DIY Home Decor Idea: Mondrian-Style Painting (Flat Color Blocking)

If you're looking for a fun and easy way to transform a plain piece of wood into something bold and contemporary like Piet Mondrian's stye, then flat color blocking might just be your new favorite technique. This simple yet striking style involves painting sections of a surface—often called a “backer” (Skeew's Multi-Art Boards work great)—in solid blocks of color - paint them or mosaic them!! The result is a clean, graphic look that brings instant modern flair to any space. 

What Is Flat Color Blocking?

Flat color blocking is exactly what it sounds like: painting defined areas of a surface in solid, flat colors. There’s no blending, shading, or intricate detail—just clean sections of color divided by crisp edges. These blocks can be arranged in all sorts of ways, but they’re often geometric, making this technique especially popular in abstract and minimalist art. You can also use stained glass or glass tiles for a geometric mosaic.

Think bold rectangles of blue, mustard yellow, or red, stacked or side-by-side on a neutral background. The clean lines and vibrant contrasts create visual interest without overwhelming the eye. It’s a favorite among DIY decorators and professional artists alike for its versatility and bold style.

Perfect For Geometric & Abstract Designs

One of the best things about flat color blocking is how well it lends itself to geometric shapes and abstract compositions. Because the style focuses on clean edges and defined zones, it works beautifully with squares, rectangles, triangles, and even more complex polygons.

You’ll often see color blocking used in modern wall decor—especially in mid-century or contemporary interiors. It’s also great for accent walls, where a few carefully placed blocks of color can define a space, guide the eye, or even give the illusion of architectural detail.

For artists, it’s a creative playground: you can experiment with color theory, contrast, balance, and spatial relationships all within a relatively simple framework.

Here's a YouTube Video of a beautiful wood wall hanging:

Beginner Tip: Tape for Clean Lines

If you're new to color blocking, the key to getting professional-looking results lies in one simple tool: painter’s tape. This tape allows you to mask off sections of your backer so you can paint crisp, sharp lines without bleeding or smudging.

Here's how to use it effectively:

1. Start with a clean, dry surface.
2. Measure and mark your shapes lightly with pencil.
3. Apply painter’s tape along the edges of each section.
4. Press down the tape firmly—especially at the edges—to prevent paint bleed.
5. Paint your color block using a smooth, even coat.
6. Remove the tape slowly before the paint fully dries to avoid chipping.

This technique is especially useful when working with precise shapes like squares or rectangles, where even the slightest wobble can disrupt the clean, modern look.

A Style That Stands Out

Flat color blocking is more than just a painting method—it’s a design statement. Whether you're crafting a DIY art piece for your living room or giving new life to an old canvas, this approach allows you to experiment with color in a bold and structured way.

With a little planning, some painter’s tape, and a splash of creativity, anyone can achieve gallery-worthy results. Give it a try, and watch your walls (or artwork) come to life in vibrant, graphic style.