In the world of interior design, colour has always been a powerful tool for expressing personality, setting moods, and transforming spaces. Recently, a bold trend has taken the design world by storm: colour drenching. This technique involves using a single colour – often a rich, saturated tone – across walls, ceilings, woodwork, and even furniture, creating a cohesive, immersive atmosphere that envelops the room in a striking visual experience.
Whether you’re a fan of deep moody shades or light, airy tones, colour drenching offers an opportunity to make a big statement in your home. In this blog, we’ll explore how to master the art of colour drenching and showcase how Leekes’ selection of paints from leading brands like Johnstones, Dulux, Little Greene, Farrow & Ball, Graham & Brown, and more can help you achieve your dream space.
Colour drenching is the practice of applying one dominant hue throughout an entire room. Unlike traditional approaches, where contrasting colours might be used on walls, trim, and ceilings, colour drenching takes a monochromatic approach, allowing one shade to define every surface. The result? A dramatic, yet serene space that feels both contemporary and timeless.
This technique works especially well in spaces that need a bold identity, such as bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices. It can also be used to create cosy, cocoon-like atmospheres in smaller spaces like reading nooks or hallways.
Selecting the perfect colour for a drenched room can seem daunting, but it’s all about choosing a shade that resonates with the mood you want to create. For a calm, serene space, think of soft greys, dusky pinks, or muted greens. For something bolder, try a deep teal, charcoal, or terracotta.
Here are some inspiration-worthy colours that work beautifully for colour drenching:
At Leekes, we understand that the perfect shade for colour drenching might be something unique to your vision. That’s why we offer custom paint mixing services through some of the most trusted brands in the industry. Whether you’re after the historic elegance of Little Greene, the sophisticated tones of Farrow & Ball, or the contemporary palettes from Dulux and Johnstones, our in store experts can help you create the ideal shade for your project.
The beauty of our paint mixing service lies in its ability to perfectly match your chosen shade to your specific needs. Want a slightly more muted version of a vibrant red? Or a richer version of a soft pastel? Our services make it easy to customise colours to your exact preferences, allowing you to fully embrace the colour drenching trend in your own unique way.
We caught up with our Group Visual Merchandiser and resident interior style and design expert Jo, to hear her thoughts and top tips for successfully colour drenching your home.
Consistency is key: When using a single colour for drenching, it’s important to maintain consistency. Ensure that your chosen hue flows across all surfaces, including the walls, ceiling, trim, and even furniture. Using the same shade in different finishes (like matte for walls and gloss for woodwork) can create subtle visual interest while maintaining a cohesive look.
Consider lighting: The amount of natural light in a room can dramatically affect how a colour is perceived. For spaces with lots of natural light, deeper colours can create a luxurious, cocoon-like effect. In dimly lit rooms, lighter colours can help keep the space feeling open and airy.
Layer with texture: To prevent a colour-drenched room from feeling flat, introduce a variety of textures. Soft furnishings like velvet cushions, woven rugs, or textured wallpaper can add depth and interest to the space without breaking the monochromatic palette. Graham & Brown’s textured wallpapers, for example, can enhance a colour-drenched room with their rich, tactile finishes.
Experiment with accessories: While colour drenching creates a uniform backdrop, accessories can provide a fun way to play with contrast. Metallic accents, bold artwork, or natural wood elements can add balance and keep the space from feeling too one-dimensional.
The resurgence of colour drenching marks a move away from the minimalist, white-walled interiors that have dominated for years. People are craving more personality and warmth in their homes, and this trend delivers just that. Whether you opt for a dramatic jewel tone or a soft pastel, colour drenching adds a level of depth and character that makes any room feel uniquely yours.
By partnering with brands like Johnstones, Dulux, Little Greene, Farrow & Ball, Graham & Brown, Laura Ashley* and more, Leekes is your go-to destination for embracing this bold trend. With our paint mixing services and extensive range of colours and finishes, you’re sure to find the perfect shade to bring your colour drenching vision to life.
Ready to transform your space? Visit your nearest Leekes store or browse our extensive range of paints, wallpaper and accessories online to get started on your next design project today!
*selected paint mixing services are available in store – please get in touch to check which stores stock your required brand before visiting.
**Dulux only available in Bilston
Posted by Leekes on October 15, 2024 in Home improvements & DIY and Inspiration