"If I had to pick one word to sum up the current slate of interior design trends, it would be bold. I think more people are starting to see their homes as places of joy and expression and making design choices with that in mind. This new, more daring direction is especially evident in one of the biggest trends sweeping the internet lately: color drenching. This trend encourages going all-in on color from floor to ceiling, creating a bold, immersive feel. If you’re curious about color drenching, keep reading for everything you need to know about the trending paint technique, including expert advice on how to pull it off.
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What is color drenching?
Color drenching is a paint technique that involves covering the walls, ceiling, and any architectural details—including baseboards, crown molding, or built-in features— in a single color. Although it’s a relatively new trend around here, the technique has deeper roots across the pond. “The inspiration can come from anywhere, but we’ve seen the evidence of color drenching in Europe, especially in the UK, where age of the home and heritage details are yearning for the modern take,” said Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar.
Here and now, color drenching has gained popularity as a way to go bold with color and create a cocoon-like effect, explained Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager at HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams. “We have seen over the past few years the need to create sanctuary spaces at home and be enveloped in spaces that soothe us,” she said. “Color drenching achieves that effect while letting consumers express themselves and the moods they want to create in their spaces through color.”
As a bonus, the color drenching trend can accentuate your ceiling height, tricking the eye into thinking the space is bigger than it actually is. “With everything in a space drenched in the same hue, there is no visual stopping point, and the room appears larger,” Kim explained.
How to pull off the color drenching trend
Color drenching is a big commitment, so you’ll want to get it right the first time. Here are the best ways to try this trend, according to experts:
Choose the right space to color drench
With a bold trend like color drenching, moderation is key, so be strategic with where you try it. According to Kim, there are two factors that make spaces good candidates for color drenching. “Rooms that receive plenty of natural light and spaces where you want to lend a sense of grandeur are opportune canvases for the color drenching technique,” Kim said.
Especially with a dark, moody paint color, natural brightness (from windows, skylights, or glass doors) will help the color appear rich and vibrant instead of shadowed or washed out by artificial lighting. Color drenching can also serve to highlight architectural details like built-ins, fireplaces, and wall molding, so it’s a good fit for spaces where you want to achieve a more elegant, grand look, like a formal living room or dining room.
That said, you may want to think twice before trying this trend in a large, open space like a great room or open foyer. The immersive effect of color drenching can get a bit lost in areas that aren’t enclosed by four walls. Instead, Banbury advised trying color drenching in spaces like bathrooms, hallways, and small living rooms or bedrooms. “Rooms that are enclosed are great for using a single color, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere,” she said.
Pick a paint color with mood in mind
Choosing the perfect paint color is always tricky, but with color drenching, the stakes are even higher. To get it right, first consider the mood you want to create. Do you want the room to feel cozy and comforting, bright and energizing, or serene and restful? Different paint colors can help achieve these different moods. Banbury suggested using a warm neutral backdrop in a living room to set a cozy tone, while calming shades of blue and green make good fits for a bedroom. Dark, moody shades are also favorites for color drenching and can really underscore the dramatic effect. For a bold look that still feels timeless, look for saturated colors with neutral undertones—rather than red or yellow, which can be too punchy and bright.
Use the proper paint and tools
Beyond color, choosing the right type of paint is key to achieving the look you want. It’s a good idea to consult with a paint expert before you get started to determine what kind of paint and tools will work best for the surface you’re painting. The last thing you want to do is start all over because the finish didn’t turn out right.
When it comes to paint sheens, in general, the glossier the paint, the more imperfections will show, which leaves less room for error. So when you’re trying to achieve a cohesive look across all four walls and the ceiling, you may want to avoid glossy and satin sheens. “The color drenching technique works best when painted in a lower sheen, especially for a bold or dark color, as the lower sheen will bring out the true hue and make the color more livable,” Kim said. However, if you want to add a little contrast, consider using a slightly higher sheen (like satin or semi-gloss) on baseboards and trim to create more dimension and visual interest.
Consider double drenching
If you’re worried that your color-drenched room will feel a little too one-note, there’s a variation on this trend for you. “Color drenching is moving toward tone-on-tone hues, also called double drenching, where people paint an entire room in a small range of closely related colors,” Banbury said. “We are seeing more rooms with walls painted in one hue and ceilings and architectural details painted in the next lighter or darker hue in the same palette.”
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers. Jessica also holds a certificate in interior design from the New York Institute of Art + Design.