Published on 02 Jul 2025
What started as a fashion catwalk trend has emerged as one of the boldest and most transformative interior paint trends in recent years. While minimalist whites and soft neutrals have long dominated walls, colour drenching is here to make a statement - by immersing an entire room in a single, rich hue.
But what exactly is colour drenching, and how can you make it work in your space?
Simply put, colour drenching is a design technique where walls, ceilings, trims, doors and even furniture are painted in the same shade or tonal variations of a single colour, resulting in a cohesive, immersive environment where colour becomes the main character in the room.
Unlike accent walls or two-tone schemes, colour drenching doesn’t hold back. It’s dramatic, impactful, and surprisingly versatile - working in everything from cosy bedrooms to chic living areas and contemporary kitchens.
Why It's Trending
There are several reasons colour drenching has gained popularity:
Now, let’s dive into 6 creative ways to use colour drenching in your home.
1. Go Monochrome from Floor to Ceiling
The most literal interpretation of colour drenching involves covering every surface in a single colour - walls, ceiling, doors, window trims and skirting boards. This technique eliminates contrast and creates a soothing, enveloping effect.
Best For:
Choose a colour that suits the room’s function. Deep blues and forest greens bring calm to a bedroom, while burnt oranges or terracottas add warmth to living areas.
2. Use a Single Hue in Varying Tones
Not ready to commit to one flat colour across every surface? Try using multiple tones of the same hue. For example, use a mid-tone pink on the walls, a deeper rose on the ceiling, and a blush trim.
This creates visual interest while staying within a cohesive colour story.
Best For:
Pick a base colour and ask your paint supplier to mix lighter and darker variations for walls, ceilings, and woodwork.
3. Extend the Colour to Furniture and Décor
Take colour drenching beyond paint by matching your furniture, curtains, and soft furnishings to the room’s dominant hue. This deepens the effect and makes the space feel curated and intentional.
Imagine a navy blue room with a navy velvet couch, matching lampshades, and blue artwork—it’s moody, elegant, and impactful.
Best For:
If painting furniture isn’t an option, choose upholstery and textiles in matching or complementary tones.
4. Try Pastels for a Soft, Modern Look
Not all colour drenching has to be dark or dramatic. Pastels - like mint green, dusty lavender, or pale peach - can be used to brighten a space while still achieving the monochromatic effect.
This is especially effective in nurseries, kitchens, or Scandinavian-inspired homes.
Best For:
Pair pastel-drenched rooms with natural textures like wood, rattan, or linen to balance sweetness with sophistication.
5. Use Dark Colours to Add Drama and Depth
If you're brave enough, dark colour drenching can transform a space into a luxurious, high-impact haven. Deep emeralds, charcoal greys, inky blues and even black create a dramatic atmosphere when used from floor to ceiling.
Despite what you may think, dark colours don’t necessarily make rooms feel smaller. In fact, they can blur edges and make walls recede, especially with minimal contrasts.
Best For:
Use a matte or eggshell finish for a soft, velvety texture that enhances the moody vibe.
6. Add Architectural Interest with Paint
In homes with decorative moulding, arches, or panelled walls, colour drenching can be a tool to highlight these features in a subtle, sophisticated way.
By using the same colour across all architectural elements, you allow texture and shape - not colour contrast - to become the focal point.
Best For:
Choose a semi-gloss finish on trims and a matte finish on walls to create slight differentiation while staying within the same colour family.
Is Colour Drenching for You?
Colour drenching may not be for the faint-hearted, but it rewards those willing to embrace its immersive beauty. Whether you want to make a small room feel more intimate, add elegance through tonal layering, or make a bold design statement, this trend offers flexibility and flair.
The key is to pick a colour that resonates with your personal style and the purpose of the room. From calming blues to energising corals or grounding neutrals, there's a drenched look for everyone.
Quick Checklist to Start Drenching:
Colour drenching doesn’t follow the rules - it rewrites them and, with the right approach, it can turn your space into a stunning, expressive sanctuary that reflects your personality like never before.
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