Dear Alice | Interior Design Podcast - "Color Drenching Deep Dive" Summary

Release Date: October 31, 2024

In the “Color Drenching Deep Dive” episode of Dear Alice, hosts Jessica Bennett and Suzanne Hall, the creative minds behind Alice Lane Interior Design, explore the vibrant and transformative trend of color drenching in interior design. This comprehensive discussion delves into the evolution, application, and impact of using a single hue across entire spaces, offering listeners insightful perspectives enriched with personal anecdotes and professional experiences.

1. Introduction to Color Drenching

The episode kicks off with a light-hearted conversation about Halloween festivities and the humorous dynamics of parents snatching leftover candy from their children. This playful banter seamlessly transitions into the episode’s main focus: color drenching, a design trend that Jessica and Suzanne have championed for nearly a decade without initially knowing its name.

2. Defining Color Drenching

At [03:59] Jess, Jessica introduces color drenching as “a full-on, single hue explosion across all surfaces in a room.” This approach goes beyond simple accent walls to envelop walls, ceilings, window treatments, and even light fixtures in one cohesive color theme. According to the Arc Digest definition, color drenching transforms spaces into “monochromatic fantasies” by mixing different finishes and textures to maintain visual interest and avoid monotony.

3. Personal Insights on Favorite Colors

The hosts share their favorite colors and how these preferences influence their design choices:

• Jessica expresses a deep affection for blue, particularly navy, citing its sophistication and ability to create flattering contrasts. At [04:18] Jess, she remarks, “I feel like blondes look more expensive in dark colors.”

• Suzanne favors green, describing it as a “sophisticated color” that complements her personality. She references her use of "Black Panther" by Benjamin Moore in her music room, highlighting its moody and dark qualities that help conceal fingerprints and maintain a clean aesthetic in high-traffic areas.

• Alice reveals her love for warmer tones like ochres and oranges, mentioning her bathroom project as a true color drench in green, which she finds energizing and reflective of her preference for nature-inspired hues.

4. Color Drenching Meets Fashion

Jessica draws parallels between color drenching in interior design and the high fashion trend seen on runways. She showcases how single-hue outfits can elongate silhouettes and create a cohesive, head-turning appearance. At [15:02] Alice, she praises a Gucci runway look: “When you see a woman wearing one shade, you're just like your legs for days. It's elongating together.”

5. Applying Color Drenching in Various Spaces

The discussion moves to the practical application of color drenching in different areas of the home, emphasizing how each space can benefit uniquely from this trend.

a. Bedrooms

Color drenching in bedrooms creates a restful and immersive environment. Alice shares a client’s request inspired by a favorite hotel in Capri, resulting in a deeply colored bedroom paired with a contrasting white bathroom to enhance relaxation and concentration.

b. Mudrooms, Pantries, and Butler's Pantries

These transitional spaces serve as vibrant pockets within the home. The hosts highlight projects where mudrooms and pantries are color-drenched to create inviting and functional drop zones. For example, a St. George, Utah client's mudroom features a lush citron tone on cabinetry and walls, transforming it into a dynamic and cheerful entry point.

c. Libraries

Libraries benefit from color drenching by fostering an atmosphere of seriousness and sophistication. Jess describes a Washington D.C. library project where high-gloss lacquered red walls envelop the space, complemented by jewel-toned furnishings and reflective surfaces, creating a stately and high-end feel.

d. Bathrooms

Even small bathrooms can become dramatic and inspiring with color drenching. Alice showcases a powder bath in Dallas, Texas, featuring hand-painted sea kelp wallpaper and high-gloss finishes that amplify the room’s depth and beauty. However, she advises caution with darker tones in daily-use bathrooms to maintain functionality.

6. Case Studies and Project Highlights

Throughout the episode, Jessica and Suzanne present vivid examples of their color drenching projects:

• McKinley’s Bedroom: An earthy hazelnut mauvey color that adapts and melds with mohair furnishings, enhancing the room's warmth and cohesiveness.

• Grand Tour Estate Butler’s Pantry: A dark green cabinetry drench accented with antique mirrors and glossy finishes, reflecting the color and adding elegance to the functional space.

• Rachel and Drew Parcel’s Library: A blue color drench that surrounds built-ins, ceiling, and drapes, paired with black marble accents to create a harmonious and luxurious library.

7. Design Philosophy and Considerations

The hosts emphasize the importance of thoughtful color selection, considering factors like lighting, ceiling heights, and the room's purpose. They discuss how different shades and finishings (matte vs. gloss) can influence the room's ambiance and perception. Jess advises designers and homeowners to “sharpen our pencil when it comes to getting color in” and to embrace color as a medium that can significantly elevate a space’s aesthetic and emotional impact.

8. Choosing the Right Designer

Jessica touches on the significance of selecting interior designers with versatile color portfolios. She warns against designers who consistently use a single palette, suggesting that a diverse portfolio indicates a designer’s ability to adapt to clients’ unique preferences and needs. This ensures that the resulting designs are personalized and not merely expressions of the designer’s own aesthetic.

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up the episode, Jessica and Suzanne encourage listeners to explore color drenching in their own homes, experimenting with bold hues to create impactful and personalized spaces. They highlight the trend's capacity to transform ordinary rooms into extraordinary experiences, urging homeowners to embrace color as a tool for continuous reinvention and expression.

Notable Quotes:

• Jess (04:44): “I always have thought your favorite color had to be something that you liked to wear or that you felt good in.”

• Suzanne (05:35): “Navy is a sophisticated color and you're a sophisticated person.”

• Alice (07:08): “I love Italian blue in my summer versus navy in my winter.”

• Jess (13:04): “Color drenching goes well beyond the simple accent wall.”

• Alice (15:41): “When you see a woman wearing one shade, you’re just like your legs for days.”

• Jess (25:07): “Getting the right neutral is so important, but color drenching is exciting.”

• Jess (30:38): “Designers haven't had to be great at color for a long time because neutrals have been king.”

• Suzanne (33:08): “Everyone, even if it’s not your thing, should head down that road just to see.”

Final Thoughts:

The “Color Drenching Deep Dive” episode serves as an inspiring guide for both interior design enthusiasts and professionals. Jessica and Suzanne effectively illustrate how embracing a single hue across entire spaces can create cohesive, dynamic, and emotionally resonant environments. Their blend of professional expertise and personal passion makes this episode a valuable resource for anyone looking to infuse their home with bold and beautiful color statements.