Transform Your Bedroom Into a Restful Sanctuary with Color Drenching
The desire to refresh a room without investing in all-new furniture is a common challenge for homeowners and renters alike. After living in the same space for a while, it can start to feel a bit uninspired, especially in easily overlooked areas like the bedroom. But is there a way to refresh a room and give it a dramatic change without replacing your perfectly good furniture or spending a fortune?
Enter color drenching, one of the biggest interior design trends of 2025. By immersing a space in a single hue, you can create a striking, yet cohesive room that feels brand new.
What Is Color Drenching?
Color drenching is the design technique of using a single color across an entire room, from walls to trim, ceilings, and doors. Rather than having stark contrasts, the goal is to create an immersive, seamless aesthetic.
This concept isn’t entirely new. Historically, monochromatic interiors have been used to evoke a strong mood or feeling, whether in classical European estates or modern minimalist homes. Today, color drenching is making a resurgence as a way to add depth and personality to a space while maintaining a harmonious look.
Erica Dike, principal interior designer at Erica Ooh Designs, says to “think of color drenching like wrapping yourself in a cozy hug. It creates an immersive experience in any room. In smaller rooms, it can make the space feel bigger by eliminating visual clutter. It’s also very good at creating a certain vibe in a space.”
“Color drenching makes a space feel cohesive,” adds Tina Guevara, founder and principal designer of Juliette Sebastian Interiors. “It eliminates visual breaks and can lend a zen quality to a room. It also highlights architectural elements in a space making it feel elevated. Depending on the color choice, it can feel dramatic or serene and light.”
Read more: The Avocado Lookbook – Wabi Sabi Bedroom
Color Drenching Tips for the Bedroom
Like any design technique, color drenching comes with its challenges and considerations and the bedroom can be a particularly tricky place to do it, but here are expert-backed tips on how to get it right.
Settle on the Ambience
Before selecting a color, decide on the mood you want to create. “Start by identifying the mood that you want to create in the space. Is it zen and restful? Moody and cozy? Or elegant and warm?” prompts Guevara. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary for rest, and choosing a color that aligns with your desired atmosphere is key.
Find the Right Color
Color selection is crucial when it comes to color drenching. “Want a room to feel sultry? Go with a darker color. Want something chipper and upbeat, go with a lighter color,” says Dike. Especially in the bedroom, a cohesive color-drenched space will minimize distractions and foster a sense of calm that’s crucial for a good night’s sleep.”
For specific recommendations, Guevara recommends warm neutrals such as a beige or muted greens since they help create a more restful environment, or rich tones like forest green and burgundy if you’re aiming for moodiness and coziness. “For a warm and sophisticated space try earthy tones like browns, tans, and gold,” she adds.
Avoid Stimulating Hues
While there’s no problem going with something vibrant and bold in most rooms, not all colors are suitable for the bedroom. And just like you’d avoid coffee in the evening and sip on a bedtime mocktail instead, there are hues to avoid. “Color drenching can be beautiful in any room, however, there are some colors that are not ideal for a bedroom. For example, colors that are bright and intense can be too stimulating in a bedroom. Similarly, colors that are too stark or dull, like bright whites or flat grays, can leave a bedroom feeling uninviting,” explains Guevara.
Dike agrees: “Unless you’re a color expert, I would avoid overly energetic colors like bright yellows, neon pinks, and intense reds. While they can be beautiful, these might be too stimulating if done incorrectly.”
Not All Paint Finishes Are Created Equal
The finish you choose matters just as much as the color. It’s best to avoid glossy finishes, which tend to take away from the calming effect, says Dike. “The finish will significantly impact the overall effect in a room. Matte and flat finishes absorb light well and work well for hiding imperfections. Eggshell and satin are easier to clean, which makes it perfect for high-traffic areas. But keep in mind, it reflects light more.”
Lighting Makes a Difference
If you’re hesitant to go with a dark color, know that the right lighting can make them work. ”When in doubt, don’t be afraid of darker tones. With the right ambient lighting, you can create a very cozy and sleep-inducing space,” says Dike.
Read more: The Avocado Lookbook – Cozy Boho
Make It Work with Existing Decor
You don’t have to replace any furniture to embrace color drenching and can, in fact, make a new paint with what’s already in the room. “Take inventory of the existing colors you already have in the space and narrow it down to one or two that are similar. Select the one that has a serene quality. Integrate your new paint color with your existing decor and ensure that the undertones match,” says Guevara.
Add Texture for Balance
According to Guevara, texture is key to preventing your space from feeling one-dimensional. “Bring in various textures and finishes to keep the color drenching from feeling flat,” she advises. Dike echoes this sentiment. “Color drenching doesn’t mean flat. You can add drama to the space through bedding, rugs, and curtains. Layer! And if you feel you may get bored, break up the monotony with plants and small pops of color in your accessories.”
Don’t Stop With the Walls
A half-hearted attempt at color drenching won’t deliver the same impact. The concept of the technique is to fully cover a room in one huge. “Carry the color across to the ceiling, walls, trims, doors, and built-ins,” says Guevara. The more immersive the application, the more striking the effect.
Finally, Just Go for It!
Not ready to start with a full-sized room? If you’re on the fence, you can always test our color dressing with a smaller space and see if you like the results. “You honestly cannot really go wrong with it, as long as you’re intentional. If you’re hesitant, start small. Test it out in a powder room or a walk-in closet and see how that feels,” says Dike.
The Final Touch
Color drenching is a game-changer for anyone looking to revamp their bedroom without a major overhaul. Whether you want a soothing retreat, a dramatic statement, or a cozy cocoon, this trend allows you to create a space where rest is the focus. With just a single paint color, you can transform your bedroom into a sanctuary that feels fresh, cohesive, and entirely new — without replacing a single piece of furniture.
Read more: Bedtime Mocktail Series: Grapefruit Lemon Lullaby
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