Perfect for Cozy Vibes for the Fall Season

“A designer’s secret weapon for achieving cozy? Color drenching. Immerse yourself in this fun and bold technique that will transform your space like no other.”-Katie Geddes

With the arrival of Autumn, comes the desire to get "cozy." Between the flurry of pretty images with a warmer vibe on Pinterest and Instagram and actual cooler temperatures - I think we all start to shift gears a little when it comes to home decor.  More time spent indoors is on the horizon and those home projects that were on pause during the summer  - suddenly jump back into focus. 

With "cozy" being on the brain, I would love to bring up a technique that completely transforms a room like no other: color drenching. Color drenching is when all surfaces such as the walls, ceiling, trim, doors, etc. are painted in the same hue. It then extends into the soft furnishings such as window curtains, fabric, rugs and more being in the same color or varying shade. You may have heard about this trend on social media, but I'm here to say that it is not a trend! In fact, this style of monochromatic painting has been around for a long time (origins dating back to the early 20th century), especially in the UK.

Every time I have introduced this concept to a client they quite literally gasp and their eyes widen. "That's too bold! How on earth could I do that?" With every client that has trusted me and we have moved forward with color drenching, they are always blown away by the results and absolutely love the reveal.

Design by Katie Geddes

Photography by Tim Lenz

Design by Lauren Evans

Photography by Vivian Johnson

Styling by Rachel Forslund

Probably the biggest benefit of color drenching is that it can make a small space feel bigger.  When both walls and the ceiling are painted in the same color, the lines of where the walls end and the ceiling begin almost blur and it tricks the eye into making the space feel more expansive.

For rooms that are smaller and don’t get a lot of natural light, sometimes it’s best to lean into that feeling instead of fighting it.  Don’t paint it white - go moody!  No matter how much white paint you use, you can’t create more natural light. Color drenching with dark paint will create an immersive experience in that space - like the room is giving you a big hug.  What’s cozier than that?

Design by Katie Geddes

Photography by Tim Lenz

Design by Lauren Evans

Photography by Isabelle Eubanks

Styling by Rachel Forslund

A few things to think about when embarking on the adventure of color drenching:

1.) Don’t feel like it’s all or nothing with this style. If you want to do the walls and ceiling only that’s okay! You’ll still get the overall feel and benefits of color drenching even with the trim in a contrasting color. Every situation is different and there is no right or wrong.  

2.) Change up your sheen on the different surfaces to create depth. For instance - matte finishes on the ceiling and walls, and semi-gloss on the wood work.

3.) Test colors in all types of light throughout the day.  Natural light and artificial light completely change how a color looks and each space is different. Don’t skip this step.

4.) Don’t be afraid - color drenching is bold, but it’s just paint. Take the risk - it’s always worth it!

ABOUT WRITER