'I think it's the best surprise' – here's why color drenching with brave hues works so well in small rooms, according to Shea McGee

Paint trends come and go, but color drenching is proving to be incredibly timeless. And just in case you weren't already won over by this stylish way of decorating with paint, Shea McGee has just given it her approval.

Color drenching – where one paint color is used continually across a room, including the likes of the woodwork and the ceiling – has gained plenty of momentum in the past year or so, and for good reason. Not only does it help create a cozy environment thanks to its cocooning effect, but it also serves as a way to tap into the dark paint trend for an unexpected color moment, and it's for the latter that Shea is on board with it.

We recently caught up with the interior designer, who shared why color drenching works so well, especially in small rooms. Read on to hear Shea's take on this much-loved paint trend, which we expect to see lots more of next year.

'I love a color trenching effect, and I love to do a dark color in a small space because I think it's the best surprise,' Shea tells H&G.

'Those spaces don't have enough room to surprise you with a rug or a large piece of artwork or something big,' the designer adds. 'And so the big thing that you can do is you can cover the surface of the room in a dramatic color.'

Rooms such as powder rooms, pantries, and utility rooms often aren't the most exciting rooms of the home, and since they need to prioritize their functional purpose, decorating with paint ideas is a good way to go as it doesn't clutter up the space.

What's more, small rooms create an unexpected color moment when drenched in a bold color, especially when the main rooms throughout the home are neutral: 'Everyone has different styles of homes, but a lot of our homes have neutrals in the main spaces,' Shea adds. 'And so it feels like when you're walking through the home, that having those surprises gives your home an experience as you're walking through it.'

When it comes to choosing the right color for a color-drenched scheme, there are endless options. But right now, dark paints are leading the way with their ability to create a slightly moody atmosphere.

'One thing that we're specifying more now than we used to is a rich brown paint color,' Shea adds. 'The go-to was always deep blue, like a navy color or a dark green tone.'

Noticing a shift away from dark blues and greens which have previously been hugely popular, Shea is a fan of the rich chocolate brown tones that have been topping the color trends lately. These hues feel sophisticated and elevated and make a great alternative to black which can be too harsh.

So, if you're looking for an on-trend paint color for a color-drenched scheme, dark brown is a great way to go, and since it's technically a neutral color it can feel slightly easier to decorate with than saturated tones.

This paint trend is one of the most enduring, and we fully expect to see lots more of it next year. If you're looking to refresh a small room in your home, why not try out color drenching with your favorite paint color?