This Edge post centers on a joyfully bold design tradition that's stood the test of time: colorblocking. Strictly speaking, this technique refer to the combination of two or more colors in distinct, solid "chunks." Intrinsically dynamic, it boasts a rich history across creative industries, from fashion to visual art to interior design.
Color blocking first entered mainstream culture in the 1960s, when Yves Saint Laurent debuted a classic color blobk dress in their Fall/Winter 1965-1966 runway show, inspired by painter Piet Mondrian's work. Mondrian, a leading figure in the Dutch abstractionist "DeStijl" movement, sought artistic clarity through straight lines, plane surfaces, and rectangles of bold, primary colors. Over time, trends in color blocking have evolved from the strict geometric patterns of the 1960s to more relaxed and subtle forms, but the technique remains a pillar of modern design.
Two interior design projects demonstrate color blocking in vibrant expression. In Hamburg, Studio Besau-Marguerre transformed the entrance hall of the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe (MK&G) with a color block scheme chosen not just for its aesthetic appeal but also for its directional function. The previously barren entryway, once stark white, is now a lively, welcoming space. Blocks of cobalt blue greet visitors at the ticket area, while progressively darker terracotta hues draw them further inside to adjoining lounges and cloak rooms. Bright yellow accents on curtains, lockers, and acoustic panels add warmth and energy, making the space as functional as it is visually exciting.
In London, designer Camille Walala collaborated with Our Department to redesign her studio in a fantastical, color-blocked style. The result is a whimsical, daring space filled with bright colors and cartoon-like patterns. Initially unsure about using her signature animated palette for fear it might clash with future projects, Walala ultimately chose to be inspired by her workspace.
The studio now features pure block colors - solid swaths of yellow, red, teal, peach, and lilac on cabinetry and drawers, with a royal blue floor underfoot. Oversized geometric shapes lend a playful touch to this exuberant, maximalist environment, perfectly reflecting Walala's creative spirit.
Inject your day with some energy with a few of our boldest, brightest colors:
Brisa - Harbor Mist
533-2793
Ultraleather - Baltic
291-2551
Coast - Glacial
640-2579
Lino - Carrot
740-82593
Ultraleather - Sassy
291-5250
Pumice - Summer Melon
497-8279