Colour blocking usually involves the use of contrasting, unusual and bold colour combinations. These are often combinations you would not expect to see in the same room or on the same surface. The existing colour palette of a room should still be considered, especially of larger pieces of furniture, which are changed less frequently. 

If limited to part of a wall or a smaller area, colour blocking presents an excellent solution for bringing even the strongest, boldest and darkest colour shades into a space. These are colours that are admired but avoided in larger quantities, for fear of an aggressive result. Painting smaller areas is a wonderful opportunity to use leftover paint from a previous renovation or painting another room. This brings a uniform colour palette and recurring elements into the home, which is especially welcome for smaller apartments, as a golden red thread creates a feeling of spaciousness. This is a technique that requires only some imagination, and no special knowledge. Masking tape, a brush or roller, a pencil and ruler are enough. 

Following the architecture of a space

Using colour thoughtfully can emphasize interesting architectural elements in a space, such as arches, columns, partitions, stucco, an unusual staircase, or can follow the lines of existing pieces of furniture. In the bedroom, you can frame the headboard, paint the walls behind shelves, or visually divide the space into several parts and arrange a smaller reading or study nook in a larger space. Colour blocks often continue onto the adjacent wall, ceiling, or lead you around the room. The possibilities are practically limitless, but you must consider the existing architecture of a space when planning. 

Highlight your favourite decorative elements

Hung pieces of art, such as paintings, graphics or photographs, can be given an additional frame in a contrasting colour; and there you have your own art gallery. The same goes for vases, statues or other 3D pieces, which can also be placed in front of a painted background in a smaller area, to avoid losing them among other elements in the space.

Interesting contrasts can also be achieved by combining different shapes. You can draw a square frame around a round mirror, or place pictures with square frames in the middle of a circle. Mirrors add depth to a space, by placing them in a way that they reflect the shape of painted surfaces. This will create a sense of dynamism in the space.

Inspiration from geometry

Larger blank walls can also be livened up with a sequence of geometric patterns in interesting colour combinations. Irregular triangles have been popular for some time. You can find ideas in existing pieces of furniture, including bedspreads, cushions and rugs. You can even continue the pattern of your curtains along the windows. 

Sharp, clean lines or soft, organic transitions. Strong and bold combinations or combining shades from the same colour family. Painting the walls, ceiling or floor. The possibilities are endless. The one rule is to allow your hands to run free, no matter how crazy the idea might seem at first.