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Introducing ‘Double Drenching’

Bedroom painted in rich blue shade 'Royal Navy' with a bright blue 'Smalt' window frame, dark blue on the ceiling and a bed under the window.

Introducing ‘Double Drenching’

September 16th, 2024

Little Greene

Living room painted in deep green 'Hopper' with a dark green ceiling above a fireplace and a bright blue armchair. — Ceiling & Cornice: Dark Brunswick Green, Walls: Hopper, Baseboard: Hopper, Window Surround: Citrine

What is ‘Double Drenching’?

‘Double Drenching’ is the method of dramatically transforming a space by painting all available surfaces in two or more related colours. ‘Double Drenching’ is an evolution of the ‘Colour Drenching’ approach to decorating, in which one shade is used on all elements to create an encompassing scheme with no colour contrasts.

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.

Walls: Hopper, Baseboard: Hopper, Window Surround: Citrine

Traditionally, tonal variations of a single colour are used to achieve a harmonious look, perhaps three strengths of a neutral shade being used across walls, woodwork and ceilings. Using our ‘Colour Scales’, you can paint different elements of your space in varying strengths of one shade, such as Masquerade, Masquerade – Light and Masquerade – Mid.

However, with ‘Double Drenching’, the variation is in hue rather than strength. So, the colours might be as bold as each other, but they all carry different undertones. You might combine a strong green like Hopper on the walls, with a yellowish green like Citrine on the woodwork, for example. This means pairing colours that are near or next to one another on the Little Greene colour card, rather than tonal shades that sit in the same ‘Colour Scales’ family.

Bathroom painted in rich green shade 'Mid Azure Green' with a deep blue bathtub and vibrant blue 'Deep Space Blue' on the left hand wall. — Ceiling: Mid Azure Green, Right wall: Mid Azure Green, Door: Mid Azure Green, Left Wall: Deep Space Blue, Bath: Dock Blue

Why should I try ‘Double Drenching’ in my schemes?

‘Double Drenching’ your space is a fantastic way to demonstrate real confidence in colour. You have the chance to embrace a bold and impactful colour palette that incorporates and highlights different parts of your space. The ceiling, window frames, floor, trim or furniture are all perfect hosts for an unexpected feature colour that will create a strong design statement and truly elevate your scheme. This style of decorating is all about embracing the power of colour – there is no room for white ceilings or baseboards!

Left Wall: Deep Space Blue, Right Wall: Mid Azure Green

Our Creative Director, Ruth, writes: “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.

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. ‘Double Drenching’ is an expansion of this colour confidence, taking the concept into a highly creative, sophisticated and nuanced approach to decoration.”

Rear wall & Ceiling: Blue Verditer, Left Wall: Tivoli, Alcove: Woad

How do I create a ‘Double Drenching’ scheme?

To create your ‘Double Drench’ palette, select a Little Greene colour, then look at colours of the same hue with different undertones. This could mean choosing shades that are just as bold as each other, but that have varying undertones.

For example, Tivoli, Woad and Blue Verditer are all slightly different blues that create a captivating contrast when used together. You can use these shades to paint different elements – walls, baseboards, radiators, doors, window frames – and completely drench your room in colour.

Request a free colour card to begin choosing your palette.

'Double Drenching’ Inspiration

There are countless combinations of Little Greene colours that could work wonderfully in a ‘double-drenched’ scheme. Depending on your preference and the mood you want to create, you might choose a moody palette of dark, luxurious reds, or a warm and homely scheme of soft golds and cheerful yellows.

Yellow-Pink Kitchen

Ceiling:

Middle Buff™

Walls:

Yellow-Pink™

Window & Woodwork:

Affogato™

Cabinetry:

Bassoon™

Chair:

Atomic Red™

Add all 5 Sample Pots to Basket

Bronze Red Dining Room

Dining room painted in cherry red shade 'Bronze Red' with a crimson ceiling (Arras) above wooden dining furniture and a book shelf.

Walls:

Bronze Red®

Shutters:

Mushroom™

Add both Sample Pots to Basket

Encompassing so many different hues, blue is the perfect colour choice as you embrace ‘Double Drenching’. Consider a bedroom scheme of Royal Navy and Dock Blue, and introduce a surprising accent of the bright blue, Smalt, for a playful touch. For a more vibrant blue scheme, consider rich, mid-tone blues like Tivoli, Woad and Blue Verditer. This warm and captivating combination will create a very inviting hallway, or a colourful home study that will unleash your creativity each day.

Royal Navy Bedroom

Ceiling & Above Dado:

Dock Blue™

Walls:

Royal Navy™

Window:

Smalt™

Headboard:

Dock Blue™

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Blue Verditer Study

Home office space with an alcove painted in three shades of blue ('Woad', 'Tivoli' and 'Blue Verditer') with a wooden desk and chair.

Rear wall & Ceiling:

Blue Verditer™

Left Wall & Left Baseboard:

Tivoli®

Alcove & Right Baseboard:

Woad™

Add all 3 Sample Pots to Basket

While many double-drenched schemes are based on vibrant colours, there is also the option to embrace a more muted palette. Consider using an earthy brown like Scullery on your walls, woodwork and ceiling for an immersive, colour-drenched look. Then pair with striking aubergine hues, Còrdoba and Purple Brown, on walls and trim in the adjacent room to add sophisticated contrast and impact.