Double Drenching, the Viral Paint Trend That Has Us Doubling Down on Colour

Why has double drenching become such a viral trend? Here’s a closer look at why homeowners, designers, and influencers are all embracing this striking approach to interior design:

1. It Makes Colour the Star

Double drenching is a love letter to the power of colour. With the trend of minimalist neutral tones and understated designs on the decline, many are gravitating toward spaces that are bold, exciting, and full of personality.

By using a vibrant colour on both the walls and ceiling, you remove any distractions, allowing the hue to become the focal point of the entire space. In a sense, the room is transformed into a canvas, where the colour itself is the artwork.

2. Creating a Sense of Immersion

Colours have the power to evoke emotion and influence how we feel. Double drenching takes this to the next level by creating an immersive experience. When you’re surrounded by colour on every surface, it feels like you’ve entered a different world. It can make a room feel cosier, more energetic, or even soothing, depending on the tones you choose.

For example, a deep navy blue that envelops both the walls and ceiling can feel luxurious and intimate, while a vibrant tangerine orange can inject an energetic, happy vibe into a kitchen or living room.

3. An Exploration of Contrasts and Complementaries

While double drenching often involves two shades of the same colour (like a soft pastel blue on the walls and a deeper navy blue on the ceiling), it’s also an opportunity to experiment with contrasting or complementary colour pairings. You can juxtapose a bold, saturated colour with a lighter tone, creating visual contrast that feels exciting and fresh. Or, use colours that are opposite on the colour wheel (like orange and blue) to create a striking and energetic vibe.

Some designers are taking things even further by incorporating two completely different colours for walls and ceilings. A pastel pink ceiling with vibrant teal walls? It’s bold, yes, but the contrast can be incredibly striking in the right space.

4. Challenging the “Traditional” Ceiling Concept

Traditionally, ceilings have been viewed as neutral, afterthought spaces—often painted white to make rooms appear larger and brighter. But with double drenching, the ceiling becomes an integral part of the room’s design, deserving the same attention and bold treatment as the walls. By painting the ceiling a statement colour, you draw the eye upward, which can make the room feel more expansive or visually interesting.

This trend is also perfect for rooms with low ceilings because the paint on the ceiling visually expands the vertical space, creating a more open and balanced feel.

Double Drenching: How to Make It Work in Your Space

If you’re eager to dive into this bold trend but aren’t sure where to start, here are a few tips on how to effectively implement double drenching in your own home:

1. Choose Your Colour(s) Wisely

• One Colour, Multiple Tones: One easy way to ease into double drenching is by using a single colour in multiple shades. This can create a layered, depth-filled effect without feeling overwhelming.
• Contrast or Complement: If you’re feeling brave, you can go for a contrast—think warm and cool colours. Just make sure they complement each other or balance out in the space to avoid clashing.
• Mood and Function: Consider the mood you want to evoke. If you’re looking for relaxation, go for soothing tones like soft blues or greens. For high-energy spaces, bright yellows, reds, and oranges will give your room a lively, energising vibe.

2. Start Small

• If you’re unsure about how the trend will look in your space, start with a small room or accent area. A powder room, hallway, or even a small nook could be the perfect space to experiment with double drenching before committing to a larger space.
• Alternatively, start by painting just the ceiling in a bold colour or applying contrasting tones on a single wall. This can help you gauge how you feel about being enveloped in colour.

3. Balance with the Right Furniture and Decor

• With so much visual intensity coming from your walls and ceiling, it’s important to balance the look with furniture and decor that doesn’t compete too much with the colour. Opt for neutral or earthy tones in your furniture and accessories to provide contrast and allow the colours to stand out.
• Natural materials like wood, stone, or soft textiles (linen, cotton) work well to break up the boldness of double drenching while adding texture and warmth.

4. Consider Room Size

• Double drenching can work in both small and large rooms, but how you use colour will make a big difference. In small rooms, go for lighter tones on the walls and ceiling to keep the space feeling open. In larger rooms, you can go bolder with deep colours or vibrant contrasts to create drama and define different areas within the room.

5. Don’t Forget the Trim

• The trim is just as important as the walls and ceiling. To complement double drenching, you can either match the trim to one of your wall or ceiling colours, or go for something more neutral like white or black to provide a sharp visual contrast.

Dopamine, Creativity, and Bold Statements

At its core, double drenching isn’t just about painting a room; it’s about creating an environment that sparks joy, creativity, and emotional connection. In a world where wellness, self-expression, and individualism are prioritised more than ever, colour plays an important role in shaping how we experience and interact with our spaces.

With its immersive colour and mood-boosting effects, double drenching taps into the growing demand for environments that nurture creativity, positivity, and individuality. It’s the ultimate form of self-expression in your home, an invitation to embrace colour boldly and without reservation.

Conclusion: Double Drenching Is Here to Stay

Whether you’re a colour enthusiast or just looking for a way to refresh your space, double drenching is the trend to watch in 2025. With its bold, vibrant approach to room design, it’s reshaping how we view walls, ceilings, and even furniture. The science behind it is clear: colour affects our emotions, and when used thoughtfully, it has the power to transform our mood and environment.

So, if you’ve been craving a space that’s both visually stimulating and full of personality, don’t be afraid to double down on colour with double drenching. Your walls (and ceiling) will thank you!