Well hello again! It’s been a little while since my last blog post, and a lot has changed since then. I’ve welcomed my beautiful baby boy, Otto, who’s now a walking, exploring toddler, and he’s definitely keeping me on my toes (as toddlers do). I’m now fully back into work and have some exciting new projects lined up for the year ahead. It’s been busy, but I’m absolutely loving every minute of it.
For my first blog post back, I knew it had to be about something I’m truly passionate about. And as luck would have it, there’s a new term buzzing around the design world lately—colour drenching. As someone who’s always been an advocate for using colour confidently—and perhaps not always in the most conventional ways—I thought it was the perfect topic to dive into.
So, let's talk about colour drenching!
Colour Drenching is all about fully committing to one paint colour and applying it across every surface in a room—from the ceiling down to the skirting boards and everything in between. That means using the same shade for ceilings, walls, woodwork, window frames, doors and radiators. It’s a bold, all-encompassing approach to colour that creates a seamless, harmonious feel throughout the space.
Gone are the days of defaulting to white for woodwork and ceilings. With colour drenching, there’s no hesitation—everything flows seamlessly, with no harsh lines or stop-starts. Your eye effortlessly moves around the room. When done right, it transforms the space into a bold, unified area that oozes character.
Colour drenching doesn’t always have to mean committing to a single colour across everything. It can involve a combination of closely related tones or different variations of one hue. And why stick to one colour when you could experiment with two or even three? Double Drenching (as one of my favourite paint suppliers, Little Greene Paint, calls it) combines two or more hues with different undertones. This creates a rich, dynamic look where each hue complements the other, adding depth and visual interest without straying too far from the unified colour theme.
Now that we’re all in on the colour magic, here are my top tips for incorporating colour drenching into your space... with pictures of my past projects for added inspo!
Number 1 Rule for Colour Drenching: Painting the Ceiling and Walls the Same Colour
Probably the biggest hurdle, but trust me, you won’t regret it! Using the same colour on both the ceiling and walls makes the room feel bigger and more spacious, especially in smaller rooms. It’s like a little design hack that really elongates the space.
Skirting Boards in the Same Colour as the Walls
Paint the skirting boards the same colour as your walls and you’ll instantly blur the lines between the walls and floor. It’s an easy trick to make the room feel unified, even if your floor colour is different.
Blend in Storage and Shelving
Storage units like shelving and cabinetry don’t have to be the focal point. Colour drenching helps them fade into the background, seamlessly integrating them with the room while allowing accessories or artwork to take centre stage.
Use Light Shades to Create an Airy Feel
Light shades, when applied across walls and ceilings, help create the illusion of a larger, airier space. Blending the ceiling and walls with the same colour eliminates harsh lines, making the room feel more expansive.
Use Dark Shades to Add Depth and Drama
Dark shades can create a cosy, intimate atmosphere. When applied from walls to ceiling, they add sophistication and a sense of depth, perfect for larger rooms or areas where you want to add a dramatic touch.
Layer Greens in the Bedroom for Calm and Tranquility
Greens, especially soft and muted tones, promote relaxation and calm—ideal for spaces like bedrooms. Colour drenching in greens can transform the room into a serene retreat, perfect for winding down.
Add Pops of Colour
Don’t be afraid to add a few vibrant pops of colour! Bright pillows, artwork, or accessories in complementary hues can add contrast and excitement without breaking the flow of the colour-drenched room.
Double Drenching
Why settle for one colour when you can play with two? Drench your space in two hues with different undertones to add layers and depth to a space. It’s the perfect way to bring contrast and richness while maintaining a cohesive, balanced colour scheme.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re aiming to make a bold statement with vibrant hues or create a peaceful, harmonious atmosphere with softer tones, colour drenching can completely transform your space. It’s all about making your home feel uniquely yours, with every surface thoughtfully considered.
Not sure if you're ready to fully commit or feel confident with colour yet? I can help you navigate the process, no matter where you’re starting.
If you’d like a bit of guidance in finding the perfect colours for your space, I offer personalised colour design advice to help you create a colour scheme that’s not only visually stunning but also inviting and truly reflective of your style. If you'd like some more information, head this way to more colour in your life!
Until next time!
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