A new paint trend is taking over interior design: “Double drenching.” Building on the popularity of color-drenched rooms, this emerging trend takes things a step further by using two closely related hues to cover every surface in a space—from walls and ceilings to trim and architectural details.
The technique was coined by the U.K. paint brand Little Greene, which helped popularize the idea of fully enveloping a room in coordinated shades rather than leaving any surface white or neutral.
A recent survey of designers and home stagers conducted by Fixr.com called out “double drenching” as one of the 10 hottest emerging trends for bathroom design this year. But it’s not just being used in bathroom spaces but also incorporated throughout the house.
“A double drenching approach is about fully enveloping a space with color,” Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene, told Real Simple. “There is no space for white ceilings or skirting with this decorating style.” She adds that the technique can either highlight architectural details or help define zones within a room, depending on the color palette chosen.
Interior designers are especially drawn to the flexibility of the trend. Paige Garland, founder of Paige Garland Interiors, told Apartment Therapy that it offers an accessible way to achieve a high-impact look using only paint. Rather than relying on décor or structural changes, the color itself can become space’s defining design feature.
The approach typically relies on analogous colors—shades that sit next to each other on the color wheel, such as deep blue paired with forest green or soft plum blended with muted red. Designers recommend keeping the palette limited, usually two to three hues, to maintain harmony and avoid visual chaos.
Restraint is key, designer Sarah Ivory of Sarah Ivory Design also told Apartment Therapy. Too many colors can disrupt cohesion. But the trend can extend beyond just paint. For example, designers sometimes pair complementary finishes like wallpaper, stone or fabric in related tones to reinforce the layered effect.
Double drenching can be adapted to many aesthetics, from moody and dramatic to soft and serene. It also works in both modern and traditional homes, either emphasizing architectural character or compensating for a lack of it.
