Hi, I’m Jaima, a designer who loves anything to do with color and pattern. As the fall season approaches, color blocking continues to be a hot design trend! Large blocks of colors are being mixed with and without prints. It’s new in fashion but it isn’t new in home design or architecture. Read on…
Color Blocking Fashions
Photo Courtesy of marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com
Color blocking has been used on exterior surfaces for years bringing unique looks to many beach resorts and city areas. I think it is fascinating how color instantaneously affects us psychologically and physically. When color blocking is used on architecture it unifies the structures visually through the use of color. As you can see, bold designs are created.
Domicile Interior Design
Image courtesy of www.domicileid.com
America, the Mediterranean and Europe have used color blocking for centuries. It’s not always been used on the outside, interiors have been well ahead of the curve when it comes to using color blocking techniques. We just didn’t call it “color blocking” like we do in fashion today.
Interior Design Ruthie Summers
Photo Courtesy of blog.livelikeyou.com
HOW do we create this color blocking style for interiors? Let me share some design tips with you so you can get started creating your dream decor. Here are some Color Blocking Tips:
- Use solid colors.
- Use one main color and then add 1, 2 or 3 other solid colors into the mix.
- Try complimentary colors.
The Color Wheel
Ever heard the term ” opposites attract“? Well they can when it comes to color blocking. Just pick colors opposite on the color wheel to achieve this affect. Try using these secondary colors on furniture, bedding, carpet or in art. Using one color on a wall helps create a main focal point. Then add a complimentary color opposite the wall color in other areas of the room to create a complimentary color blocking scheme. Using a color wheel can help direct you in selecting colors. I think this polka dot wall is really fun especially mixed with its complimentary color green.
Complimentary Color Blocking Design by Emily Clark
5. Balance Your Color. Use 70% of a main color, 40 % of the second color and 20% of a third color. This will balance your interior visually and by using one main color in a room it helps keep the room grounded. Like the raspberry polka dot wall, it holds the whole look together.
6. Try color blocking with monochromatic colors.
Monochromatic Color Blocking
Photo Courtesy of blog.livelikeyou.com
Using colors in the same family create a more subtle and sophisticated look to an interior. It’s easy to do with any color scheme. I love this Moroccan themed room as its a perfect example of warm monochromatic hues of color blocks in orange, reds, golds and salmon. Totally inviting!
Next week is my design forecast which is influenced by color blocking. Have a good weekend.
Cheers. Jaima
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