What is colour drenching and how to do it right in 2024

Posted on 16th August 2024

The colour drenching technique took the world of interiors by storm in recent years, but what does it look like in 2024? We look into the latest ways of embracing this trend…

If you’ve scrolled just once on social media lately, you’ve probably seen a kitchen, bedroom or bathroom drenched in daring colour. This popular decorating technique, colour drenching, involves painting the walls, ceiling, and woodwork in the same shade, as well as accessorising your rooms with décor in the same tone.

But while colour drenching initially started as picking one shade and sticking to it when decorating your rooms, in 2024, we’re seeing patterns swoop in to add interest, lighter or darker colour variations, and texture play taking this trend to the next level. In fact, pattern drenching (where you use a single pattern or multiple prints to decorate your rooms) is the latest interiors craze, perfect if you’re more of a maximalist.

Ready to roll up your sleeves and get to decorating? Here is what you need to know before you pick up your paintbrush…

Green bedroom design with matching bed linen and throw. — Fern Green linen blend bedding, from £55 for a pair of pillowcases, and Fern Green check cabin wool blanket, from £149, Piglet in Bed. Launching in September.

Blue living room design with patterned cushions and foot stools. — Rene 3 seater fabric sofa in Heritage Airforce, £1195; Rene large fabric footstool in Heritage Airforce, £345; At The Helm Wallace fabric armchair in Tawny, £895; Parker Knoll Modern Classics large stool in Inca Teal, £695; Mono Swirl set of 2 tables £299; Ray floor lamp, £149; Acanto black table lamp, £179; Celesta Blue and Yellow rug from £149, and Sigma yellow rug, from £69, Furniture Village.

Why should you colour drench your rooms?

Painting your kitchen, bedroom or bathroom in a bold colour can help you create a cohesive yet dramatic look while also adding a sense of calm and serenity, says Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook.

What’s more, this technique also offers the illusion of a more open space in compact rooms. “Drenching the room in one unified colour can often give the feeling of higher ceilings, and when using a lighter colour, the illusion of greater space,” explains Will Plowden, founder of The Roost. “This approach also draws attention to architecture and interesting mouldings or structural elements of a room, such as a sloping ceiling, while also seamlessly blending them into the space for a more contemporary finish.”

Pink bathroom design with matching tub, vanity, tiles and woodwork. — Design by Taylor & Turner. Photography: Astrid Templier.

Colour drenched dining area in brown shades with a wood table and leather chairs. — Walls and dado rail painted in Ganache Intelligent Matt emulsion, £64 for 2.5 litres, Little Greene.

How to do it right

As with any decorating technique, colour drenching comes with its own practicalities in order to guarantee your design’s success. Anna explains that the most important aspect to think about when choosing a colour 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,” she says.

The colour variations you choose are another key consideration. Light shades are ideal for making your kitchen, bedroom or bathroom feel bright and airy while darker hues can help you achieve a cosy, cocooning feeling. “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,” explains Anna. “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.”

And, while we’re still on the topic of paint, to add contrast and dimension, Will advises combining an eggshell finish for woodwork and flat matt on walls.

Pink living room design with matching radiator and furniture, and wall art. — Rusty Rose, from £27 for 1 litre of Pure Matt emulsion, Fenwick & Tilbrook.

Colour drenched kitchen in a dark blue shade with wall decorations and a central island. — Regent Green 2136-20, from £20 for 0.94 litres, Benjamin Moore.

Green bedroom design with colour drenched walls and shutters, with matching bedding. — Bespoke hardwood shutters, from £349 per sq m, Shutterly Fabulous.

How can you take colour drenching to the next level in 2024?

Layer, layer, layer! This decorating technique has evolved to include tone variations, daring patterns and plenty of texture. For example, you can opt to paint your ceiling in a darker hue to add dimension or create a feature wall using statement wallpaper in a similar shade to your main decorating colour.

Have fun accessorising your open kitchen shelves with quirky vases and crockery in complementing tones, dress your bed in a range of coloured cushions and tactile throws, or add contrast and interest to your bathroom through glazed tiles which naturally vary in colour and texture. This technique is all about mixing and matching the right soft furnishings, furniture, wall coverings and decorations to achieve a uniform yet dramatic monochromatic look.

“Despite using a single colour, colour drenching creates visual interest and depth through the use of differing tones and textures,” says Sally Denyer, digital marketing manager at Shutterly Fabulous. “By playing with light and dark variations of the chosen colour, as well as incorporating different textures and finishes, you will add dimension and richness to the space.”

Every item plays its own role in the final design, so take your time to create moodboards and visualise how each element fits within the wider scheme. Happy decorating!