Color Drenching - what I think about it!
Color Drenching: The Bold Interior Trend You’ll Wish You Tried Sooner!
A year ago, I took the plunge and color-drenched our dining room in Sherwin Williams Tavern Taupe, and let me tell you—I only wish I had done it sooner! The impact of wrapping the walls, trim, ceiling, and even doors in a single, rich hue is nothing short of transformative. Now, we’re gearing up to color drench another room, and we’re torn between the stunning Sherwin Williams Manor House and Plum Brown—both moody, elegant choices that will make a statement. But before we get into our next project, let’s talk about what color drenching is, where it originated, and how you can incorporate it into your home.
Sherwin Williams Plum Brown and Manor House
What is Color Drenching?
Color drenching is the design technique of painting every surface in a room—walls, ceilings, trim, doors, and even built-in furniture—the same color (or subtle variations of it). This approach eliminates contrast, creating a seamless, enveloping effect that makes the space feel intentional, cozy, and visually striking.
Unlike traditional wall painting, where trim or ceilings often remain white, color drenching embraces a more immersive look, giving depth and drama to the room. Depending on the shade you choose, it can make a space feel larger, more cohesive, and incredibly sophisticated.
The Origins of Color Drenching
This trend isn’t new! It has roots in historical European interiors, where grand estates and period homes often featured single-hued rooms to create an elegant, monochromatic aesthetic. Think of deep blues, rich greens, or warm ochres adorning libraries, parlors, and drawing rooms in 19th-century England.
Fast forward to today, and interior designers have revived the technique as a way to bring warmth and character into modern spaces. It’s especially popular in smaller rooms where an all-over color can blur edges, making the space feel more expansive and immersive.
How to Color Drench a Room in Your Home
If you’re ready to embrace this bold look, here’s how to do it:
Choose the Right Color – Decide on a shade that sets the mood you want for the space. Darker tones add coziness and drama, while mid-tones can feel warm and welcoming. If you’re hesitant, opt for muted shades like Tavern Taupe, Manor House, or Plum Brown—rich yet timeless choices.
Paint Everything – Extend the color beyond just the walls. Paint the ceiling, trim, doors, and any built-ins for a fully wrapped effect. Consider using different finishes—matte for walls and satin or gloss for trim—to add subtle dimension.
Consider Lighting – Color-drenched rooms absorb and reflect light differently. Warmer bulbs enhance coziness, while natural light brings out the depth of the color.
Balance with Texture – Since the color is the star, introduce variety through textures. Think plush rugs, linen drapes, metallic accents, or wood furniture to add depth without disrupting the monochromatic feel.
Commit to the Look – It might feel bold at first, but trust the process! Once the entire space is painted, you’ll see how seamlessly it all comes together.
BEFORE
I loved the black and white but just wait until you see the AFTER…WOW!
AFTER
I am so in love, it’s not for everyone but it is so incredibly chic and adds so much character!
Our Next Color-Drenching Project
Since our dining room turned out so beautifully, we’re now debating between Sherwin Williams Manor House—a warm, deep gray—or Plum Brown, which has rich, earthy undertones. Both will bring a cozy yet sophisticated feel to the space. Stay tuned as we make our decision and take on another color-drenching transformation!
Would you ever color drench a room? 👇🎨