What is colour drenching and why you should consider it for your home
Colour drenching is a design technique that involves enveloping a room entirely in a single hue, from floor to ceiling. It’s a bold, immersive approach that has taken off in recent years and can completely transform the atmosphere of a space. This technique also enhances the emotional impact of a room and creates a sense of unity and depth. Let’s explore how colour drenching works in different areas of a home,why you might want to incorporate this trend into your next design – and how you can celebrate your favourite Resene colour in full impact!
Enter earthy elegance
The deep green hue of Resene Lisbon Brown envelopes the entryway in this home, creating a welcoming, chic space. Design and imageby Stacey Gillies, Stacey Gillies Interiors.
The entryway of your home is the first impression guests will get, and this deep, rich green – Resene Lisbon Brown – sets a welcoming, sophisticated tone. When drenched in an earthy hue like this one, your entryway will offer a grounded and inviting feel, providing a chic introduction to the rest of your home. If you're after a space that blends elegance with warmth, consider a similar deep green like Resene Lichen, Resene Camouflage, Resene Raptor or Resene Kelp. These hues have an earthy quality that works well with both modern and traditional interiors, creating a seamless transition from outside to in.
Serene sunroom
This beautiful sunroom showcases the homeowners’ treasured art and belongings and is painted top to bottom in Resene Smoky Green from the Karen Walker Paints collection. Design by Lynne Browning, Lynne Browning Design, image by David White.
A sunroom is all about celebrating light and nature, and this room, painted in Resene Smoky Green from the Karen Walker Paints collection, does just that. This soft, muted green surrounds the space, allowing natural light to bounce off the walls and illuminate the artwork and furniture. This is the perfect colour choice if you want a relaxed, serene space that feels connected to the outdoors. For your own sunroom, or perhaps a sunny lounge or bedroom, opt for a similar calming shade that complements your furniture and décor, creating an environment that’s as soothing as it is stylish. Try Resene Conch, Resene Pewter, Resene Destiny or Resene Thor.
Moody marvel
This home is both stunning and contemporary. The interior walls are painted in Resene Ironsand, with ceiling in Resene Half Bokara Grey and screens in Resene Colorwood Crowshead. Design by Atlas Architects, image by Tess Kelly.
For a contemporary, yet timeless feel, this living room features the deep, bold tones of Resene Ironsand, Resene Half Bokara Grey and Resene Colorwood Crowshead. Although not all one colour, these hues are all dark and earthy, offering a slight contrast in tone and texture which add depth to the space. This bold combination gives the space a grounded, sophisticated ambiance that pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood and stone.
Colour drenching in this style creates a sleek, clean look while maintaining a cosy, inviting feel. If you're looking to add warmth and depth to a larger living area, consider a combination of dark tones that work in harmony to create an atmospheric effect. Try colours like Resene Triple Masala and Resene Charcoal paired with wood stains like Resene English Walnut and Resene Dark Ebony.
Blue escape
Blue is a great relaxing choice for a bathroom and this space, colour drenched in Resene Double Duck Egg Blue, is the perfect spot to unwind and take a hot bath at the end of a long day. Design by Bibby + Brady, image by Florence Charvin.
Bathrooms are the perfect space for colour drenching with relaxing hues, and the calming Resene Double Duck Egg Blue creates a serene oasis in this bathroom. This soft blue envelops the space, turning it into a peaceful retreat ideal for unwinding at the end of a long day. The key here is the soothing, spa-like quality of the colour, which transforms a utilitarian room into a calming escape. If you want to create a relaxing sanctuary in your own bathroom, look for a soft, cool colour that encourages relaxation while making the space feel more expansive. Try Resene Oxygen, Resene Casper, Resene Longitude or Resene Frozen.
Green dreams
In this guest bedroom, the walls and ceiling are painted in Resene Rivergum, a charming green that pairs well with the natural materials and earthy tones in the space. Design by homeowner Jo, image by Tim Williams.
This guest bedroom, drenched in the natural, soft green of Resene Rivergum, creates an inviting and restful space. The colour pairs beautifully with earthy tones and natural materials like wood and linen, promoting a sense of calm and tranquillity while also connecting to the outdoors. If you're designing a bedroom, green is the perfect hue to create a welcoming environment that encourages relaxation. Natural greens like Resene Spanish Green, Resene Xanadu, Resene Laurel and Resene Gondwana bring in an organic, peaceful vibe, perfect for creating a retreat for visitors or family.
Teal appeal
This master bedroom features a bold, cocooning teal, Resene Plan B. This dark hue looks stunning against the mustard toned décor, vibrant rug and unique artwork. Design by Nadene Ghouri, image by Barfoot & Thompson.
Bold and cocooning, this master bedroom painted in Resene Plan B is an excellent example of how colour drenching can add drama and intimacy to a space. This deep hue contrasts beautifully with mustard accents and vibrant artwork, creating a unique and luxurious vibe. A dark, enveloping colour like this works well in a master bedroom, offering a sense of calm and solitude. If you're looking for a colour that makes a statement and feels both bold and intimate, consider colour drenching your space in deep jewel tones like Resene Paua, Resene Deep Teal, Resene Teal Blue or Resene Surfs Up.
Top tips for colour drenching:
Using colour on your ceilings changes the way light reflects bounces around the room – which also helps create a cocooning effect. You can maximise this idea by using a flat paint like Resene SpaceCote Flat which diffuses the light reflected from your painted surfaces for a luxe look.
Low sheen paints such as Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen are great at camouflaging imperfections in your walls like dents or odd detailing – great if you’re painting everything in one colour.
If you’re unsure, talk to your Resene ColorShop experts about the best level of gloss for the look you want and the condition of your walls. Or Ask a Resene Paint Expert free online, www.resene.com/paintexpert.
Colour drenching is an excellent way to create a sense of harmony and depth in any room. Whether you're looking to add drama, tranquillity or warmth, the immersive nature of this technique can elevate any space. By choosing the right Resene hue and applying it to every surface in the room, you can achieve a cohesive, unified design that feels as stylish as it is personal. So, why not give it a try and transform your home with a bold splash of colour?
Published: 22 May 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].

Resene Half Bokara Grey


Resene Half Bokara Grey

Resene Triple Masala


Resene Triple Masala

Resene Spanish Green


Resene Spanish Green
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.

Resene Half Bokara Grey


Resene Half Bokara Grey

Resene Triple Masala


Resene Triple Masala

Resene Spanish Green


Resene Spanish Green
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.