The Issue: Brighten Brighton

Colour blocking

It might have been a clothes fashion idea for some time but the concept of using black or bold colours in your home is now equally fashionable. But how do you go about getting it right?

We all know about the pitfalls of huge and scary statements in home interiors and any number of estate agents will tell you to avoid them if you want an easy sale. The agent’s mantra is always stick to neutral tones, and on the whole it is good advice, excellent advice in fact – except of course if you hate beige and abhor magnolia. So what then?

Well colour blocking is all about statements, but those statements need not be of a permanent nature, far from it. So start with that neutral background and then add those big statements in the form of furnishings and accessories. If you really hate beige and magnolia then head for the pale greys and whites, the pure whites and not those ridiculously “tinged” with “apple” or “mango”, they can lead to all manner of clashing colours in a very sneaky and underhand way.

Be brave with colour, enjoy it, but be sensible too

Add your colour with bravery, a bold pink rug, a bright orange throw, maybe a statement armchair in a vibrant print. You can also do it with curtains and blinds to create a real impact when you walk in the room.

If you do want to be bold and paint a wall in a statement colour, then paint one wall and not the whole room. In this way it will really stand out and, for the less adventurous, it is easily changed back to something less exciting.

Right now the showrooms are full of bright primary coloured ceramic tiles and glass splash backs for kitchens and bathrooms, but think hard before committing to an expensive statement like that and consider creating that impact with towels and accessories instead. Above all be brave with colour, enjoy it, but be sensible too.