What is Colour Drenching?

Category: FAQ

What is colour drenching?

Abi Hugo

Neutrals Stylist

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Question

What exactly is colour drenching? And where do I start?

Answer

Colour drenching is when you paint a whole room in the same colour or tone. That means the walls, ceiling, doors, skirting... sometimes even the furniture too. It creates a really calm and cohesive look that makes everything feel pulled together. You can go bold or stay soft and neutral... it’s all about surrounding yourself in a colour that feels right for the space.

Why would I choose colour drenching over a feature wall?

Feature walls used to be the way to make a statement, but they can sometimes break a room up. Colour drenching wraps everything in the same shade so it feels more intentional and grown up. It’s a lovely way to make a room feel bigger and more balanced. Instead of your eye being drawn to one wall, it just flows.

Can I colour drench with different finishes or does everything need to match?

You can definitely mix finishes. That’s actually what makes it interesting. Try a matte wall with trim paint which has a slightly satin look on the doors and skirting for a subtle contrast that still keeps the tone consistent. It’s less about everything being exactly the same and more about keeping it all within the same shade family, also known as colour capping, so it still feels unified, cosy and cohesive.

Can I colour drench with different finishes or does everything need to match?

You can definitely mix finishes. That’s actually what makes it interesting. Try a matte wall with trim paint which has a slightly satin look on the doors and skirting for a subtle contrast that still keeps the tone consistent. It’s less about everything being exactly the same and more about keeping it all within the same shade family, also known as colour capping, so it still feels unified, cosy and cohesive.

Does colour drenching work in small rooms?

Yes, it’s perfect for small rooms, and it’s honestly one of my favourite tricks for smaller spaces. People often think dark colours will make a room feel smaller, but when you use the same colour across the whole space, the edges blur and it can actually feel bigger. It’s also really cosy, like the room is giving you a hug.

How do I choose the right shade for a colour-drenched look?

Start with the mood you want the room to have. Warm neutrals like Salt of the Earth or Stone Rosie create a soft, welcoming feel, while bolder tones like Fennec or Clay Pot bring drama and depth. Always test your colour in different lights throughout the day before committing, it’s amazing how much it can change.

How do I choose the right shade for a colour-drenched look?

Start with the mood you want the room to have. Warm neutrals like Salt of the Earth or Stone Rosie create a soft, welcoming feel, while bolder tones like Fennec or Clay Pot bring drama and depth. Always test your colour in different lights throughout the day before committing, it’s amazing how much it can change.

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