Colour blocking in interior design

Down with despondency and monotony – let’s get some cheerful colours and shapes in here: Having taken the fashion industry by storm, now colour blocking is conquering the world of interiors. Blocks in different shades create exciting contrasts on walls, furniture, textiles and accessories. The bolder the pairings, the better. Monochromatic or pastel works as well – it all depends on the room’s intended effect. Find out which colours are popular and what to bear in mind with colour blocking.

Many people consider Piet Mondrian the founding father of colour blocking. With his clear lines, geometric shapes and saturated, contrasting colours, he defined a new style and inspired the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent to create the Mondrian dress. Colour blocking is still characterised by high-contrast shades and geometric forms today. Its special attraction: Abstract and minimalist on the one hand, it’s also cheerful, vibrant and atmospheric.

Colour blocking is invigorating without appearing chaotic or obtrusive. Its distinctive aesthetic gives a room depth, structure and a liveable feel. Intense or pastel, linear or curvy – the possible combinations are almost endless, which is why the trend is taking off. But anyone looking to adopt the colour-block style for their interior design should bear a few things in mind.

Colour blocking boldly combines strong shades: friendly yellow with cool blue, fiery red with lush green, but also red with orange, as in the Oyako Shoe Cabinet by Homestar . Individual colourful pieces of furniture can also be paired: Available in different colour versions, the Horn Dining Chair by FAGUS brightens up the front of house in restaurants and cafes. The yellow Halia Armchair by Koleksiyon is a perfect partner for the round occasional tables by Naver Collection .

Geometric shapes and a variety of colours can be used in the wall design to give a room structure. A turquoise arch topped with a yellow circle at the head of the bed creates a wonderful stage for the item of furniture. Alongside bold shades, pastel colours are also a popular choice. Finding a harmonious combination of different colours and shapes is the key to a stylish overall look. That’s why the old rule of thumb applies to colour blocking as well: Less is more .

Unusual colour combinations won’t work in every interior design concept. Bedrooms and bathrooms, for example, tend to benefit from a monochromatic colour palette. This approach to colour blocking uses one colour in a variety of shades, hints or tones in the interior decor. In the bedroom, this could be different blues: Midnight-blue walls, sky-blue bedlinen and cobalt-blue pillows foster calm when they appear alongside white furniture in the Scandinavian style. Greens can dominate in the bathroom, ideally paired with a minimalist interior design and green plants for a relaxing ambience.

But monochromatic can also be invigorating: Red, for example, conveys warmth, vitality and energy. In the living room, combining different reds and pinks can be stimulating and enlivening. Take the Satellite Sofa by POTECTO , for instance, and pair it with coordinating pouffes, such as CROSSED by B-LINE , alongside the Neva Lowboard by ARTISAN and the SATOMI Rug by Linie Design .

Colourful interiors are on-trend: New colour concepts with a 70s touch and playful shapes are increasingly appearing in interior decor. Creating a liveable, cosy atmosphere is the essence of this style. Warm colours are setting the tone in colour-block interiors, too. Manufacturers and suppliers should opt for warm, earthy shades – reds, browns, beiges, yellows and greens – as well as pastel colours.

Accessories such as sofa cushions, pictures, shower curtains and rugs are in high demand. They can be used however you like and offer plenty of scope for experimentation. Striking plain-coloured rugs like Colors by Nani Marquina form exciting patterns and warm contrasts when laid one on top of the other. Similarly popular are colour-blocked rugs, such as Cube by myfelt or Mix Berry by Heymat And the three-dimensional concept behind the Volumi Rug Collection by Antonio Lupi is a little bit reminiscent of Mondrian.

From contrasting colours to abstract shapes, colour blocking is a major trend in the world of interior design and opens up many possible combinations. An interior filled with colours and geometric patterns not only exudes warmth and cheerfulness – it also creates clarity and structure. Don’t want to miss out on other interior trends? Stay up to date with the magazine by imm cologne newsletter .