Color Theory
Color Blocking
Color blocking is a design technique that uses large areas of solid, contrasting colors in distinct sections to create bold visual impact. Borrowed from fashion and graphic design, interior color blocking has evolved from avant-garde statement to accessible design approach, offering a way to add drama and personality to spaces without pattern.
The effectiveness of color blocking relies on confident color choices and clear delineation between sections. Rather than blending or transitioning gradually, color-blocked designs embrace sharp contrasts—a deep blue wall meeting a terracotta ceiling, or a room divided horizontally into distinct color zones. This technique works particularly well in modern, contemporary, and playful spaces where bold expression is welcomed.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Large areas of solid color
- ✓Sharp boundaries between colors
- ✓Bold, confident palette
- ✓Graphic, modern appearance
- ✓Creates visual zones
- ✓No pattern, purely color-driven
Types & Variations
Wall color blocking (different wall colors)
Horizontal blocking (wall divided horizontally)
Ceiling color blocking
Furniture color blocking (contrasting pieces)
Accent color blocking (one bold element)
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Limit color-blocked palettes to 2-4 colors for sophistication. Use the largest blocks for dominant colors, smaller blocks for accents. Ground bold walls with neutral floors and furniture to prevent overwhelming intensity.
💡 Pro Tip
For sophisticated color blocking, choose colors with similar saturation levels even if hues differ dramatically—all muted, all bright, or all deep. Mixed saturation (bright pink with muted olive) creates jarring rather than intentional contrasts.