Give Paint the Power: Color Drenching

We’ve all heard it before: paint can transform a space. And it’s true, but only chosen with intention. Too often, people run to the paint store, grab the first shade they think they love, and paint away. The result? A space that falls flat. The right color should be chosen with purpose, guided by the mood you want to create and how the light shifts throughout the day.

Color isn’t just about picking a pretty color—it’s about choosing a shade that supports the mood, complements the architecture, and works with the natural light. That’s where one of my favorite paint techniques comes in: color drenching.

What is Color Drenching?

Color drenching is the practice of saturating a room in a single color. Walls, trim, ceiling, and even cabinetry can all be wrapped in one continuous tone.

While some may think it’s just a trend, color drenching is timeless. It can:

• Make a space feel larger and more seamless

• Add depth and drama

• Wrap a room in cozy warmth and character

• Downplay architectural details you’d rather soften (like an awkward ceiling or trim)

  
  

In short, it doesn’t just add color. It creates an experience.

Project Spotlight: Prospect

Design: Chelsey Hartnett Design

Photography: Becca Lea Photography

Prospect Office || Design: Chelsey Hartnett Design || Photography: Becca Lea Photography

In our Prospect Office, we drenched the space in a deep, saturated teal. The walls, ceiling, shelving, and trim all flow together in one continuous hue. Instead of stopping the eye at contrasting surfaces, the unified color draws you in, creating depth and drama.

The effect is both expansive and intimate—just the right amount of moodiness. And here’s the magic: depending on the time of day, the paint shifts. Sometimes leaning green, other times blue. Like a mood ring for your home.

Prospect Primary Suite || Design: Chelsey Hartnett Design || Photography: Becca Lea Photography

For the primary suite, we went in the opposite direction. Instead of deep tones, we wrapped the entire room in a soft blush. By saturating the space in this airy shade, the tray ceiling no longer feels harsh or overly defined. Instead, the room feels cohesive and cocooning, a place designed for rest. Here, color isn't just an accent. It is the atmosphere.

Why it Works

When done with intention, color drenching gives a room personality and presence. It removes distractions, highlights what matters, and lets the mood of the color take center stage. Whether bold and dramatic or soft and serene, it sets the tone the moment you walk in.

So before you reach for that first paint swatch, ask yourself:

• What do I want this room to feel like: energized or calm?

• Are there architectural features I want to highlight or hide?

• How does the light change in this space throughout the day?

Be bold. Be fearless. Let color do the heavy lifting.

Designer Tip: Always (Always) Test Your Paint

Never skip the test! Try samples on multiple walls, check them in morning and evening light, and live with them for a few days. Paint is powerful, but only when chosen with care.