Color Blocking in Interior Design
/Color Blocking Ideas
In case you haven’t taken notice of the color blocking trend yet, hold on to your butts! Because in this post, I’m going to take you on a deep dive into the wonderful world of color blocking!
It may be because it’s just that popular right now or because I’m so in love with this trend and keep Pinning images of it (probably both, TBH), but color blocking is showing up all over my Pinterest feed.
Apparently, color blocking is a super popular trend in fashion, but I, personally, can’t stop noticing it in interior design. There are so many different ways to interpret this trend. My goal today is to expose you to just a few of those to get your creative wheels turning. Let’s go!
Going Bold
Why not start right off the bat with some intense color blocking, eh?
The room above is an amazing example of the versatility of color blocking by showing how it can be used within an entire room. Heck, even the couch is an extension of the design on the walls!
I love the use of warm tones in this room. And although the colors are pretty intense, they’re ALL intense so no one color stands out and the overall design is surprisingly more subtle.
But if you’re looking for something a little less energetic, this green on green room is a wonderful option.
One of the things I love about color blocking (and you’ll definitely notice it throughout this post) is how it has no borders. This room is a perfect example of that in how the colors span right over any architectural details in the way, which in turn actually accentuates them more. Ah! I can’t get enough.
Half and Half
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Speaking of a blatant disregard for borders, check out this pink on pink room. I feel a very strong pull to do this in my younger daughter’s room - dresser and all!
This design is a fabulous take on creating some interest in a hallway. I especially love that they used the same color on part of the ceiling, which brings your eye up and really encourages you to take in the whole hallway.
For a little bit more of a dynamic look, consider splitting a room in half diagonally! Pairing the diagonal design with the bright orange definitely creates an energetic corner of what could otherwise be a really dull sitting area.
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I love this unique take on splitting a kids’ room in half. Growing up, I remember helping one of my friends make a line through their room with duct tape to make sure their little brother stayed on their side. I’d say this option is a whole lot more aesthetically pleasing! If I knew then what I know now….
Using paint to divide a kids’ room in half would also be a great way for each kid to express their own style by picking the color and designing their side the way they’d like. But I have to say I especially love the light, pastel colors used in the picture above and the subtle transition between them.
Defining the Space
One way that I love to see color blocking utilized is to define spaces or create architecture within a room. Below are some excellent examples of how it can be done.
The color blocking in an abstract shape in the picture above is a super playful way to define a reading nook in a playroom.
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For a more “serious” example, the dining area above is defined by using color blocking on the walls and then extending it to the ceiling. This effect almost creates a room within a room and makes it clear that this set-up was intentional.
The arch surrounding this vanity and on the walls next to it are true design elements in this space. By using a lighter tone paint for the arches, your eye is almost tricked into thinking they’re built rather than painted. Plus, it looks so glamorous!
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I love this example of color blocking. By extending the color blocking from the headboard to the ceiling, the space is defined as important and the bed really becomes a focal point of the room. The addition of the same yellow-colored blanket at the end of the bed really accentuates that line.
Keeping it Simple
If covering an entire wall with color is a little intimidating, or just simply not your jam, have no fear! There are tons of ways to bring bits and pieces of color blocking into a room without too much commitment.
I love the bright colors used on the back of this door. When it’s open, no one would be the wiser. But the person inside the room gets to reap all the spunky benefits once the door is shut. Plus, the juxtaposition of the modern design on the door next to the older, natural wood dresser is beautifully done.
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Another subtle way to take advantage of color blocking is to incorporate some smaller shapes in a specific area. While the walls and trim are a bright white, the darker green squares create some interest and tie in nicely with the dark floor.
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Even a bold stripe can be a simple way to incorporate color blocking into a room! I’m loving the addition of this burnt orange stripe in the corner of this room and how it’s the perfect width of the nightstand. The hanging planter strategically placed in front of the stripe really brings the whole look together.
Off the Wall
Maybe you’re a renter, or you’re still unsure about the whole color blocking thing. Here are a couple of additional ways to incorporate color blocking without painting a single wall.
You can easily try out the color blocking trend by adding it to a piece of furniture. While this sideboard would be beautiful without color blocking, adding it really elevates this to a statement piece.
While this example definitely isn’t for everyone (my artsy side is coming out here), I love the idea of color blocking a piece of art. This one is especially well thought out in that the solid color stops just under the figure’s eyes. I also love the bright, bold color next to the muted tones of the painting and the frame. Just imagine a wall with 3 or 5 of these lined up in a row.
Final Thoughts
I think it’s pretty clear that I’m Team Color Blocking - what about you? Lucky for me, I have lots of unfinished spaces in my house still where it just might work. Time to start planning!
