20 New Rules for Color Blocking at Home

Dazey Den

Dazey Den

Whether you're introducing new décor, giving your space a fresh paint job, or even doing a full renovation, everything in interior design comes down to color: And your choice of palette can make a big impact on the overall feel of your home. That's what makes the color block design our new décor obsession, fit for any style of space or area in the house. If you're using complementary tonal hues or bold combinations that break a few design rules with a hint of stylish clash, it’s time to bring the block party home.

Juxtaposing contrasting colors in different blocks, shapes, and lines gives any design a brighter and more energetic appeal that's packed with personality. So if you’re in the mood to break up a room or you just want to do some subtle toning, there are plenty of ways to create shapes from the floor to the ceiling by using wall paint, textiles, furniture, and even décor. Get ready to learn about color-block walls, bright contrasting styles, and vibrant hues to give your space a fresh face.

Below, get inspired by ideas to block color in your home when you're ready to bring out the best of the style.

01 of 20

Divide and Conquer

Dazey Den

Dazey Den

When it comes to refreshing a room with bright colors, it's hard to go wrong with a sunny shade of yellow. But the secret to giving this room its summery energy is the dividing line: The contrasting combination of yellow and optic white over the bed creates an even brighter feeling with this fresh, color-blocked twist on an accent wall.

To paint the perfect circle mural in your home, start by measuring the overall circumference to fit your wall and cut a piece of string to the length of the radius. Next, tack the string at the center of the wall, then tie your pencil to its end: By holding it tightly while drawing the edges, you'll create a simple circle shape to paint inside.

02 of 20

Keep It in the Family

Terence Chin / MyDomaine

Terence Chin / MyDomaine

While there is no such thing as too many shades in color blocking (and many retro-inspired, high-fashion versions juxtapose colors that actually clash), mixing different hues within the same color family is a great design hack to ensure everything goes together in a space. It's a more subtle approach, but when it's done right, it makes a major impact with a lasting artistic impression. In this space, soft pink hues contrast with deep black accents and rich, medium tones on a similar spectrum.

03 of 20

Shape Up

Dazey Den

Dazey Den

Sharp angles, futuristic shapes, and a mix of multiple bright, warm, and cool shades give this living room a colorful nod to the iconic design and décor of the 1980s (and some of our favorite bold fashions from the time period, as well). The blocks of color created by contrasting rug patterns, multicolored geometric artwork, and reflective hardware would add energy and optimism to any living room retreat.

04 of 20

Color Inside the Lines

Tom Ferguson; Design: Arent & Pyke

Tom Ferguson; Design: Arent & Pyke

Color blocking can give any space a personality of its own by using multiple shapes and shades to create a unique pattern. A colorful geometric rug turns this living room floor into abstract art with a focused pastel palette. Get the look in your own space by pairing an abstract rug with warm, natural accents and cool-toned walls, like this seafoam green paint alongside natural leather and woven chairs.

Arguto Rug, 5' x 8'
Design Within Reach Arguto Rug, 5' x 8' $995.00
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05 of 20

Throw Shade

House 9

House 9

Swapping out throw pillows is a great way to update your home each season, particularly when it comes time to make things brighter, bolder, and fresher. Color-blocked throws and patterned cushions are a great way to sprinkle a spectrum of color into a room—proof that, when it comes to color blocking, a little bit goes a long way. Styled in front of warm green built-in bookshelves, the warm tones of this accent décor stands out with vibrance.

06 of 20

Go Monochrome

Mary Patton Design

Mary Patton Design

The minimal design of this bathroom doesn't get lost in its colors, even with boldly painted walls and patterned tile floors. Thanks to its monochrome palette, the overall vibe of the room still feels simple. Tile up to the trim on the walls introduces a color-blocked effect between the windows, while painted trim along the cabinetry keeps things uniform.

07 of 20

Mix Materials

Reena Sotropa

Reena Sotropa

Mixing different raw materials and textures can create a color-blocked effect in a more neutral palette. In this entryway, bright white paint and warm natural wood floors contrast a seafoam green hallway seen through the opening. The color blocking technique connects the floors with the walls while maintaining a minimal vibe, which introduces soft colors in a bold way.

08 of 20

Focus on the Furniture

Rikki Snyder

Rikki Snyder

If you want to introduce color without committing to permanent paint, start with the furniture: This living room excellently displays color-blocked décor from the console stand to the bright, modern accent chair, all while staying bright thanks to white walls and layered white rugs. A small pop of blue in the wall art balances the room's warmer hues for a contrasting effect.

09 of 20

Keep It Complementary

Dazey Den

Dazey Den

To work with bright colors without overwhelming your room, choose a few complementary shades to spruce throughout the space. This living room is styled with a soft blue accent wall over the fireplace to work with its lighter pink hues, tied together with green tile framing the warm tones in a striped effect. Bright pink patterns on the rug round it all out for a dynamic, eclectic design that feels cohesive.

10 of 20

Accent With Metallics

Amy Bartlam; Design: Jette Creative

Amy Bartlam; Design: Jette Creative

If your color-blocked walls are painted in a darker shade, liven up your space with metallic accents. This golden pendant lamp hangs above patterned tile floors and natural wood décor, but it also works to stand out against the built-in cabinetry's deep hues. Bright white walls in the bathroom draw the eye to the edge of the space while complementing the lighter tones on the floor.

11 of 20

Stick to Your Palette

Naked Kitchens

Naked Kitchens

Excited to decorate in your favorite color? Go bold by committing to one major statement, like the seafoam green cabinetry of this modern kitchen. The beachy shade lends a fun personality to this sleek space, styled with a blue pendant lamp and minimal colors on the shelving to contrast its white marbled countertops.

12 of 20

Embrace the Dark

Mary Patton Design

Mary Patton Design

For an even stronger statement, choose a deep, dark hue for your room's theme. This rich plum purple has warm undertones while darkening the space, but brightly-printed curtains and a vibrant orange sofa keep the vibe from feeling too dim. Styled with white accent furniture and a unique rug, this living area feels like the master of formal eclecticism.

13 of 20

Contrast Shapes

Reena Sotropa

Reena Sotropa

For a simple look that makes a bold statement, think first about shapes. This bathroom's cabinetry incorporates strong, clean lines, but everything else in the space sticks to its circle theme. A round wall mirror and polka-dotted wallpaper incorporate a playful vibe that still feels polished, while gold hardware and blue cabinet paint add just the right amount of color.

14 of 20

Treat Windows With Two Tones

Tom Ferguson; Design: Arent & Pyke

Tom Ferguson; Design: Arent & Pyke

When it comes to window treatments, it's stylish to mix shades. Color blocking in drapery can create lines that lead the eye up, down, and all around the room. Adding colorful white and- range curtains to this bedroom keeps the space feeling dynamic and vibrant with minimal wall décor. 

Linen Velvet Colorblock Curtain
Alcott Hill Lucille Colorblock Curtain, Set of 2 $75.00
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15 of 20

Ombré a Modern Look

Dazey Den

Dazey Den

To stay true to the color blocking technique, this kitchen uses shades inspired by an ombré look in bold shapes. Rather than blending tones effortlessly across the cabinetry, each door has its own color for a square-shaped effect. Vibrant hues throughout the room, both in its furniture and décor, keep the vibe cohesive against a bright white background.

16 of 20

Mix Muted Shades

Naked Kitchens

Naked Kitchens

This kitchen uses color blocking without too many bright shades by mixing muted paint in different areas. Dark purple upper cabinets blend with the lighter tones of the lower front doors, while a deep blue accent wall brings contrast to the design. The earthy, inviting vibes of the space are even more apparent thanks to its natural wood walls and floors.

17 of 20

Split It Down the Middle

Dazey Den

Dazey Den

For a true color-blocked design, split shapes directly down the middle in contrasting colors. On this patio, orange, black, and white hues are placed in geometric patterns framing a rounded table, exaggerating the shapes in a maximalist way. Bright red décor from the table planter to the fire pit seating brings a vibrant pop of color to the space while keeping to its warm-hued vibe.

For an added boost of character, play with different textures alongside your color blocking design, like this wood-slatted table paired with striped outdoor seating.

18 of 20

Tile It Up

Naked Kitchens

Naked Kitchens

A great way to introduce patterns to your color-blocked room is through the tile. In this kitchen, warm cabinetry in a deep orange hue is contrasted by light gray and white backsplash. The prints of the tile stand out against sleek cabinet doors, bringing a flair of eclectic character to the modern design.

19 of 20

Use Couture Color Combinations

Rikki Snyder

Rikki Snyder

There are few statement colors as chic as royal purple, and this living room incorporates it in a bold way without overwhelming its bright white design. Color blocking gives this space a linear appeal that allows the more-is-more mentality to shine without feeling too busy. Including pops of greenery and black-and-white patterns, the overall aesthetic feels full of energy while staying sharp, clean, and modern.

20 of 20

Be Abstract to the Max

Dazey Den

Dazey Den

If you're going for a truly color-blocked look, take inspiration from this vibrant living room bursting with various shades. The geometric mural takes on an abstract effect as blue and orange hues stand out against each other, while white walls and minimal décor lend more natural light to the space. Texture from the printed rug to the rattan stool, shiplap ceilings, and velvet blue sofa makes for a dynamic finish in this airy room.