Interior Designers Can't Get Enough of This Home Trend in 2025
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
In 2025, there's a noticeable shift away from minimalism and neutral interiors as more and more people embrace spaces filled with color and personalized touches. Maximalism is on the rise and interior designers say color drenching is popping up as one of the biggest home trends of the year. From tiny powder rooms, hallways and cozy bedrooms to dining rooms and kitchens, this paint trend is showing no signs of slowing down.
"As people move away from stark, all-white spaces, they're looking for ways to introduce color in a way that feels polished and cohesive," says Tiffany Gowler, co-founder of Gowler Homes. "Color drenching simplifies the process by eliminating the need to coordinate multiple hues while still making a strong design statement. It also aligns with the desire for cozy, enveloping interiors that feel both stylish and serene."
"While it's trending now, it's something designers have leaned on for years to unify awkward rooms, highlight architectural details or create mood-rich spaces," adds Krystal Reinhard, founder of Old Soul Design Studio.
What is color drenching?
This bold design technique involves saturating a room in a single hue to create a dramatic aesthetic. "Walls, trim, ceiling — even cabinetry and radiators, if you're feeling bold — all get wrapped in the same color or tonal variations of it," says Reinhard. "The result is immersive, cozy and surprisingly elevated."
What are the benefits of color drenching?
A monochromatic room can evoke emotion and set a distinctive ambiance, whether it be calm and peaceful or moody and dramatic. When every surface — walls, trim and ceiling — are painted the same shade, you minimize visual distractions and contrast. Color drenching also tricks the eye into perceiving a room as continuous, which can create the illusion of a larger space.
"By using a single color across walls, trim, ceilings, and even doors, you create a seamless, cocoon-like effect that adds depth and character without feeling overwhelming," says Gowler. "It’s a bold yet refined way to bring personality into a space while maintaining cohesion."
When to try color drenching?
✔️ Emphasize a small space: When the entire room is painted in one hue, it reduces visual contrast and makes the space appear larger. Color drenching can make a small room feel more purposeful — think a tiny powder room, hallway or reading nook.
✔️ Highlight architectural details: "In older homes where you might be working with low ceilings, awkward room shapes or architectural quirks, painting everything in one color can blur the lines and create a unified, cocoon-like effect," says Reinhard.
✔️ Experiment in rooms you don't use all of the time. From home libraries and guest bedrooms to powder rooms, it's easier to experiment with a monochromatic look in certain spaces. "If this is your first go at something bold, I recommend a room you do not spend all day in," says Wainwright.
How to pull off color drenching:
✔️ Choose the right hue. Consider the room's size and how natural light interacts with the space before making a final decision. The color also sets the mood of the space. "Soft, muted tones create a soothing effect, while deeper, richer colors add drama," says Growler.
✔️ Fully commit to the color. "Stopping at the walls can make the space feel incomplete rather than intentional," says Growler. "Extend the color to ceilings, doors and trim for a truly immersive look."
✔️ Experiment with paint finishes. Some experts suggest using matte or eggshell on walls and a slightly glossier finish on trim and doors for subtle contrast. Although if you're attempting a DIY project, Wainwright warns "staying away from trying high-gloss unless you are a professional."
✔️ Don't use color drenching in an open-concept area. Find a defined room that's separate from the rest of the house — think bedrooms, bathrooms or dining areas. In an open layout, it can be too difficult to transition between spaces.
You Might Also Like
