Color Drenching 101: Photos and Tips on How to Pull It Off
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Just like color trends ebb and flow, popular paint techniques come and go. What once was the paint trick of choice (think statement walls or the stenciling heyday of the 90s) is soon replaced by new ideas, offering homeowners near-endless ways to transform their homes in a budget-friendly and approachable way. From contrast trim and color-blocking to finding the right relaxing hue to coat your bedroom, paint can transform just about every corner of your home. The latest paint technique making waves in the design community? Color drenching.
Designed to achieve maximum drama and impact, this saturated, statement-worthy spin on traditional paint takes your color of choice and coats it all over—yes, even on the ceiling and trim. Below, we’re rounding up everything you need to know about color drenching, including how to apply the technique, which rooms it’s best used in, and inspirational photos that will help kickstart your next makeover.
What is color drenching?
Fittingly, color drenching is basically what it sounds like—coating an entire room in a singular shade. Instead of opting to paint just the walls or ceiling, you’re putting your chosen hue all over, from the walls and trim to the ceiling and even windowpanes. Color drenching allows you to create a luxe, cocoon-like vibe that feels both inviting and moody, making it the perfect solution for any space where you want to bring a boost of personality. While you can color drench your room in pretty much any hue, you’ll want to choose a color that’s dramatic enough to hold its own against this gutsy technique. Saturated shades, such as rich teal, bold burgundy, and even dusty blue, all look beautiful from floor to ceiling.
Where can you apply color drenching?
Color drenching works particularly well in smaller rooms that already feel a bit snug (think: a study, playroom, office, or powder room), as well as any space where you want to disguise the visual clutter that comes with mismatched architecture or quirky features, like a sloped ceiling or wall that juts out.
In general, you’ll want to steer clear of trying to color-drench any area in an open floor plan. Without a “closed-in” room or distinct entry and exit point, you’ll have a tough time figuring out where to delineate your space, and you’ll certainly lose the benefit and effect of color drenching, which is all about making a space feel cozier and more intimate.
What are the dos and don’ts of color drenching?
Do:
- Go for the boldest color you think your space can handle. You know what they say—if you’re going big, you might as well go big.
- Opt for the same color or slight variations throughout the entire space. Please no ombré effect here!
- Test plenty of colors. While you can always paint over a color you don’t love, drenching your room from wall to ceiling is a big commitment, so you want to be sure to get it right.
- Keep the rest of the space understated. You want your color selection to shine, so don’t force it to compete with a bold light fixture or piles of pattern. (Unless, of course, maximalism is your calling!)
Don’t:
- Skip the ceiling. Though it’s not necessarily a must, color drenching is more effective when your entire room is dipped in color. You can still make a statement on the walls and windowpanes, but if you’re ready to go all-in, including the ceiling is a great move.
- Tackle this solo if you’ve never painted before. It may seem simple, but color drenching your room requires patience and finesse—if you’re unsure about your DIY painting skills, this project may be best left to the pros.
Can I see more color drenching photos?
Ready for some inspo pics? Keep scrolling!
Drew’s True-Blue Office
Check out this color-drenched office at Drew and Linda’s house! The bay window is even more striking thanks to the deep blue color that highlights the details and makes the natural light feel even brighter. Drew tied the look together with a mix of color pops, like on the accent chairs, and classic brown and leather to keep the space professional and grounded.
Pretty in Pink Color-Drenched Bathroom
Color drenching in the bathroom or powder room is an easy way to try the trend. These rooms are somewhat separated from the main living areas, so it’s less of a risk if you’re not totally sold on it yet. Here, shades of pink combine to create a pretty retreat that still feels calming.
Jonathan and Zooey’s Stunning Solarium
Jonathan and Zooey even have a hint of color drenching at Park House. Their solarium walls and doors are doused with a sleek black that shows off every curve in the windowpanes and detail on the walls. It’s the perfect backdrop for their greenery, both inside and out.
Never-Basic Neutrals
Color drenching doesn’t have to be limited to bright or bold hues. In Tony Hawk’s Celebrity IOU episode, he worked with Drew and Jonathan to design wall-to-ceiling wood tones, with different textures and finishes throughout. It makes a major statement while still sticking within a neutral palette.
Color-Drenched Corner
Not ready to commit to an entire room? Try color drenching on a feature in your kitchen, bathroom, or living room. Emma Roberts and Drew and Jonathan designed this all-green coffee bar on Celebrity IOU. But don’t skimp out if you choose to go smaller—this vignette is effective because the shelves, walls, and drawers are all decked out in the same shade.
What are your best color drenching tips?
- Make sure to vary the sheen of your paint. In most instances, your walls should be in a satin or eggshell finish, your trim and millwork should be in a semi-gloss finish, and your ceiling should be in a flat finish. This will lend the space depth and ensure your entire room looks cohesive but dynamic.
- Can’t find the perfect shade? Don’t be afraid to get a bit creative. Sometimes, the best paint hue isn’t one listed on a paint chip at all. If you’ve found a color that’s almost right, consider asking your paint counter to lighten or darken it by 50 percent to come up with a true-to-you hue for your space.
- When testing your potential colors, make sure to observe them at various times of day and on various surfaces in your room. This will give you the closest look at which suits your space best and help you detect any odd undertones.
Now it’s time to make it happen! If you decide to try color drenching at home, don’t forget to share photos and tag @DrewandJonathan so we can see your stunning spaces.
Alyssa Longobucco
Alyssa is a freelance writer, editor, and stylist with a background in interior, food, and lifestyle content. The recent recipient of an interior design certification, she has over a decade of experience in the digital and magazine industry helping readers digest design trends and providing actionable expert advice for creating a home and life they love.
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