‘Drenching’ is the biggest trend we are seeing so far in 2025 – and designers agree

A new year means new projects and there are so many new trends that have made us feel inspired and ready for decorating in 2025. But there's one decorating approach in particular that we are seeing everywhere right now and that's 'drenching'.

Color drenching was a big design trend last year, but what we are noticing for 2025 is the trend being taken far beyond just paint. Pattern drenching, stripe drenching, wood drenching, and marble drenching have all come up as just some examples in our conversations with designers so far this year.

As Emily Kantz at Sherwin Williams explains, 'Designers have explored various ways to drench interior spaces. This includes material drenching, where a single material like wood or stone is used throughout, double color drenching, and pattern drenching, which involves covering an entire room in patterns from walls to upholstery and floor coverings.'

We've spoken to design experts and explored some of the popular drenching methods expected to dominate in 2025.

1. Stripe drenching

One of the first takes on this trend we started to notice was stripe drenching. As the name suggests, it's all about covering a room from head to toe in uniform stripes. There are several ways to do it, from meticulously matching your stripes to mixing your stripe widths or direction, the point of stripe-drenched interiors is the maximal use of this playful pattern.

Despite being bold, decorating with stripes can actually harmonize a space. 'Stripes can balance other patterns and prints within a room, providing a sense of order and structure, while also creating contrast and making other design elements stand out,' says Emily.

Lulu & Georgia are big on the look, and it was actually on their social media we first saw an example that was really livable, as well as playful. 'We're all about playful spaces with personality,' says Jenna Kincaid, Creative Director at Lulu and Georgia. 'As far as we're concerned, stripes are always in. But in general, we are definitely setting more pattern-forward, maximalist spaces.'

'If you're not ready to commit to wallpaper or a sofa, adding stripes through textiles like a throw pillow, blanket, or curtains is a great way to add the graphic pattern. Consider the color and scale as well, a thin ticking stripe can read more subtle whereas a thicker, bold color will make more of a statement.'

2. Color drenching

Color drenching is no new trend, it was massive in 2024. But that's not to say it's going anywhere and the way to do the look has evolved too.

A less familiar term is 'double drenching' which is the 2025 take on the look. It focuses on using multiple shades of the same color to create a sophisticated, tonal feel. 'With double drenching you can dramatically transform a space, enveloping an entire room with color, but rather than selecting a single color for every surface, opt for two or more related colors and use them on all available surfaces to achieve an even more accomplished ‘wow factor’ in a room,' says Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene.

'Double drenching can work to add unexpected contrast to modern homes where architectural detail is lacking, highlighting the ceiling, walls, and woodwork or zoning spaces, or it can draw attention to more classical architectural elements within period properties.' says Ruth. 'A double-drenching approach is about fully enveloping a space with color, there is no space for white ceilings or skirting with this decorating style, instead, use two or more related colors with varying undertones to drench your interior from top to bottom.'

3. Pattern drenching

One of the best ways to create maximalist, whimsical interiors is by using a mass of patterns. While too much can overwhelm a space, perfecting the balance by pairing the right print can lead to an eclectic design that feels invitingly cozy yet refreshingly on-trend.

When we think of pattern drenching, our minds instantly go to walls printed in fun and bold patterns. One of the most prolific brands that produce print is House of Hackney. Among their most popular wallpaper is the Hollyhocks design (pictured above), with many designers incorporating the print through the pattern-drenching method. The print 'is pure joy and there's nothing more joyful than enveloping a room in painterly florals,' says Caroline Aston, Interior Design Executive at the brand. 'Pattern drenching is a fantastic way to celebrate individuality and be creative, moving away from minimalist decor and styling,' she adds.

Despite the sometimes loud feel of pattern drenching, 'Picking a tonal print can also create a tranquil feel,' says Caroline. 'I would consider countering the print with block color furniture or accessories, or use a complimentary paint on architectural features and doors.'

4. Stone drenching

Stone drenching takes the trend to a whole new level, beyond you paint and wallpaper to drenching a room in the same material. 'The technique is suitable for most spaces, from bathrooms and kitchens to bedrooms and living rooms.' says Oli Webb, director at Cullifords.

Although sometimes expensive to accomplish, when done right it can look enviably high-end and luxe. 'It can create a super chic feel. Whether it is marble, which looks very glamorous, or by using Limestone, which can feel contemporary and minimalist. Bathrooms are an obvious choice. However, hallways, kitchens, and swimming pools can also look outstanding in a drench of Limestone. For bathrooms and pools, I would opt for a porcelain version for easy maintenance.' says Rebecca Cherrington, head of projects at Lapicida.

5. Wood drenching

Wood drenching is a cozy, warming take on the trend. Like stone drenching, this style focuses on using just one material, with the outcome often unique depending on the space and the specific variety of materials used.

You can take the look in many directions, but generally, all wood-drenched looks feel cozy and inviting as they provide a sense of comfort through tactility and warmth. Drew Michael Scott (A.K.A Lone Fox) created this adorable little office nook entirely using wood paneling which he took across the walls, floors, and ceiling. He then brought in wooden decor and furniture to match the walls, making the space feel fully drenched in the material.

The drenching trend is about being daring and fully committing to the aesthetic. You've got to admire designers who cover a space entirely with a bold painted shade or patterned wallpaper. We can see why this eclectic, maximalist style is predicted to be a big trend this year.