wool rug.
Finally, don’t forget the ceiling and floor. Extending your color palette up and down helps create a fully immersive space. Consider painting the ceiling in one of your chosen accent colors or adding a bold patterned rug to complete the look. When done right, color blocking can transform an ordinary space into a dramatic - yet cohesive - work of art.
Expert Examples of Color Blocking Done Right
Expert interior designers know how to skillfully combine blocks of color in a space to create drama, highlight architectural details, and lead the eye. When done right, color blocking results in rooms that are bold yet balanced.
- A bedroom in a beach house, for example, might block seafoam green walls with white trim, bedding and accents. The green evokes the feeling of the ocean, while the white keeps the room light and airy.
- In an urban loft, a designer might choose to color block by painting the exposed brick wall cherry red, the other walls dove gray, and the ceiling, trim and doors glossy black. The contrast between the three rich colors, combined with the mix of textures, creates a stylish, modern space.
- For a child's playroom, consider color blocking primary colors like royal blue, fire engine red and lemon yellow on separate walls. Then tie it all together with a neutral colored floor and trim. The result is a fun, whimsical space that sparks creativity.
- In commercial spaces, color blocking can highlight certain architectural details or zones. For example, painting the wall behind a reception desk dark gray, the adjacent walls medium gray and the remaining walls light gray subtly divides the space while maintaining an open feel.
The key to successful color blocking is choosing a balanced color palette, evenly distributing the colors in the space, and uniting everything with common elements like flooring, trim or lighting. When in doubt, opt for analogous colors, complementaries or a monochromatic scheme for harmony. And don’t be afraid to go bold – with color blocking, more is more. When done right, you’ll have an interior that is anything but boring.
Where to Buy Color Blocking Accessories
Once you’ve determined the color blocking scheme for your space, it’s time to source the perfect accessories to tie it all together. Here are some of the best places to find color blocking accents for your home.
Home Decor Stores
Stores like West Elm, CB2, and Urban Outfitters are great for finding pops of color in the form of decorative accessories. Look for items like throw pillows, rugs, blankets, vases, candles, and wall art to accent your color blocked walls. These types of stores offer a wide range of styles at varying price points.
Vintage and Thrift Stores
Vintage and thrift stores are treasure troves for one-of-a-kind color blocking finds. You can discover unique decorative items in vibrant hues that you won’t find anywhere else. Shop for things like colorful glassware, retro appliances, patterned fabrics, and quirky wall decor. Giving old items new life in your color blocked space creates an eclectic look with lots of visual interest.
Local Craft Fairs
Local craft fairs and makers markets are filled with handmade goods in an array of bright colors. You’ll find everything from pottery and linens to wall hangings and statement lighting. Supporting local artists and choosing unique handcrafted pieces adds originality and personality to your color blocked interior.
Paint Stores
Don’t overlook your local paint store as a source for color blocking accessories. In addition to paint samples, many stores sell complementary items like lacquer trays, glass containers, decorative brushes, and paint chip notepads that make perfect pops of color for your space. You can also pick up paint color swatches to use as wall art or table decor.
By shopping at stores with lots of color and character, you’ll discover all the perfect accessories to make your color blocking dreams come true. Fill your space with a vibrant mix of new and used, handmade and mass-produced, simple and ornate items in your chosen color palette. Before you know it, your home will be a masterpiece of color block style.
The Art of Color Blocking in Interior Design FAQs
The world of interior design can seem complicated, but color blocking is actually quite straightforward. Color blocking simply means using solid colors in a coordinated way to create an intentional design in a space.
Why use color blocking?
Color blocking is an easy way to make a bold statement in your home. It creates focal points, divides spaces, and leads the eye. Color blocking also makes a space appear more coordinated and put together.
How do I get started?
Start by choosing two or three main colors you want to use. Pick colors from the same color family, like blues and greens or reds and oranges. Then decide how you want to distribute the colors in the space. You might paint one accent wall in each color, use different colors in separate spaces, or choose furnishings in block colors.
What are some color blocking techniques?
- Paint accent walls in different colors. This visually separates the space.
- Choose block-colored furnishings like couches, chairs or cabinets in your main colors.
- Use color blocking in adjacent spaces by painting rooms or areas next to each other in different colors.
- Add colorful decorative accessories like pillows, rugs, baskets or lighting fixtures.
- Paint the ceiling or baseboards in a contrasting color for a dramatic look.
What color combinations work well for color blocking?
- Analogous colors: Colors next to each other on the color wheel, like blue, blue-green and green. They create a harmonious look.
- Complementary colors: Colors opposite each as on the color wheel, such as red and green or yellow and purple. They create high contrast.
- Triadic colors: Three colors evenly spaced on the color wheel, such as red, yellow and blue. They form a vibrant and balanced color scheme.
The bottom line?
Don't be afraid to experiment with color blocking in your home. Start small by adding colorful accessories or painting just one accent wall. You can always build up from there by adding more color to adjacent walls or spaces. With color blocking, you really can't go wrong - just dive in and have fun with it!
Final Thoughts
You've now got the basics down for bringing color blocking into your home. Start small by choosing one room or one wall to experiment with. Don't be afraid to go bold - you can always repaint if you don't love it. The most important thing is finding color combinations that make you happy and inspired. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be seeing the world through color-blocked glasses in no time. Who knows, you may even find a new creative outlet and inner interior designer in yourself! The options are endless. Now go forth and color block without fear. Your home will thank you for it.