What is 'double drenching'? The new paint colour trend explained
You've likely heard of colour drenching, but for 2025, double drenching is the hot new decorating trend to have on your radar.
Coined by Little Greene, the double drenching technique explores unexpected colour combinations by hue to create bold and impactful spaces, with the decorating style surging in popularity (there's been a 228 per cent increase in searches on Google in the last week). Adding contrast and impact to a room, it lends itself particularly well to vibrant paint colours, but even a muted palette can benefit from the double-drench treatment.
Here's how to embrace the double drenching trend...
What is double drenching?
Double drenching is a powerful painting technique that involves drenching all available surfaces (walls, ceilings, radiators, woodwork) in two or more colours within the same colour palette. The colours might be as bold as each other, but they all carry different undertones.
Axing the tradition of white ceilings and skirting boards, double drenching uses colours that are near or next to each other on a colour chart. For example, Little Greene suggests combining a strong green like Hopper on the walls with a yellowish green like Citrine on the woodwork.
'This new approach is a fabulous way to confidently embrace and combine colours that might not typically be seen and used alongside each other in a single scheme,' says Ruth Mottershead, Little Greene's creative director.
'It's always fascinating to see how colour confidence and the use of colour changes over time. The understanding of the effect of colour on the atmosphere of a space is something that has grown exponentially over the past few years.'
How is double drenching different from colour drenching?
Colour drenching involves saturating a room with just one colour. Double drenching goes one step further, using two or three similar colours rather than just one.
'Since first introducing the colour drenching approach back in 2021, we have seen customers move away from traditional schemes to embrace deep and mid-tone hues from floor to ceiling and everything in between, creating really engaging, inviting spaces,' says Ruth. 'Double drenching takes the concept into a highly creative, sophisticated and nuanced approach to decoration.'
The best colours for double drenching a room
The colour options are endless when it comes to double drenching. The only rule? No white! Reds and yellows work well together, as do greens and blues.
'Double drenching provides a rare freedom for the ultimate exploration of colour. A combination of blue shades within the living room or bathroom can work well to create a striking look in the space,' says Michael Rolland, managing director at The Paint Shed. 'For a more neutral yet effective look, combinations of pale pinks can give bedrooms, hallways and bathrooms a relaxing and elevated feel.'
How to nail double drenching in small spaces
Double drenching can work in both large rooms and smaller spaces, such as bathrooms, kitchens and hallways. 'Using varying shades of the same colour adds depth and dimension,' says Ruth, which works especially well in small rooms.
'A single colour can make a space feel one-dimensional, whereas multiple variations of a colour can create a more layered, dynamic look,' Ruth explains. 'Simply adjusting the hue of your chosen colour for the ceiling will bring a creative and dynamic feel. A double drenching approach is about fully enveloping a space with colour whatever the size of your room.'
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