Interior Design with
Julia Luttrell
Colour Blocking
Yes, the appeal of anything design-related, has continued to swell into
a wave of popularity, that has become a near phenomenon.
Magazine racks everywhere, are riddled with renovation advice. A
sophisticated public, educated by exposure to the many design shows on
television, seem to be in a feeding frenzy for more information, better
ideas and still more original, unique concepts to integrate into their
individual home environments.
This growing interest in nest crosses all gender and economic classes.
It’s now possible to go to a backyard BBQ with the boys from Inco, and
eavesdrop on a debate about a design show, every bit as animated as a
harangue about hockey!
While large, heart-of-the-home kitchens will return as a big trend,
living rooms will lose some of their importance, to the new “Great
Rooms,” which many people are creating by reviving their basements.
Downstairs rooms that previously functioned strictly as family rooms and
were often minimally decorated and furnished in inexpensive leftovers,
will now expand their horizons to become the new Great Rooms.
Great Rooms, while still casual will be far more elegant,
multi-functional spaces, focused around bringing families together to
work and play. Often they will have fireplaces, saunas, games tables,
and home offices as well. As the new, preferred entertainment centre for
invited guests, however, they will have much more attention paid to the
decorating details of a showpiece of the home.
And finally, paint colours can be depended on to make a major statement.
The big news here is a process called “colour blocking.” With colour
blocking, bold, dramatic paint colours are strategically applied to
specific, minimal sections of walls, to accent various architectural
details of a room and reveal the ‘bone structure’ of a space.
Colour blocking will have a major influence, which is likely to go well
beyond a trend. Anyone who can wield a paintbrush can do it, creating
maximum impact, with minimal disruption or cost. It effectively treats a
room like a canvas, making certain structural details of a room stand
out as pieces of art themselves, or else fade into a backdrop on which
to place a piece of art.
Best of all, there is no commitment involved in Colour Blocking. You can
change your mind, and by covering only certain minimal areas of a wall,
you can change the entire effect and impact of a space.
You can do it. Just say, “Eat you heart out Debbie
Travis”, fire up your creative courage and go for it!
