Let’s Talk About... Colour Drenching!

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!

Colour-drenched bedroom with coral rose pink walls and ceiling, featuring a white wardrobe with wooden accents, a pink velvet armchair, and a lush green plant. The room has a cosy, serene atmosphere with a modern touch.

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.

Colour-drenched space featuring midnight blue walls, skirting boards, and door with a terracotta desk and matching chair. The room includes a vintage-style fireplace, a framed artwork, and decorative plants, creating a bold yet cohesive atmosphere.

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.

Colour-drenched living room featuring midnight blue walls, shelves, and storage units. The design blends functional storage with style, incorporating neatly arranged books, plants, and decorative objects. The cohesive use of blue throughout the space creates a unified, sophisticated atmosphere with a modern, relaxed feel.

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.

Colour-soaked living room with light, neutral tones in the walls, bespoke wall panelling, ceiling, and custom TV unit and shelving. The soft grey shades create an airy, spacious atmosphere, while the bespoke design elements and subtle textures enhance the sense of openness, making the room feel light and inviting.

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.

Colour-drenched bathroom with dark midnight blue walls and ceiling, complemented by grey stone walls and black tiles. The rich, moody tones create a dramatic and sophisticated atmosphere, while gold circle mirrors and black taps add a touch of elegance.

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.

Colour Soaked bedroom with a bespoke dark green headboard, layered with deep green bedspread and patterned pillow. The calming shades of green, combined with soft lighting and plants, create a tranquil and serene atmosphere, ideal for relaxation.

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.

Colour-drenched living room with midnight blue walls and ceiling, featuring bold yellow accents in the furniture and accessories. The rich blue tones create a serene backdrop, while pops of yellow from the armchair, cushions, and window blinds add vibrant contrast and visual interest.

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.

Bedroom with a bespoke pink terracotta feature wall, complemented by dark blue surrounding walls and a deep blue velvet headboard. The warm terracotta contrasts beautifully with the cooler blue tones, demonstrating the Double Drenching technique, where hues with different undertones are used to create a dynamic yet cohesive atmosphere.

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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