If you loved it when we discussed color blocking a few years ago, we have good news: the trend is back and bolder than ever. Color blocking returned to fashion last season, and it has funneled back to interior design this year. So, here are 6 tips to fearlessly add color blocking to your décor, plus a few extra ideas from Benjamin Moore.
1. Pick one color to emphasize unique architecture.
Accent walls are a basic kind of color blocking, but you can do so much more. Advance a level by highlighting some interesting architecture or painting around a corner or two.
2. Use painter’s tape liberally.
If you want geometric, modern lines, grab an armful of painter’s tape and a friend, and tape your walls before you begin painting. Here’s a yellow outlined block filled with pink.
Painter’s tape is also a great way to get creative with stripes:
Or you can get a color block decal and stick it to your wall.
3. Go casual and organic.
Don’t want something so clean-cut? You can eyeball your blocks with a short paint roller to create an organic, natural look.
Like the pink cityscape in our recent post, you can create some visual texture and even layer colors like so:
Credit: Dulux
4. Stay monochromatic.
Want to pick more than one color, but aren’t sure which ones to pick? Try choosing three or four from the same color family: one highlight, one lowlight, and one neutral. If you want to stay conservative, pick one paint strip and choose a color from both ends and the middle. Instant ombre color scheme!
Or choose one really saturated or bright color, and for the others, choose a lighter, subtle tone, and a darker, deeper shade.
Fun fact: if you create your own abstract color “map,” you only need four colors to make sure no two touching shapes are the same color. It’s called the four color theory, and here it is in practice:
5. Choose analogous colors.
Take a peek at a color wheel and choose two or more that are right next to each other.
6. Get adventurous.
Find colors you like together. If the combination makes you happy off the walls, chances are, they’ll make you happy on your walls.
Benjamin Moore has some great ideas, too. Check out these simple color blocking options:
“Seaside Retreat” nursery:
You can find the instructions here.
“Dollhouse Charm” girls bedroom:
“Rhyme Time” nursery:
Take inspiration from nature, clothing, and artwork. You can always ask a Hirshfield’s employee for help or feedback on a color scheme. Or check out our Pinterest board for more color blocking inspiration.
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