Having a bold and dramatic design aesthetic may not be easy for some, but this year’s interior trends are daring us to have more fun in our homes. While it’s one thing to create a space filled with calm and tranquility, there’s also something to be said for a home that expresses character and style. You can achieve both with one of this year’s biggest paint trends: color drenching.
I learned about this bold design aesthetic from Sarah Stacey of Sarah Stacey Interior Design and Mark Schubert, founder and principal designer of Phillip Harrison Interiors. Read on for their expert tips on how to infuse color into your own home, no matter your design preferences.
What is dipping?
This moody modern painting trend is all about wrapping yourself in a hue. “Color saturation is about completely covering the entire space with color—minimal contrast and no white at all,” explains Stacey. “This approach uses color everywhere, from walls and ceilings to trim and furniture, to create a cohesive, calming atmosphere.”
Color saturation can be seen in monochromatic spaces this year – think of a color everywhere. This look is anything but boring—the colorful room incorporates many different textures to keep the space charming and cozy. It can even include different shades of the same color. Simply put, colorful rooms are stunning.
How do you know what color to choose?
Filling a room with color isn’t just about liking a certain hue or hue. Before choosing your soaking color, decide how you want to feel in your space. “Consider starting with rich, deep colors that resonate with the mood you want to create, such as calming blues or dramatic greens,” advises Schubert. “This color works not only on walls, but also on ceilings, skirting boards, doors and even furniture. This uniformity creates a cocoon effect, wrapping the space in color.
Painting your office a vibrant hue like pink or orange can be a great choice for creativity and energy. However, you’ll definitely want to choose a more tranquil color for your bedroom, such as blue or green. A powder room is a great place to experiment, so don’t be afraid to make bold choices here. It’s also helpful to know what furniture and decorations you want to use in your space. Choosing a paint color that complements the pieces you want to incorporate will keep the design plan cohesive.
Color soaked design tips
It can be daunting to act without caution. If you’re considering trying this paint trend yourself, keep in mind that color-drenched colors can evoke many different moods and feelings—it all depends on how you design your space. Here are some design tips from the pros.
Layer shadows and textures
Just because a room is all one color doesn’t mean creating a cohesive look is as easy as painting all the walls. A well-designed room is made up of many different layers, and Schubert recommends experimenting with various textures and finishes within the same color family. “To create a unified look, try using matte on walls, gloss or satin finishes on trim, or velvet on furniture,” advises Schubert. “Incorporate subtly with metallic or wood tones Contrasting colors can break up a monochromatic color without diluting the effect.”
He also recommends achieving variations in the same tone through accessories such as throw pillows, rugs or art. Once you decide on a paint color, look for shades that are slightly lighter or darker to give your space visual interest and balance.
Consider lighting
A major tip for painting a room is understanding the type of light in the space. Paint seems to magically change color depending on the time of day or the type of bulb you use in your lamp. Make sure to try a paint sample before dipping and note how it looks in the light.
“Lighting plays a vital role,” Schubert said. “Choosing a warm color temperature for your lighting fixtures will make the space feel warm and cozy. Ensure natural light interacts harmoniously with the chosen colors, enhancing the depth and dimension of the space.
Use timeless patterns
Although drenching in color is a current trend, there are still ways to maintain timeless style in your space. “Choosing long-lasting patterns and materials, such as checks or plaids, floral patterns, or even stripes tend to lean toward that elevated, timeless feel,” says Schubert. Stacey also mentioned that while color-drenched is currently popular, it’s not entirely new.
“Color saturation has been around for years, but its popularity has skyrocketed recently and it’s finally been given a name,” she shares. “It’s exciting to see this concept resonate with so many people.” If you’re still concerned that your home will eventually become outdated, stick with smaller spaces, like a powder room or a butler’s pantry. This way, it’s easier to change the style than in the kitchen or living room.
blend into black
Another way to add visual interest to a colorful space is to add a pop of black. “Incorporating black elements adds depth and balances the room without making it feel too sweet,” Stacey shares. “This strategy creates a stronger visual impact and results in a more complex and elaborate design.”
It’s also worth mentioning that you can definitely dye it with darker shades. Darker spaces make you want to wind down, so a colorful bedroom or study would be ideal. Navy, charcoal, or even dark green or burgundy are all great options.
Choose an accent color
Color saturation tends to focus on one color, but Stacey recommends incorporating accent colors into your design plan. “While trends tend to favor limited colors, as with all pinks, I recommend keeping things fresh and timeless by layering two or three colors to complement the dominant, more saturated ‘punch’ Hue,” she shared. “This strong color, used sparingly, can add just enough energy and interest to make a space feel special without overpowering it.”
