DIYers want to know: is wall paint vegan friendly & cruelty-free?
It’s the 2020s. Right now, 7.2 million adults in the UK are purportedly following a meatless diet. So, it’s not a huge leap to say
colour blocking walls: 10 paint ideas to try if you’re feeling bold
In struts a new trend right off the catwalk, ready to make its mark on the paint and decorating world. Its name is colour blocking, and it’s all about bold primary colours, thinking outside the box and showing off your charming personality. So forget everything beige and prepare to brighten things up as we show you the secret behind colour blocking your walls with paint.
what is colour blocking?
For the uninitiated, colour blocking is a form of artistic expression that involves the pairing of two colours, which lie opposite one another on the colour wheel. The aim is to make a graphic statement that really packs a punch – so much so, you really can’t miss it.
Some of the oldest examples of the technique can be seen in the work of Dutch painter Piet Mondrian who was one of the pioneers of the abstract style. But, now, it’s more ubiquitous in the fashion scene thanks to designer Yves St. Laurent, and has even made a home in DIY and interior design circles.
Usually, this involves blocks of colour bringing statement features to your walls. Think two-tone walls, colour arches and painted furniture. Let’s be honest, you’ve probably already seen it on social media.
why you should add colour blocking to your paint repertoire
There’s bucketloads of reasons why you should give colour blocking a go on your walls, and it would take us the entire day to list them all. To save us both our valuable time, here’s just a handful of them:
- It’s the easiest way to create a contemporary vibe – You’ll no longer need to scroll to see an editorial interior design scheme, when you can look around you!
- You can add a whole new dimension to your furniture & architecture – Depending on your execution, you can draw visitors’ eyes wherever you please and play with perspectives.
- Colour blocking staves off boredom – We’ve found that zany colour combinations always stay fresh, literally the opposite of the greige trend that defined the lockdown years.
- No boredom? You’re less likely to overconsume – At splat, we value paint efficiency. And that means only decorating when we really need to. By opting for something truly unique like colour blocking, you won’t feel tempted to start afresh before the time is right.
- Dopamine! Need we say more?
where to start with colour blocking your walls
Does the above sound good? Great! Lucky for you, colour blocking is fairly simple to implement, and you can scale things up difficulty-wise when you’re feeling confident enough. We hope you’re strapped in because here’s how to get started.
exercising your eye for design
All colour blocking endeavours begin with planning out your paint colours. This means answering two central questions: Which shades are you going to use and where/how are you going to use them?
With so many examples out there, it pays to do a bit of research to see what sort of designs resonate with your personal style and, most importantly, which ones you can realistically envision in your home. If you’re working with a flat, featureless space, this might be your opportunity to take a risk.
Not quite so confident? No worries. The most accessible entry points into this trend are simply picking one feature wall and painting it in a strong colour. Suppose the space does happen to be blessed with architectural bragging rights – we’re thinking ornate fireplaces or crown moulding. In that case, a simpler scheme could be a safer bet, bringing a sense of dynamism without overwhelming these details.
types of colour-blocked walls you can DIY
Colour blocking in essence = bold choices, emphasis, pairing contrasting (even clashing) hues and delighting in the unexpected. It can be tricky to get started, as it goes against our natural instinct, an impulse to blend in by choosing safer, more neutral options. But don’t be afraid to go against the grain!
Here are some beginner-friendly options that you can try out at home:
- Two-tone walls – split your wall into two contrasting blocks of colour, either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally if you’re feeling brave.
- Feature walls – paint one wall in a bold, contrasting colour to make it stand out.
- Contrasting the ceiling colour with the walls for added dimension and impact.
- Paint your furniture in contrasting or complementary blocks of colour.
- Painted arches or semi circles
- Geometric patterns like stripes, squares, or triangles offer a graphic, contemporary look.
- Freeform shapes such as abstract shapes with curves and angles ooze artistry.
practical stuff
Whether you’ve decided to stick with something straightforward like painting a feature wall or are eager to challenge yourself with a trickier project like you’ll need to polish up your technique. While many colour blocking designs are beginner-friendly, admittedly, there is a degree of skill required for a professional finish.
When it comes to projects involving multiple surfaces, edges and corners to navigate around, you’ll need to learn how to cut in professionally, get the order of your painting project down and select the right tools for the job. This will help you achieve the sharp, clean lines you’re after.
finishing touches
The devil is in the details. And it’s certainly true in the realm of painting and decorating. Once you’ve completed the main colour-blocking, it’s time to focus on the finishing touches that will make your design truly pop. Don’t overlook key details like painted fireplaces, which can be transformed into a striking focal point with the right colour choice. Likewise, consider extending your colour-blocking scheme to the floor by painting wooden floorboards or coordinating the walls with whatever else you’ve got going on down there. This can add an extra layer of creativity and cohesion to your design.
10 colour blocked wall ideas
1) highlight an architectural feature
One of the best ways to use colour blocking is to emphasise architectural details in your home. Whether it’s a statement archway, bay windows or a period fireplace, a stimulating visual contrast is easy to pull off if you paint the surrounding area with complementary or bold colours. This approach not only enhances the feature but also adds depth and dimension to the space. Want inspiration? Check out this pink and blue colour-blocked combo on Instagram for a stylish take on highlighting wall panelling and a fireplace.
2) bring motifs and patterns to the fore
Get the party started with fun motifs and patterns. One route to go down could be combining bold blocks of colour with geometric shapes, stripes or even abstract designs. You can play around with contrast or use colours from the same family for a more subtle, layered effect.
If you love the idea but prefer something more intricate, consider adding wallpaper with fun patterns to pair with your bold paint choices. Farrow & Ball’s Carte Blanche wallpapers offer some great options that can be seamlessly integrated into your colour blocked wall ideas.
3) break the rules
Just because a room is north facing doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with colour. In fact, our favourite premium brands work around their limitations effortlessly – see our blog on F&B paints for north facing schemes.
Another way to bend the rules is by creating a two-tone scheme escapes the walls onto other surfaces. For example, you can divide doors into sections by pulling the blocks of colour over them or paint over shelving, trim and furniture units to draw them into the design.
4) bring boring corners and corridors to life
Hallways and corridors are notoriously overlooked, but with colour blocking, you can transform these narrow, often underused spaces into something special. Whether it’s adding a bold statement wall, playing with contrasting colours in doorways or creating a gallery wall to break up the space, the possibilities are virtually endless.
Plus, if you’re working with a dark hallway with no windows, check out our previous blog on which colour to use to bring more light and life into the space. Add a funky carpet runner, paint the floorboards or do both to complete the look—these small design touches can make a big impact!
5) recreate royalty with jewel tones
There’s nothing like jewel tones to turn your home into the lap of luxury. Rich, deep hues like emerald, sapphire and ruby red bring a sense of opulence to any room. You can pair them with neutral elements to balance the intensity if they’re a bit much alone; this way, you’ll create a space that feels simultaneously sophisticated and welcoming. For more bedroom inspiration, check out our post on two-colour paint combinations for bedroom walls.
6) find joy in squiggles
If you’re up for a challenge, why not try out a freeform feature wall? It can be as simple as a few squiggles yet still pack a punch. We love this design from author and content creator Ella Willis who, in hindsight, realised that they’d channelled the energy of a tangle in their painting process.
8) go down the danish pastel route
There are few interior design styles that lend so readily to colour blocking as the Danish pastel aesthetic does. This example from Kine Vinje shows off a palette of sugary sweet colours that, when combined, tell a story. The details in the styling really speak for themselves – see how the paint colours are echoed in the décor.
9) don’t forget the ceiling!
Often overlooked, the ceiling can be a major asset in your colour blocking paint plans. Here’s an idea: you could bring a bit of sunshine into an otherwise gloomy spot by drenching it in a sunny yellow like Morning Room. If you want to play around with things, you could always bring the colour down onto the walls like this creator has. You’ll be surprised that with a little professional advice, how you can completely reshape your perspective of a room, making it feel bigger and brighter.
10) colour blocking’s dark cousin, monochrome
If bold colours aren’t quite your thing, try a monochrome colour-blocking approach using shades of black and white. By combining strong contrasting colours, like Farrow & Ball’s Railings, Pitch Black or Wimborne White, you can create a dramatic yet timeless look that’s sure to leave an impact. This sleek, minimalistic style works from the ceilings to the floors, making it ideal for any space that needs a refresh whether a new build or something more character-full.
From ceilings to floor
And just like that, we’ve come to the end of this blog. Sad, we know – but we hope it’s imparted you with enough colour blocked wall ideas, tips and tricks to leave you feeling confident.
Just as you might colour-block your outfits in head-to-toe vibrance, you can splash your interiors in rich pigments from ceilings to floor. Think of it as dopamine dressing, but for your walls!
Want to have more fun with colour? Our paint and decorating blog is just around the corner…
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