Color Drenching- 6 Ways to Embrace the New Hot Paint Trend

Color Drenching- 6 Ways to Embrace the New Hot Paint Trend

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:

• It creates a modern, curated look with minimal effort.
• It can visually expand or contain a space, depending on your goals.
• It brings a strong sense of mood and atmosphere to any room.
• It works with both bold and soft palettes, depending on how adventurous you are.

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:

• Small spaces like guest bathrooms or hallways where a saturated colour can create intimacy.
• Bedrooms that need a warm, cocooning vibe.

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:

• Living rooms or kitchens where layering adds sophistication.
• Open-plan spaces where tonal changes define different areas.

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:

• Stylish lounges or media rooms.
• Home offices where focus and mood are important.

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:

• Light-filled rooms that benefit from soft, reflective colours.
• Bathrooms where light colours create a spa-like feel.

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:

• Dining rooms, bedrooms, or powder rooms where you want to evoke mood and depth.
• Spaces with ample lighting (natural or artificial).

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:

• Period homes or apartments with ornate details.
• Modern homes with built-in joinery or shelving.

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:

• Choose your feature colour wisely.
• Decide how far you want to go (walls only, or full room immersion).
• Test swatches in different lighting conditions.
• Use finishes (matte vs gloss) to add depth.
• Carry the colour through furniture and accessories for cohesion.

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.