Interior drenching is a bold design concept that's taking the home decor world by storm- you'll have seen the terms thrown around all the interior blogs and magazines and Instagram feeds. But what exactly is drenching, and how can you use it to elevate your interiors? This guide will explore the different types of drenching, including colour drenching, pattern drenching, and more, as well as practical tips to make it work for your space.
Whether you're an avid home decor enthusiast, an up-coming interior designer, or someone eager to try a DIY makeover, this comprehensive guide will help you master the art of drenching.
Electric Lagoon White wallpaper by The Curious Department
What Is Interior Drenching?
Interior drenching refers to the method of saturating a space with a dominant design element, whether it’s a single colour, pattern, or even texture. The goal is to create a unified, dramatic effect that envelops the room and makes a statement.
Drenching originally gained attention from maximalist design trends, which celebrate boldness, layering, and creativity. While traditional decorating techniques often focus on a sense of balance and contrast, drenching embraces the power of consistency, using repetition and intensity to create visually impactful spaces.
Fizz Supreme Onyx fabric and lampshades from The Curious Department
How Drenching Differs from Traditional Decorating
Unlike traditional design techniques, which might favour one focal piece or accent features, drenching works by extending the chosen style element across multiple surfaces and items. For example:
- A colour-drenched room might have the same shade repeated on walls, curtains, cushions, and even artwork.
- A pattern-drenched space could feature matching wallpaper, lampshades, and upholstered furniture in a single design.
This cohesive approach allows drenching to transform spaces into immersive environments.
Types of Interior Drenching
Colour Drenching
Dragonfly Swarm Sage wallpaper by The Curious Department
Colour drenching is all about committing to a single hue or tonal palette throughout a space. From walls and ceilings to furniture and decor, the goal is to fully immerse your room in a unified colour story.
Benefits of Colour Drenching
- Creates Harmony: A room where everything matches feels cohesive and refined.
- Maximises Impact: Bold colours like navy blue or forest green can add drama, while pastels like blush pink create a softer aesthetic.
- Simplifies Design: With a single colour anchor, decorating decisions become easier and more focused.
Best Practices for Colour Drenching
- Pick the Right Palette: For an intimate vibe, choose rich shades like velvet red or deep teal. For lighter, airier rooms, stick to neutral tones or gentle pastels.
- Vary the Textures: Layering velvet cushions, matte wallpaper, and glossy ceramics in the same colour prevents the space from feeling flat.
- Use Tie-ins: Extend the drenching effect with painted skirting boards, window frames, and accessories for full saturation.
Fierce Bloom Nectar wallpaper by The Curious Department
Pattern Drenching
Opium Blush Summer fabric, wallpaper, cushions and lampshades from The Curious Department
For the boldest of decorators, pattern drenching takes a repetitive design and applies it across multiple surfaces—think wallpaper, curtains, rugs, and even lampshades sharing the same motif.
Popular Patterns
Some patterns work especially well for drenching:
- Floral Prints: Timeless and elegant, floral patterns can add charm to living rooms and bedrooms.
- Geometric Designs: Perfect for modern and minimalist spaces.
- Chinoiserie Wallpapers: For a touch of maximalist luxury.
Zellandine Aqua wallpaper and fabric by The Curious Department
Stripe Drenching
Stripe drenching is uniquely bold, offering a slightly retro but undeniably chic aesthetic. This concept uses multiple repetitions of stripes to lend energy and dimension to a space.
How to Choose Stripes
- Horizontal Stripes: Make a room appear wider.
- Vertical Stripes: Create the illusion of higher ceilings.
- Mixed Stripes: Experiment with widths and orientations for a dynamic look.
Liberatzion Tourmaline wallpaper and fabric from The Curious Department
Textural Drenching
Unlike colour or pattern drenching, textural drenching focuses on materials to add depth and character. By selecting textures like velvet, wools, wood panelling, or metallics and applying them generously, you create a tactile and visually interesting environment.
Materials for Textural Drenching
- Velvet: Luxuriously soft and perfect for cushions, sofas, or curtains.
- Timber: Adds warmth to walls and flooring.
- Stone or Concrete: Ideal for kitchens and modern spaces.
How to Implement Drenching in Your Home
Step-by-Step Guide
- Define Your Vision: Decide whether you want to focus on colour, pattern, or texture.
- Start Small: Apply drenching ideas to smaller spaces before tackling large rooms. Bathrooms or entryways often work well as trial areas.
- Accessorise Purposefully: Add items like wallpaper, cushions, or lampshades that extend the drenching effect.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to mix drenching techniques. For example, combine textural elements with colour-drenching for a multi-faceted result.
Budget-Friendly Tips for DIY Decorators
- Paint is Your Friend: Walls, ceilings, and even furniture can be updated with a single can of paint.
- Customise Existing Decor: Re-cover your cushions or lampshades in bold patterns.
- Mix High and Low: Combine affordable pieces from high-street stores with occasional investments in luxury items like designer velvets or rugs.
Add Drama and Sophistication with Drenching
Interior drenching isn’t just a trend—it’s a way to create dramatic, cohesive, and stylish spaces that leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re drawn to the bold simplicity of colour drenching or the eye-catching appeal of patterns, these techniques can breathe new life into your home.
Are you ready to give drenching a try? We’d love to see your before-and-after transformations—tag us on social media or share your creations in the comments. Happy decorating!