Colour blocking, a technique that involves pairing two or more bold colours together, is a popular trend in interior design, and can be easily achieved in the kitchen by contrasting cabinets with countertops and wall finishes. Interiors reporter Natasha Levy picks seven examples that each explore different shades.
Stine Goya headquarters, Denmark, by Reform
Danish brand Reform updated standard IKEA cabinetry with shiny brass doors to produce this golden kitchen for fashion designer Stine Goya.
The space, which is finished with butter yellow walls, is intended to match the bright palette of Goya's clothing collections.
Parisian apartment, France, by Atelier Sagitta
An emerald green kitchen contrasts with wooden joinery in this Parisian dwelling, which French practice Atelier Sagitta designed for a young art director.
The rich hue of the cabinetry references the colour of the laminate countertop that had been in the apartment upon purchase.
House in Faria Guimarães, Portugal, by Fala Atelier
Fala Atelier added peacock-blue cabinetry to conceal the kitchen of this Porto apartment, helping the adjacent living area appear clutter-free.
The shade of blue is also applied to the window shutters and fragments of tile on the building's facade, while monochrome marble provides the worktop and floor surface.
Beresford Road, UK, by Russian for Fish
A sunshine-yellow kitchen brightens the otherwise neutral basement of this north London home.
Architecture studio Russian for Fish incorporated the colourful cabinetry to reflect the client's penchant for "contemporary, gallery-style restraint".
Casa Ljungdahl, Sweden, by Note Design Studio
Roman piazzas and a brown cashmere coat are just some of the influences that Note Design Studio cited for the revamp of this Stockholm flat – the kitchen walls are aptly painted a shade of sandy-beige, juxtaposed against all-blue cabinetry.
Waterfront Niki's apartment, Greece, by Stamatios Giannikis
While a majority of this seaside apartment is painted bright pink, architect Stamatios Giannikis chose to complete the kitchen's cupboards, walls and window frames in pistachio green. The shade creates a sharp contrast against the home's original geometric floor tiles, as well as the marble counter and splashback.
Kennington House, UK, by R2 Studio
R2 Studio eschewed cold and shiny surfaces to create "a kitchen that doesn't scream kitchen" for this London home. The birchwood cupboards and central breakfast island are instead completed by matt surfaces in navy blue, bright yellow and sage green.