Colour blocking - the technique of pairing two or more solid colours to dramatic effect - has been around a long time in the worlds of fashion and art. It is widely thought to originate with the Dutch painter Piet Mondrian whose iconic abstract paintings of the 1920s inspired Yves Saint Laurent amongst others.
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It can disguise awkward proportions
Painting walls in different colours can radically affect our sense of space and improve a room that doesn’t have great proportions. For example, if you have a long, thin room, use a bold colour on the shorter walls and a lighter, more neutral tone on the longer walls. If you have windows on the shorter wall, opt for curtains or blinds in a fabric that matches the bold colour you’ve chosen. This will make the room feel squarer and wider.
Alternatively, if your room has a chimney breast, use a stronger colour on the recesses either side to add depth. This will give the illusion that the walls are being pushed back and if you have shelves in the recesses, a stronger colour will do a great job of showing off books and other objects.