Design Trend Fall 2013: Color Blocking

Color Blocking is a trend that started in Fashion Design and Art. It began back in the 1960's. (You've probably seen the bright color blocked shift dresses and abstract art that the swinging sixties were so famous for.) You may have noticed a return to the Color Block trend in fashion, so it comes as no surprise that it is also making a comeback in Interior Design.

http://www.labelledujour.com/2011_05_01_archive.html

When you think of the bright pops of color that were such an overwhelming part of the trend in the past, you might be tempted to shy away from color blocks in your decor. However, the modern reincarnation of the trend is much more versatile and can be very subtle when need be. Of course, if bright and fun colors are your thing, blocks of color are where it's at!

When choosing the colors for your room, it is easiest to choose colors that are either close together or on the opposite side of the color wheel. If you want a streamlined look, you may just want two colors (or two and a neutral). However, if you want a richer look, go for three colors (or more if you're daring!) Let's look at some examples of color blocking with just two colors.

http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/color-blocking-your-interiors.html

http://www.houzz.com/photos/218702/Sky---MidCity-Lofts-modern-living-room-atlanta

 http://marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com.au/2011/05/fashion-meets-interior-design-color.html

Here are some examples of blocking with more than two colors:

http://www.edisonavenue.net/2013/02/color-blocking-portugal.html

http://www.houzz.com/photos/74036/residence-F-modern-kitchen-tel-aviv

http://64inthebox.com/events/take-color-block-cues-from-henri-matisse/

Here is an example of mixing two hot trends - color blocking and pastels, this creates a softer look:

 

http://www.houzz.com/photos/2036185/Colour-in-our-Residential-Architecture-contemporary-family-room-sydney

http://www.tumblr.com

For a more classic calming effect, go for blocks of neutral colors:

http://www.houzz.com/photos/468019/Finished-Basement-with-Music-Studio-contemporary-basement-dc-metro

Add http://www.houzz.com/photos/2891478/Rumsin-transitional-kitchen-new-yorkcaption

As you can see, color blocking can be done many different ways. It can be used in modern, traditional or transitional design. Best of all, you can create the blocks with paint, furniture, or accessories. It's so easy to do!

PORTLAND RUMMER RENOVATION

Over the past 10 months, we have been working on updating a beautiful Rummer in Beaverton for a delightful couple. The remodel has included removing the existing cork floors and refinishing the original concrete floors, painting both the interior and exterior, replacing all the interior doors and trim, updating the bathroom with new floor tile and vanity counters, and adding custom roller shades for privacy.

The palette was simple. White and black. The exterior was painted a matte black, with glossy black beams that carry through to the interior. The wood eaves were left exposed to add warmth and contrast. The front door was painted a fun mint green. The interior walls are painted a soft white with white trim and doors creating a blank slate for brightly colored furnishings and artwork.

We have slowly, but surely started furnishing the space with a gorgeous custom leather sofa from Perch Furniture, set a top a graphic chevron rug. Both a live edge coffee table and walnut slab dining table were hand built by our talented clients. A set of vintage, green leather Eames Chairs with new wood bases, and a stunning pendant light compliment the new dining table. The clients found a pair of Bertoia diamond chairs for a killer deal which we painted the same mint green as the door.  We designed a deep built-in bench with custom seat cushions in the nook off the kitchen which will for now serve as a loungy reading space, with plans to add a small kitchen table and two chairs (not pictured).

We are currently working on the master bedroom which will include a custom bedframe with built-in nightstands, light fixtures, art and bedding.

Here are a few photos of our progress:

comfy custom leather sofa and live edge coffee table

walnut dining table & eames chairs with possible wall hanging

refurbished eames chairs w/ wood bases

mint bertoia diamond chair

NW SWANKY SPLIT-LEVEL

PEGASUS

This project was a remodel for the main floor of this 80's split-level. We were asked to help a growing family turn their new home from drab to dazzling.  All the walls in the main house were beige so we brightened up the palette with white walls and painted the wood beams a contrasting dark charcoal to emphasize the volume and architectural character of the space. A soft, warm gray was used to accent the fireplace wall. Furniture and accessories were brought in with bright poppy colors and a mix of luxurious and rustic materials. 

A new 8' fir scissor door replaced the sliding glass door, opening up the space to the outdoor covered patio.  A fir entry door with ribbed glass was put in place along with new fir doors throughout the house, replacing the existing Craftsman style doors. The existing fireplace was remodeled with an asymmetrical design, adding grandeur and focus to the sunken living room. The fireplace was faced with a dark slate tile to compliment the beams. It was topped with a Bastogne walnut mantel. A beautiful sputnik chandelier adds drama to the dining room along with a graphic rug and custom powder coated Tolix chairs for a punch of color. Our favorite piece in the project was hanging the enormous Pegasus the couple had tucked away, over the fireplace as a dramatic focal point for the living room. A swanky turquoise sofa and metallic shag rug were added to the sunken living room to compliment their existing furniture. Two existing club chairs were reupholstered in a bright orange felt, while an existing high backed danish chair was recovered in a soft neutral leather. Other plans for the remodel include adding foliage, artwork and accessories to finish the spaces. We are also in the process of designing the family room and guest room. Below are several pictures of our progress. 

SUNKEN LIVING ROOM

DINING ROOM W/ SPUTNIK CHANDELIER

VIEW INTO DINING ROOM

COVERED PATIO + DINING ROOM

CUSTOM POWDER COATED TOLIX CHAIRS

NEW PAINT SCHEME

NEW FIR SCISSOR DOOR

NEW ENTRY TILE + OUTDOOR PATIO

BEFORE PHOTOS: 

BEFORE: ENTRY

BEFORE: LIVING ROOM

BEFORE: SUNKEN LIVING ROOM

BEFORE: SLIDING PATIO DOOR