What is color drenching and how DIY fans use it to make small rooms look bigger

WITH the rise of DIY tutorials on social media, there has been an explosion of new terms and trends.

From MDF panels to ‘PAX hacks’, it’s hard not to get lost in the ever-growing list of things your home apparently needs.

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But one trend making the rounds right now has strong roots in interior design as a hack to make any small room feel bigger.

Ever heard of color infusion?

Painting is all about using one color on all surfaces in a room – even down to the light switches and baseboards.

Experts say this makes rooms appear larger by allowing walls, ceilings and built-in cabinets to flow seamlessly together.

By painting everything the same shade, you eliminate strong contrasts or harsh lines and allow the eye to sweep across a room.

“Color drenching simply means painting everything in the same shade: the walls, woodwork, ceiling and even radiators or furniture,” say the experts at British paint and wallpaper manufacturer Farrow & Ball.

“It has become increasingly popular lately, but this method of decorating is far from a passing trend.

“Whether you want to make a room feel bigger and brighter or cozy and inviting, there is a way to make color infusion suit you. It’s all about what color you choose.”

According to Farrow & Ball, taking a light or partial shade over the entire space can make a room feel larger and airier.

This is because the light shade blurs the line where the walls and ceiling meet.

“It works especially well in awkwardly shaped spaces, such as narrow hallways, to help create the illusion of a little more space,” the experts said.

However, darker shades can “work beautifully for infusing color by creating a cozy cocoon of color.”

“This especially suits the rooms you use in the evening and invites you to sit down, relax and stay a while,” she added.

One mother’s mission…

Mum-of-two Jordan Miller took to Instagram to share how she infused her small downstairs bathroom with color – and people called the design ‘gorgeous’.

She used Benjamin Moore’s paint in Vintage Vogue, dark olive green, to cover everything from the ceiling and walls to the baseboards and light switches.

“I absolutely love the color-infused atmosphere and no piece of molding or ceiling is safe in my home,” Jordan said.

“It’s really amazing how much bigger this small bathroom seems.

“It’s a powerful statement. It improves the atmosphere and atmosphere.

“And guess what? It’s timeless and can be used in any type of home, from traditional to modern.”