by Valerie Demetros
When you think of decorating your home, most of the emphasis is usually placed on mixing textures, patterns and styles — but color drenching is changing these ideas with a radical way to decorate.
Color drenching, a daring new trend, is the process of using all the same color in different forms throughout a space including walls, woodwork, ceilings and furniture. Design experts are predicting that color drenching will be end up being one of the biggest interior trends for 2023.
Color drenching can make a room feel larger or more cozy depending on the shades used. You can create the illusion of a larger room by painting walls and ceilings the same light color or use a darker color on the walls, ceiling and furniture to create drama and a sense of luxury.
The key to color drenching is to carry the same tone throughout the space as much as possible. It’s important to choose colors that speak to you and create the feeling you want whether that’s joyful, energized, calm or peaceful.
South-facing rooms can make colors feel warmer and more intense, so use paler hues. North-facing rooms can feel cold, so use warmer tones like sunny yellow or warm terra cotta.
Color drenching accurately means sticking with one tone, but there are no strict rules. A slightly deeper tone on the woodwork and a lighter tone on the ceiling also can work. Using the same color in different finishes can add interest but maintain the strength of the look.
If you decide to try your hand at color drenching, consider the sunlight in the room throughout the day. With a monochromatic treatment in a room, lighting becomes crucial since light and shade created by reflection will display architectural details rather than contrasting color.
Furnishing a color-drenched room requires balance of contrasting colors and textures. For example, a room drenched in warm plum or soft pink could use a green sofa for dramatic effect. If you have gone big and painted the ceiling as well as the walls and woodwork, use a contrasting rug for effect, and look for patterned fabrics and interesting accessories to layer colors.
