What is drenching in decorating?

You might have heard of it, but you’ve definitely seen it – the drenching decorating technique has taken over the interiors industry. So, what is it and what are the latest ways to embrace it?

From colour to pattern to stone, it seems that, lately, the more you have of it, the better! Put simply, in decorating, drenching means saturating a room in one or two design elements such as paint, prints, or tiles.

Intrigued? We’ve gathered five of the most popular drenching trends and how you can achieve them at home…

Colour drenching

This is the original trend that started it all; a daring decorating technique, perfect for colour lovers, maximalists, and anyone looking to inject cheer into their home. Depending on the shade you choose, you can achieve anything from a dark and moody cocoon to a serene retreat.

To recreate this look, simply pick one hue and use it throughout your scheme. Think walls (woodwork and ceiling included), floors and soft furnishings.

Olive green snug with open shelving and quirky decor.
Olive wall paint, £26.95 for 1 litre of Chalk Paint, Annie Sloan.

“The most important thing to think about when choosing a colour for colour drenching is the overall style of the room. You ideally want to choose a shade that will complement the furniture, flooring and any other decorative elements in the room for a cohesive feel,” advises Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook.

“You also need to consider the amount of natural light in the space and remember that lighter colours will make the room feel brighter and airy, whilst darker tones will create a cosy and inviting space. Warm neutrals or muted pastels are great for a calming aesthetic, helping to create a cocoon-like feeling that is ideal for spaces where you want to relax such as the bedroom or living room,” she says. “However, for the more brave-hearted, choosing a really bold or dark colour will allow your personality to shine through and create a dramatic statement.”

To find out more about colour drenching, click here.

Pattern drenching

Bold, bright and truly out-there, this trend is a maximalist’s dream. It replaces colour with a single print or – if you feel daring – a variety of complementing patterns.

“It really isn’t for the faint-hearted,” Emma Deterding, founder and creative director at Kelling Designs tells Konstantina who has recently done a deep-dive on this decorating idea. “But while it can be overwhelming, successful pattern drenching balances scale, colour and texture to transform a room into a harmonious and immersive experience. It really allows you to show your personal style and personality off to its max.”

Discover more about this trend and how to get the look by clicking here.

Bedroom design drenched in patterns, from the wallpaper and curtains to bedding and rug.
Mind The Gap Caramella wallpaper, £149 per roll, available at Lime Lace.

Tile drenching

Sleek and sophisticated, this drenching trend can help take the pressure off choosing different tiles for your kitchen or bathroom renovation. From large-format slabs adorned with veiny patterns to classic metro and square designs, this technique is perfect for infusing your space with plenty of wow factor.

For practicalities, key considerations and inspiring ideas, click here to browse our guide to tile drenching.

Tile drenched bathroom in onyx-effect large-format slabs.
Onyx Turquoise wall and floor tiles, £34.95 per sq m, Tile Mountain.

Statement stone

Similar to tile drenching, this trend involves using the same stone or a stone-effect material throughout your room. It is an easy, guaranteed way of injecting glamour and opulence into a kitchen or bathroom.

Veiny patterns in particular – from shower panels, basins and baths to sinks, worktops and splashbacks – are a popular choice at the moment, with coloured marble-inspired options quickly rising in the ranks, too. But beware that depending on the type of material you choose, it can become a costly decorating technique.

Marble walk-in shower with glass panels and chrome system.
Calcite Azul Exclusive stone collection, Antolini.

Double drenching

Why not take colour drenching to the next level by going double? This trend was recently introduced by paint brand Little Greene, and it encourages renovators and design lovers to transform their homes by enveloping rooms in two or more complementary colours on all available surfaces.

“For a true double drenching scheme, avoid white and drench your space with colour, incorporating related hues on every surface from ceilings to walls and woodwork,” advises Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene.

So, which drenching trend has caught your eye?

Double drenching in a dining room with red shades.
Bronze Red (15), Arras (316), and Mushroom (142), all by Little Greene. “Dark reds such as ‘Bronze Red’ exude warmth and a sense of luxury, making a room feel cosy and inviting. Perfect for spaces where you want to create a sense of comfort, such as living rooms, dining rooms or bedrooms,” says Ruth.
Navy bathroom design with a freestanding marble tub.
Walls in Riverstone; woodwork in Flat Iron, and Screen in Aged Copper, Oceans and Indian Prince, from £28 for 1 litre of Pure Matt Emulsion, Fenwick & Tilbrook.

Enjoyed this post? Click here for two-tone kitchen ideas

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