What Is Colour Drenching? (+ Some Vibrant Inspo)
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6 months ago
Inside this kaleidoscopic interiors trend
Colour drenching is taking over the interiors world – and, as lovers of dopamine dressing, we’re thrilled. Here’s exactly what it means, plus some inspiration for your moodboard.
Interiors Trend: Colour Drenching
What Is Colour Drenching?
Colour drenching means saturating an entire room in one colour – so exactly what it says on the (paint) tin. ‘Think skirting-boards, radiators, doors, window frames, picture rails and ceilings,’ say the paint experts at Lick. ‘And if you’re really committed, you can even take the colour (or various tints and shades of it) onto your furniture and upholstery to create a monochromatic, tonal interior scheme.’
Whether that’s one hue across the board or different shades of the same colour is up to the individual, but colour drenching typically includes the ceiling, walls and furniture all wrapped in the same or similar tones to create an immersive, cohesive, emotionally impactful space.
Why Do We Love It So Much?
As Carole Annette explored for C&TH earlier this year, colour can have a real impact on our mood, whether we’re calmed by blues or aroused by reds. This effect is heightened by colour drenching, which hones the power of the hues into one cohesive force.
Colour Drenching Inspiration
Light Pink
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As the experts at paint brand Farrow & Ball note, ‘Taking a light or mid shade across your whole space can help to make a room feel bigger and airier, by blurring the line where the walls and ceiling meet. It works especially well in awkward shaped spaces like narrow hallways, to help create the illusion of a bit more space.’
Neutral Shades
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‘To create spaces that are awash with light and a place where thoughts can drift away, opt for soft, neutral shades,’ say the experts at paint brand Little Greene. ‘For a pared back feel, layer tranquil shades from the same colour family in wide bands across the width of the room.’
Dark Green
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‘Darker tones work wonderfully for colour drenching, creating a cosy cocoon of colour,’ says Farrow & Ball. ‘This especially suits rooms you use in the evening, inviting you to sit down, relax and stay a while. For even more impact, opt for an ultra-matt finish, like our new Dead Flat®, which makes dark colours even richer and more tantalising.’
Blue
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‘Colour drenching can create wonderfully calm spaces, perfect for nurseries, offices and anywhere else you want to add a dose of peace,’ say Farrow & Ball. ‘By painting everything in the same shade, you avoid creating any strong contrasts or harsh lines. Instead, your eye simply drifts across the room, for a gentle, tranquil feel.’
Charcoal
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‘For lovers of deep hues, saturate dining room walls with mysteriously dark shades to create instant intrigue,’ says Little Green. ‘This works especially well in areas with panelling, alcoves and cabinets painted in the same deep hue. These features create added depth in the shadows as incident light emphasises the architectural features and recesses. Try to avoid painting walls and ceilings the same colour in any areas that do not receive much natural light as this can create the appearance of a small space.’
Shades of Red
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‘For a truly immersive experience, the colour red in all its glorious variations creates a feeling of luxury, energy and indulgence,’ say Little Greene. ‘Sink into a bathroom painted in Cordoba – an aged aubergine colour. For a softer hue, paint all walls of a living room including the skirting boards in nostalgic Ashes of Roses.’
Yellow
‘Transform neutral areas and bathe rooms in a sunshine glow with the use of yellow hues across all four walls,’ say Little Greene. ‘Keep this colour contemporary with dark accents and fresh white accessories.’
