Colour Drenching: The Interior Design Trend that keeps on giving…

As an Interior Designer I love a good colour drench but what does it mean, how can you create it and is it even right for your room?? Read on to find out…

What is colour drenching?

Colour drenching in interior design is when you paint EVERYTHING the same colour, so that’s walls, ceilings, woodwork, coving and even the window frames. It creates a cucooning cosy space where everything feels sumptuous and up market and is absolutley perfect in bedrooms and living rooms/snugs that are mainly used in the evenings. This can be done in any shade you like but personally I do prefer it when it’s done using a mid to darker tone.

Colour drenching has made this dark and moody bedroom feel like a real retreat.

The origins of colour drenching - where did it come from?

It’s not really known where or when colour drenching started but I’m going to go with the Victorians who loved a bit of paint and drama so I do feel this look would be right up their street! It was also in this era that more pigments became available so they were able to be more bold with their decor choices.

Wherever it came from I like it and even though it’s often linked to maximal looks I don’t think that has to be a rule, as if you drenched in a lovely warm neutral I think it could also come off as super minimal too.

This period home with tall ceilings takes really well to the colour drench and the pop of rust brown in the sofa compliments it perfectly.

Why colour drench?

I always think colour drenching so excellent at stopping the quite frankly, jarring look of a deep colour reaching a white on a ceiling. That being said I often think that jarr is down people not considering their whites well and finding one that compliments the wall colour and going with a standard brilliant white. However, this look creates a seemless calming backdrop to any space where ones brain doesn’t need to take in lots of colours and ‘noise’ in a room so the instant affect is calming whilst also being quite dramatic - what pairing!

How to achieve a colour drench look

So now I’ve sold you the idea here’s how to create the look…

First select your colour - now you’re probably used to seeing this done with really dark colours but it can be done in a lovely neutral too. Clear your space and cover everything to avoid that splatter and get to work! You’re covering every surface so all the walls, woodwork, ceilings, cornicing, radiators and even the window frames so don’t be shy here - it’s time to be bold and go for it!

I would always suggest a matt paint for the walls and an eggshell on the woodwork such as skirting and doors rather than trying to use the wall paint on the woodwork. My old fave Little Greene do a Intelligent Matt Emulsion paint which can be used on both walls and woodwork all from the same tin. Personally, I like a little bit of sheen on my woodwork but not more than 20% (I’m fussy about this OK!) so I opt for an eggshell in whatever brand I want.

Does colour drenching make a room seem smaller?

No, not in my opinion. If anything I think it can make a space appear larger by blurring the edges and creating a cohesion between all the elements. By painting everything the same your eye isn’t drawn to anything in particular or a sudden change in colour so it will also feel intimate and relaxing. In colour drenching you don’t have to stop at the walls! How about keeping to the colour scheme by having a similar coloured sofa or headboard but if a little contrast is what you’re after perhaps consider using a complimentary colour - that’s the one opposite on the colour wheel. If you don’t know what I’m talking about take a look at my blog where I’ve written a post all about colour schemes, how to create one and explaining all those terms.

Which rooms best to colour drench?

To be honest a good old drench works well anywhere in my opinion but if I have to name a space where I think it really comes in to it’s own it’d be the attic bedrooms. Sloping ceilings and changing ceiling heights across a room can seem daunting and people wonder where they should paint up to and where they should stop. My advice is, don’t stop! Go up and over the ceiling taking that colour all the way across every surface. This will make level changes in the ceiling receed into the background and the overall look will be of harmony.

Final thoughts on colour drenching

Go for it!!!

It’s such a impactful yet calming way to decorate. If you’re still on the fence about your next Interior Design project get in touch and I’ll transform your home for you. To book a call click here or fill out a contact form here.

Hopefully speak soon,

Claire