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 ...