Loading summary
Alice
Welcome to Dear Alice, A lifestyle approach to interior design.
Jess
Hello, everyone. Welcome to Dear Alice. Happy Halloween.
Sue
Happy Halloween.
Alice
This so spooky.
Jess
Can you believe we're already at the very end of November?
Alice
October, Yeah, I dare say, is in the public.
Sue
Yes. We're almost into November. Yes.
Jess
Oh, October. I'm so sorry.
Alice
Excited about Thanksgiving though, you guys.
Jess
I know when you work in a, in a retail world, it's like you're constantly forecasting so far ahead that you have to say to yourself, live in the present. What is today? What is this? Because you're working on Christmas and it's 100 degrees outside, you know? Anyway, my apologies. Happy Halloween. Everybody. Get it together. I hope you guys have a great, great night with your family. Or if you're listening to this a day later, I hope it was great.
Alice
Anyway, today we are eating leftover candy.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
So lucky you.
Jess
I think that the parents should get first pass at the candy.
Alice
Oh, for sure.
Sue
Yeah, I always do. I mean, my kids are young though, so they don't even know better.
Jess
What do you guys snatch from your kids candy bags?
Alice
Oh, that's a good question.
Sue
Yeah, that is way good.
Alice
Swedish fish.
Jess
Unlike anything chocolate. Because sometimes the kids didn't like chocolate.
Alice
Yeah.
Jess
And so. Except for Jane Bennett. Loved chocolate since she was a baby girl. Funny. And she has brown eyes and brown hair. It suits her. Yeah. But I would always go for anything. I also like the coconut things. Almond Joy, your mouth.
Alice
Me too.
Jess
I swear that. I swear that the people put those in the Trick or treaters candy for the parents. Because no kid is gonna want coconut. Right?
Alice
Nolan's favorite candy.
Jess
Oh, enjoy. Oh, never mind.
Sue
He's an old soul.
Alice
He's a very old. He's the anomaly.
Jess
Oh, yeah. Well, I guess you can't. I guess you can't. We fight over those, okay.
Alice
They are delicious for the parents. Cuz most often that is like the treat for us after that long, then he doesn't care.
Jess
He doesn't care about the chocolate things. No, but you like the Swedish fish.
Alice
I like Swedish fish. And I like. I usually like. Grab a Twix. For sure.
Jess
Yeah.
Sue
Twix is my candy bar.
Alice
And then anything Snickers, I'm down for.
Jess
Yeah, I love the stickers too.
Alice
The Sour Patch Watermelon.
Sue
Yeah.
Jess
And I also love a kick.
Alice
If you take the Sour Patch Kids, I'll take the watermelon. Look, it's equal.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
Not equal.
Sue
Yeah, I won Demi's to the point though, like even the last like six months. If we like if we Have a piece of candy. We always have some sort of candy at the house. Yeah, we have like a piece of candy at night and I, like, leave the wrapper out. Like, she'll find the wrapper and be like, who ate this? And like, just so I'll be like, I need to make sure I throw this away so Demi doesn't get mad at me. I'm, like, afraid of my 3 year old. So that's going to be a new thing that I have to handle this year. So we'll see how that goes.
Jess
Oh, my gosh. I love it. I hope you guys have a good one or had a good one, depending on when you listen to the episode. Today we're going to be talking about the trend of the year. I think we saw this coming down Runway for sure in 2024 and the beginnings of it in 2023. Yeah. Right. And it's called the color drench. And we've been practicing this in design unknowingly that it had a term called the color drench. And we were like, now that fashion and TikTok has connected this and given us a term, let' really unpack it. So this episode is all about kind of where to do it, how to do it, how we're doing it. We're going to share five projects that have been shot. So we've been probably practicing this for the last, I'd say, at least nine years. Yeah.
Alice
Like, I feel like the first space that I, like, did it for was like, in 2014. 15.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
And like, but again, we didn't know what it was called, but, like, yeah, it's something that we've loved and we felt like the power of saturation and like, one tone for a long time. Yeah.
Jess
Love it.
Sue
We were just being awesome. Yeah.
Jess
Without a license, without a word for it. Yeah.
Sue
But before we get into that, the body of the episode, what is your guys favorite color and maybe where to like to color drench if you have a space that you're.
Jess
Yeah, Yeah. I love the color blue. Love it.
Alice
She always has.
Jess
You've always been. I always have the beginning. I think it's because I like to wear blue. And I used to think that your favorite color had to be something that you liked to wear or that you felt good in. And since I have blue eyes, I, of course, like to wear blue. Funny thing about me, though, I really only think I look best in dark colors. I don't know, I just feel like in general, you guys don't come at me, but I just want you to agree with me.
Sue
Validator, please.
Jess
Yeah. I just think blondes look more expensive in dark colors. It's a theory. Now, I do think, though, like, a button up white shirt is very chic and effortless and summery and that's super pretty. But, like, if you are going for, like a. A night out or you want to get your photo taken or something like that, I just always feel better in a dark color. I feel like I look washed out and dead and pale and beige if I try to wear taupe or patterns or anything or get too tricky with it because we are such a passive color palette from head to toe. And so I feel like dark. The contrast is just so lovely. So I generally really, like. I've always loved Navy. I've OD'd on it recently. And so I'm kind of mad at myself and I'm like, I got to find a new color. But just like, really, honestly, I just. I love navy.
Sue
I would say it's a sophisticated color and you're a sophisticated person. Anytime I was talking, like, Jess is the classiest person that I know. Well, that's so. I would say, like, navy, like, completely fits.
Jess
Yeah. It feels, like, so unoriginal that I feel like such a dork saying it, but what's your favorite color?
Sue
Yeah. So in my music room, we did a color called Black Panther from Ben Moore.
Jess
I love Black Panther.
Alice
I know.
Jess
You'Re like, I don't care what it looks like. I just like the name.
Sue
That may have been a little psychology in that actually.
Jess
Go Ben more.
Sue
I love it because it's just moody and dark. Here's the other, like, the functional side of my brain. My kids are always in there touching everything. We dance in there. That's our dance room, you know, and that is the only room in our home that doesn't have, like, fingerprints everywhere. Because it's so dark that. Yeah, it's not.
Jess
It's not like trying to keep a black car clean.
Alice
Exactly.
Sue
No, no, it's. Yeah. It's also, like, under black a little bit. It's mixed in with, like, a lot of blue. Yeah.
Alice
Or something pretty.
Sue
So pretty.
Jess
Love that.
Sue
That's. I mean, I love it for multiple reasons. I'm just like, man, I was just sitting there playing the guitar the other day. I'm like, this room's kick ass. You know what I mean? Yeah. So I love this.
Alice
I bet it sounds better in there.
Sue
It does, yeah.
Alice
Sound. Sounds better.
Sue
Yeah.
Alice
If you.
Sue
That is a thing, though, honestly, like, if you feel like, hyped. You know what I mean? Like, if I feel like I'm, like, my energy levels are kind of like, you know, I'm stoked. I'm going to play better. That's good.
Alice
Feel good.
Sue
Exactly.
Alice
Play good.
Sue
Exactly.
Jess
Oh, man.
Sue
Anytime I've ever gone on stage and, like, not felt a hundred percent, it's been the worst show ever.
Jess
You just go to Black Panther in your mind and you say Black Panther. You say Black Panther five times. Yeah. To pump yourself up.
Sue
That's what I'm gonna do from now on.
Jess
I love it.
Sue
What about you?
Jess
So we can't even imagine what your favorite color would be.
Alice
Well, first of all, I just want to validate you for the blonde thing. This is like your first like, like. And check mark on this comment that, oh, we don't look good in. In light colors. Like borophyll.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
Like sheet of paper.
Jess
Our skin is the same color as our hair.
Alice
It's like a little bit of olive. So that helps you a little bit.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
Most of the time, like, we are just like a blank canvas. That's why, like, the redress. We have to do something to give these girls contrast.
Jess
So let me ask you this, Sue. Do you like wearing a favorite. Do you have a favorite color to wear versus a favorite color today? Because I know your favorite color is green.
Sue
Oh, if you're gonna. Yeah.
Alice
Isn't that interesting? I don't wear green, but I love being around.
Jess
I'm curious about. I wish you guys could all just speak up right. Wherever you are driving. Can you just throw your answer out into the atmosphere?
Alice
Write something.
Sue
Send an email.
Jess
Dear Alice, we want to know if your favorite color is to wear or if it's just your eyeballs love to look at it but you can't wear it, which is interesting. I feel like we need two favorite colors.
Alice
Because I'm like, we do go to clients closets because, like, that's what they feel comfortable in.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
What? Like, it is a whole nother question of, like, what do you like to look at? What's the space that you like to be around? Like, what is your thing? You know? Because, yeah, for me, I was listening to a podcast yesterday by Wiser than me.
Jess
Yeah. So good.
Alice
Julie Andrews. And they're both talking about how much they love the outdoors and they love green. I'm like, these are my ladies. And they called it. And I think in Japan they call a forest bath. In their language, it's called a forest bath. I'm like, such a rat. I love A forest bath like that is like what gives me energy and that's what I love to be in. Yes, I love to be in a forest bath. I love to be. Be in greens of most shades. I like it like even like when I did my bathroom, which I think is like a true color drench, you know, like it wasn't. There was a couple different green tiles, but I picked the one that I think was most interesting to my eye at that moment. So I think that this can be evolution. I think 10 years ago what your eye like then to what your eye likes now. It's a good thing to kind of remind yourself, what do my eyeballs like now? What does like my body want to feel now?
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
And there will be consistencies, but that can vary in tone, I think. So kind of same thing for navy and blues. Like, yeah, it's been consistent, but it's probably. Even though navy's been a true north, I think there's probably been other shades in there that you're like, this is my color this year. Yeah, this is my color this year.
Jess
I. I really like what you're saying.
Alice
Italian blue is my color this summer, you know, versus navy in my winters, you know.
Jess
Yep.
Alice
So yeah, green for sure is like what I like to color drench. Like, I love Manolo's room, which is a green.
Jess
Every room in your house is a color drench. Suhal sures, including the white is head to toe. The floors are even white.
Alice
It's a commitment. I like commitment there. I'm a loyal person. She.
Jess
She sticks with it, folks.
Alice
Yeah, but I do, I do love, I love being in green and the spaces that we do in green. I just feel something. Not that I don't like the blue child. I just love the green child. So much so. And then like. But I wear like a lot of like atominal colors. Like I like, I shouldn't like, I'm a blonde, blue eyed. I hate blue on me. Is that weird?
Jess
Weird?
Alice
I look terrible with blue on.
Jess
Maybe it's just the.
Alice
Unless it's navy. Maybe. But. But I've tried stuff on for you and you're like, you're right. You don't look good in my life. I think I'm too icy of a fair.
Jess
Yeah, you're cool. Cool tone.
Alice
So it just like makes zero sense anyway.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
Long explanation, but I like warmer colors. I like ochres and like oranges and like camels and my. Hello. My color astrology is tandoori spice.
Jess
Yeah, it is.
Alice
Hello.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
Yeah, it Is a really interesting. An interesting thing to, like, explore, I think, for everybody's, like, own personal aura, you know, like, what is.
Jess
But. And I want to say. And to continue the exploration totally. Because just because you liked it then doesn't mean you can't move on. I know in my own living room, Adam's like, you know, I'd be ready to do something new in there. Adam Bennett, the husband.
Sue
That's crazy.
Jess
And so I've had this, like, little. Yeah, I've had this little niggle in my brain that's like, I kind of want to paint the grass Cl. Can you paint?
Alice
You totally can.
Jess
Because we have these pieces from Highland House furniture that's painted grass cloth tables. And I'm like, that would be so epic chic. Like, I don't want to just take it down to paint the walls. Or if I'm going to wallpaper it, then I could take it down to wallpaper. But then I was like, no, I want to paint the grass cloth. This is the question. This is the question is that I springboarding in my. For sure don't. I for sure don't want to do navy because I'm like, I'm. I love navy to wear it, but I'm really wanting to reinvent myself. I'm. Guys, I turned 49 in August, and so I'm like, almost on the back half of my life. And I just point to prove I don't want to be one of those people that's, like, set in their ways. I just want to constantly be reinventing myself. So I feel like I have new chapters of my life and not like I'm just living this long same chapter of sameness and being boring. I just. It was so invigorating to paint my front door orange. I have to say, it was a big deal that I'm just, like, ready to put the shock on paddles on and do something else. It just jolts me into new life. So anyway, be thinking about what my color should be.
Alice
A ton of cognac.
Jess
It's a journey. I don't know. Yeah, I wish that we could have you guys write in. I wish this was a social media post that you guys could all write in and tell me what color Social media posts. Yeah, the color drench is definitely something that is. Is on my mind for that room. And sue, will you give us the definition from Arc Digest? How do they define the color drench?
Alice
I don't know if this was from Arc Digest, but this was the definition. I like the Best in my searches as color drenching goes well beyond the simple accent wall. Thank you. Like a monochromatic fantasy, the trend is all about a full on, single hue explosion across all surfaces in a room. In addition to the walls and ceilings, many objects and insulation, such as window treatments and light fixtures get the same color treatment. However, a single tone doesn't necessarily mean monotony. When color drenching a room, many designers opt to play around with the paint's finish, mixing in both gloss and matte across a variety of textures, such as wood or plaster, to create greater interest. Good.
Jess
Yeah. It's so descriptive. I love that they pull in the sheens and the drapery, and you could really picture what they were saying.
Alice
And it's anything but boring.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
Anything but monotonous, which is 100% true.
Jess
When fully envelops you.
Alice
Yeah.
Jess
What did they say? Beyond the civil ox, this trend is a full on single hue explosion across all surfaces in a room.
Alice
Yeah, that's good.
Jess
Way to go. Whoever wrote that? Copywriter high school.
Alice
That's really, really great.
Jess
So we. We didn't know exactly when we started this. We feel like it was probably nine or ten years ago in our own practice, but we saw it really exploding on the Runway. And I just want to show you a few looks because I know you've seen this. If you haven't, your eyes will be like, oh, yes. Okay. I totally get it. So this. Who is this? Sue, do you remember which fashion house this is?
Alice
I think that one Was that Giada? Let's see. Burberry was over here. It's either Giada or Gaucher. Am I saying that correctly? This. This little one, the red one.
Jess
Yeah. So pretty. Okay, so if you guys are watching this on Spotify or on YouTube, you can see we've got some Runway looks here, but essentially we're looking at a pair of. It's almost like ox blood in red on this outfit. So it's a single hue used at different strengths, right? Yeah, yeah. So, sue, tell them what you're looking at.
Alice
Okay, we're looking at. Yeah, this first one, like, just said it's just kind of. Let's play on this again. The ox blood and the red and which is really. Again, we'll go into the room. I won't go there. And then this, like, center one is like more of just like. It's the exact same tone of the. And it's kind of more of like this orchid, smoked light lilac. I don't know. It's just really beautiful. Thing. And she's wearing like the actual overcoat with the dress. I feel like this look is so chic, you know, I think when you see like a woman, like a man walking down like one shade, you're just like your legs for days. Like there is no start or stop. And just like it's elongating together.
Jess
It's elongating on the silhouette. I think it's really, really flattering. Very chic. So if you ever don't know what to wear, just head to toe match. Yeah, guys, Adam Bennett's been doing this his whole life. He's like, hey, honey. He comes out of the closet. Does blue go with blue? And it's like two shades of blue that shouldn't go together. And I'm like, oh, babe, you don't know what to do, do you? But now, now look, we can totally blue with blue.
Alice
Yeah, this last one I really like. This was from spring 24 and I think this was a Gucci one. But it's just kind of like this, like more inky, like a little bit more fluorescent navy, which I think shade wise is an interesting tone of navy. Has like a little bit of cobalt thrown into the navy, which makes it more yellow. It's really pretty. And like on top of this periwinkle skirt. So I still think that that like full color joint, she has a pair of navy heels on. Just that whole look is so darn cute.
Jess
So darn it.
Alice
That whole, like inspiration board like in my office right now is all this. Yeah, it's so good.
Jess
So good. A few more looks.
Sue
Kind of going back to the definition though. I feel like when you see someone who's like wearing a color drenched outfit, you notice that more than you do. You know what I mean? Like one that is like your eyes are just like drawn to it.
Alice
You're like, wow, that's off to a flame.
Sue
Yeah.
Jess
Because it's really coordinated, you know, it's.
Sue
Thought out to you.
Jess
Yes. And I know like so much has been effortless. Has been like the thing where you're like, oh, do they wake up like that or. And it's like when girls are doing makeup that they want it to just sort of look like this non makeup look, even though they're still spending a half hour to do it. Exactly. You know, so being so chic and effortless. So this is like, to me the definition of effort. It's like you really dialed in the whole look and it is head turning. And I think you get a lot of credit for it because you Just head to toe did it?
Sue
Yeah.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
But I would ask her for advice.
Jess
Versus the one, the effortless one.
Alice
Effortless one, for sure. Like, she has.
Jess
Because with effortlessness, you're like, I can't pull it off. I just. I. I can't wake up like that.
Alice
Like, where's your lip? I don't know.
Sue
It does feel a little bit. I'm not going to say scary, like. Like, you know, but maybe for lack of a better term. But it's more exciting, I think, to dress like that and to go out and be like, man, what are people going to think? You know, because it's not as common.
Jess
Well, and if your personality doesn't want to get attention, then effortless is going to feel better inside your body, because then you're not going to get as many head turns. So maybe this is a look for an occasion, but I do think it's stunning. Yeah. Yeah. And the hues that they chose to do head to toe looks are also just like, right in the pocket. Yeah. They're not messing around.
Alice
So this, this first one I love, that was one from Gucci, from this, like, last fall.
Jess
Yeah. Tell them who can't see it. What are you looking at?
Alice
Oh, good. So it's kind of like this ochre colored, not even like a blazer. It's like this oversized, like, jacket with this kind of like lemony butter beautiful skirt. And she almost has, like, almost. There was a lot of, like, this olive tone, too. Like, even if it was, it was just like an accompanying, almost an analogous color stream, you know, where you do have this tonal activity and then you have just like something nearby, like, thrown to contrast. And I just think she looks so fly. Like, the whole layering, again, it feels effortless, but it's very, very intentional. It's really, really good. Yeah.
Sue
We need to do a podcast on. You guys are the best at explaining things, like, in detail and, like, the words that you choose. Like, yeah, I want to learn how to do that. That's. That's gonna be my 2025 goal, is like, I want to learn to explain.
Jess
You know, what's exciting about this is that I feel like designers haven't had to be great at color for a long time because neutrals have been king for so long that I just don't know. Do you know what I mean? I think this is going to really demand more of people to choose the right shade for the room, for the right lighting, for the right ceiling heights, for the right elevation of windows. Like, it is really asks A lot more. And I do think I just had a conversation with my niece last night. She just started college, and so she said, aunt Jess, can I interview you about what it takes to be good in your field? And I was like, oh, how flattering. Yeah, I would love to talk to you. She's like, it's only five questions. It'll only take 15 minutes. Of course, I was, like, elaborating and going on and on about what I think it really takes. And one of my answers was, I think you've got to have a good eye for color. Like, you've really got to understand the difference between shades and how to use them and when to use them. And you're not going to know that right in the beginning, but really understanding, like, a color wheel and a paint deck and being passionate about it. And we've been in this gap, I feel like, for, I don't know how long, where people just haven't had to use color.
Alice
Decade.
Jess
Yeah. And, I mean, I will say getting the right neutral is so important. It's so important. There's always a place for neutrals in every single home still. But this colored wrench is exciting to me when it comes to the use of color. And so I just think we all need to sharpen our pencil when it comes to getting color in. And I think that's what all the shelter magazines are always like, color. Like, they're showing color again. And I think people that are using color are going to be those that get published, you know?
Sue
Totally agree.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
And it is. Yeah. Just really fast, and then we'll get back on it.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
I was talking to a friend. We were pulling back and forth, and she's doing her bedroom. It's amber. And she. She's just like. She had some paint swatches on the wall, and she's like, I think I'm going to go with us, like, deeper. Mavi. I'm just, like, beautiful. I'm like. But, like. And she's, like, looking at this rug. I'm like, well, do you have a sample of the rug? Like, how do you know? And she's, like, getting the screen headboard. I'm just like, all right. She's just like, I'm going to do it this week. And I'm like, all right. And that's the way most people are doing it. But it's a very studied. Yeah, a studied thing. Like, we look at all the things, and even sometimes we have, like, three different paint samples that we have the builder just, like, sample. Because, like, one of them is going to be better or it needs to just like shift this much over. Like it is very scientific. Scientific.
Jess
Yeah. Like that to the class certificate of science. Thank you, science.
Alice
But even like with the three samples, sometimes we're just like grab, actually grab the paint deck. We need the one, the next one lighter.
Jess
And you've got to look at the color on different walls.
Alice
Don't be so prideful to be like those. All those aren't quite right. And I think it could be better. Let's just like, let's take it. Because in Park City it's going to look different than it's going to look at in our office. So lights really. Paint's tricky.
Jess
Also, if you have a lot of landscaping reflecting in the room, it's going to give you a green cast. Yeah.
Alice
If you have red sand on outside because you live in southern Utah, it's going to make everything look 100%.
Sue
Yeah.
Alice
You know, so totally. It's, it's definitely a science. So love it.
Jess
My version of staying cozy this fall is putting on my pajamas and getting in bed. My favorite sheets are the bamboo sheet set. You're going to feel the difference with Cozy Earth's best selling bamboo sheet set. It's made from 100% premium viscose from bamboo. Cozy Earth's breathable sheets are uniquely soft and only get softer with every wash. And all Cozy Earth's bedding products come with a 100 night sleep trial. If you're not completely in love, you can return it for a full refund. Now let me tell you about my favorite pajamas. They are a stretch knit long sleeve bamboo pajama set from Cozy Earth. They're a timeless classic perfected by Cozy Earth. Crafted with soft stretch knit that features enhanced breath, breathability and luxurious drape. The lightweight sleep set is degrees cooler than cotton. Now ladies, this is really important to be able to be a little bit cooler, to be super comfortable, I think and be able to sleep through the night. And that's why I love these pajamas more than any other. It's going to be cooler than your normal cotton pajamas and keep your temperature just right through the night. So if you guys want to wrap yourself in luxury this fall, go to cozy earth.com Dear Alice. Use the code Dear Alice for an exclusive discount of up to 40% off. That's cozy earth.com Dear Alice. If you get a post purchase survey, just say you heard about Cozy Earth from Dear Alice podcast. Okay, well, let's get some species. Let's get into it. Let's Talk about bedrooms. We have this divided up into different spaces where we think a color drench is great. And I'm just going to quickly set the table on that. We think a bedroom is a great place to do a color drench. A mudroom, a pantry or a butler's pantry. Yeah, right.
Alice
Yeah, no, all of those. It gets me so excited. Again, we've talked about this a lot where, like, the public spaces, the main, like, corridors are usually those neutrals. Like, nail the neutral right, get it right. And then like, it's in these pockets that you get to escape to. So specific. Like your primary bedroom. Fantastic place. Because, like, it is. And like, we've said this too, before, where it's a psychological. It's science, huh. That your mind is allowed to hush or concentrate when it's in a deeper tone, as deep, deeper saturation. So if you are like trying to sleep in an all white box, like the world is still your oyster, you can't concentrate, and it's going to be harder for you to actually relax and fall asleep versus having like a whole darker blanket cover. You remember the first client that I had request this? She's like, we have a favorite hotel in Capri. She's just like, I want my bedroom to be, like, black, and then I want my bathroom to be light or, like completely white. And I was like, yeah, let's do it. You know, and so we, like, researched the hotel. We picked out the paint colors, and that was the first time, I think that I had done a really, really dark bedroom. And I felt it and I was just like, I get it. Like, I definitely would sleep better in that space versus, like, and wake.
Jess
And wake up in the contrast of white. Yeah.
Alice
The bathroom. Yeah. So anyway, it's really. I don't know, just even in our, like, journey, like, us, like, realizing these things as we experience different things and spaces, like, it really does make a difference. So I think, I think also a library or an office.
Jess
Yes.
Alice
Awesome. For this.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
We said the primary bedroom. I. Yeah, we said mud room. I think this is just really fun if you have the luxury of having like a sectioned off, like, mudroom. I think it's just fun to. Again, just like, focus, focus. Those little cats and little, little chickens that you're trying to of, you know, funnel.
Jess
Also, like, that's usually the door you come home to because you park in the garage and then you come in your mudroom. So those of you that live in the city and don't have garages and mudrooms, Usually in homes that we're building today, we come in through the garage, we carry our groceries in, or our kids all run in, and that's kind of a drop zone. And it's our entryway into the house. And so you kind of want to feel something. And we think doing that in a full saturation of color is such a mood and a vibe. And it's usually kind of back of house, and so you'll see the color around a corner, and you're like, whoa, what's that room? And you're like, it's just the mud hall. It's how I come home. No biggie. Yeah. And then the last room we love to do it in is a bathroom. Powder baths, obviously. Great place to start. It's so small, it's not going to take you very long. And you can experiment with this if you haven't tried the color drench yet. So we'll get into it. We've got some photos in small spaces.
Alice
In general, color drenching is really, really fun just because, again, you have four corners. Right. You have, like, your ceiling. You have, like, if you. It makes them feel larger, in my opinion, when you have them saturated and all one, like, hue or tone, and, like, it just makes them feel a small space, feel a lot more important than it could have been, you know?
Sue
So true. Yeah, that's such a good point.
Alice
Okay, so good.
Jess
Okay, so the first image we're going to show you, and if you're not watching, we're going to just describe it to you. This is one of the designers that works for us. Her name is McKinley. She recently did her.
Sue
Her.
Jess
This is her bedroom. She lives in a really beautiful apartment. And so it's not a huge room, but it's kind of that feeling of restfulness. It feels different than the rest of the home. And it's just a really beautiful, earthy, kind of hazelnut, mauvey color.
Alice
I know it's interesting, the paint color on its own, because we did a client. Another.
Jess
Yes.
Alice
Another bedroom, actually, I have printed on here is the same paint color. Both color drenched, but different. They both went a little bit different directions, but anyway. But the fun thing about that actual base paint color is it has, like, a little bit of, like, berry in it. But then you put the Tara, like, faux mohair of our kit bed.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
On top of it, and it totally warms it up, and they start to blend with each other and adapt to one another, which is so fun about color.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
Fibers. Is that, like, when you put one Thing against the other one. They start to meld and become one.
Jess
Yep.
Sue
You know, that's also why it's, like, it's difficult, though.
Alice
Yeah.
Sue
You know. Yeah. Like we were saying earlier, but, yeah. Getting it right. I feel like it's just the icing on the cake.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
Can you believe that these two rooms are the same? This is the other one that we did in a client's home. Also a color drench. Just like we chose to do, like, a lighter bed and, like, just lighter tones against that kind of color versus and we went more oranges in McKinley's. And so you can see just even, like, with this color, like, how you pair it defines the end result, and.
Sue
Also how, like, how much light the room is receiving and stuff like that, because, yeah, to me, like, in that photo, that looks, like, more mauve, and then this looks more clay, like, you know.
Alice
Exactly.
Sue
So, yeah, that's awesome.
Alice
It's super interesting. But both, I think, are considered color drenches because it's, like, from baseboard to ceiling and then accompanying, like, tones of that and the finishes around it.
Jess
Yeah. And the McKinley's really feels like that color drench where you also use the furniture in the same color as the paint. Even though these were too different colors, they kind of became each other, like we said. So that's a fun one in a bedroom.
Sue
Also really feels like McKinley, which is amazing, too.
Jess
Yeah.
Sue
That's, like, my favorite. Like, when I saw this photo, I was like, that is for. That's 100%. That should be McKinley's.
Jess
I also feel like she could wear this. She has. And live in it. You know what I mean? Where. Where mine is, like, I want to live in something different than I want to wear.
Alice
We're a little off.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
Yep. Totally. Okay. All right.
Jess
I want to say this. I think this is going to be controversial, and I don't mean it to be, but I think it's an interesting thing if you're choosing a designer and you're looking at their portfolio, if they only design in one note. Because there are those that just really love. Like Mark Sykes, for instance. He loves the color blue. We all know it. We love it for him. I love looking at his portfolio because it's so beautiful and blue. I also love the color blue, but I don't know. If you don't love the color blue, you might want to choose somebody that has a diverse portfolio. Right. There are some designers that really just sort of stick to a palette. You know, they'll use nutmeg and white oak and, you know, brown or something like that. You need to really consider what you continue to see them do again and again and again, because that's their expertise. And so you've got to love that look if you're hiring them unless they do a lot of different variety of work. So I think a color is an. Color as. As a medium is an interesting thing to understand when you're choosing a designer or I know a lot of you are designers. That is something to consider as you're curating your. Your page, because that's what you're going to attract.
Alice
Yeah.
Jess
That's a really, really, you know, point anyway, also.
Sue
And then stuff just becomes not interesting, like.
Alice
Yeah, it feels kind of flat.
Sue
Yeah.
Jess
Like, that's my greatest concern, I guess, in saying that. I'm not trying to be controversial. I just want to say to all of us as designers, like, let's be. Let's be better than one thing, right?
Sue
Yeah. Yeah. Like, I love Jennifer Garner.
Jess
Yes.
Sue
She's an awesome person.
Jess
Yes.
Sue
I even think her home that I don't know if you guys saw on ad is amazing. I just feel like there was too much blue. Every. It was like, every room was the same shade of that, like, icy blue. Like, every sofa, a piece of upholstery was in it. And I was like, I feel like this house is dope and had some really, really good, you know, like, architecture to it and, like, a really good flow. There could have been more interest, in my opinion. I don't know how you guys feel about that, but sometimes it's hard to.
Alice
Critique the homeowner with the house, because I'm like, that's probably maybe what she loved.
Sue
Yeah.
Alice
Do you know what I mean? And so. But again, I think seeing a diverse portfolio from a designer shows that they cared about the client versus caring about, like, their feedback or, like, we've even, like, worked or their ego even.
Sue
Yeah. I think it's like, you know, when you're a designer, you're not servicing yourself. You're not giving yourself to somebody. You're bringing them. You're. What you should be doing is bringing the client, you know, out to the forefront.
Alice
Yeah, yeah, yeah, for sure. And I mean, and then we've had, like, a lot of conversations with clients. I've interviewed other designers and things, and it's kind of just like, there's a lot of contracts where you. When you sign up with this designer that you're signing over, for them to just, like, do whatever they want, and you're Signing up for that. And you know that. And they're very, like, you know, they say it all, you know, not in fine print. So you understand that that's what you're getting into. And if you just want the easy button and you like their look and, like, you have other things to worry about and space isn't important to you, then click that button. But if you're looking for a designer, just make sure, like, if it's important to you, that they will understand you and they'll understand what your eyeballs, like, what your, like, life experience has taught you and what you want to be surrounded by. Because, like, maybe. Yeah. Jennifer Garner loves icy blue. I hope she does, because her whole house is that. So anyway, but I think that that's a great thing just to, like, cue into whether you're a designer, whether you're looking for a designer, just like, working on your own home.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
Is to just like, really get curious about it, about what. What it could be, because it could be really interesting. I think that's what all these images, I think show.
Jess
Totally.
Sue
I think everyone, even if it's not your thing, you should head down that road just to see. And I'm not saying, like, do, you know, do it and then. And have to redo everything, but it might bring more out, it might bring a passion out that you didn't know that you have. I think. I mean, I wasn't, you know, like, born loving interiors. I. My passion grew from, like, understanding it and. And being around, like, you guys and how you exude your passion. And then, like, I'm like, oh, yeah. Like, my taste is very much cultivated by the people I surround myself. Yeah.
Alice
Yeah, for sure.
Sue
Definitely. So.
Jess
And hopefully we all are right. Like, we. We all hope we do that as humans. So I hope to see your living room. I hope my living room evolves, guys. Yeah, it's going to be good. It is going to evolve.
Alice
Going to be amazing.
Jess
20, 25, guys. Just watch me go. Okay, next up, we're going to discuss the mudroom, the pantry, and the butler's pantry. So this first one that we're going to show you, this is a project for those of you watching. You can see this. This is a project we did in St. George, Utah. And this is the mud pantry of a English client, the mud room for the Manchester house.
Alice
And she. Yeah, she has a lot of English ties. Her parents are both from the uk and so she's used to being. She just wanted. Color was very, very important to her at the get go. So we got so excited. So that's probably why I think this is one of the most colorful houses on the portfolio. And it came from a really true place. And so anyway, as we went back and forth, like. And you have to try on a few different colors, too, because it didn't. Like, it didn't start here. It evolved to here. And what you're seeing here on the cabinetry and all the casing and everything is like, this really kind of pungent. Not even eggplants. Like, eggplant mix with a lemon. You know, like, it's more exciting than that. It has some citron in the tone anyway. But the actual. Yeah, the cabinetry, all the, like, case and base is all this, like, really dark color, again, in kind of that more satin, semi sheen. And then the actual walls is just, like, at the very. If you're looking at a paint strip and you have, like, one color, it's like, the lightest form or the second to lightest on the strip. On that paint strip.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
And so it's very, like. I remember when you first saw it, you're like, I didn't notice that. But when you're in the hallway and you look in, you can definitely see the difference of just, like, the neutral color of the hallway. And you look in here, and you see this kind of tone play on each other. So it's kind of like some of those outfits where it was, like, a darker version of the lighter, you know, for the skirt or whatever. And it's so fun, and it's so great because in these spaces where it's, like a full cased opening, where you have really clean and, like, defined starts and stops, you can do these things, you know, and just, like, create this, like, little pocket. And it's just that the darndest is the happiest room that you could, like, end, you know, your day in and. Or begin your day. It was so fun because her dog was just, like, in and out, and just everything looked good on this color. Everyone was happy when they saw it. Like, I. It's just. It's so much fun.
Jess
So much fun. Okay, let's talk about. In that same home. Let's talk about this beautiful green pantry.
Alice
Okay.
Jess
Again, is in the Manchester home.
Alice
Forest bath.
Sue
Amazing.
Jess
I know. Forest bath, guys.
Alice
Yeah, this is so much fun because, again, everything that's really, really interesting, you have, like, this really dark color on the actual cabinetry and the casing. But then we have, like, this tiled floor, and we found. We actually found the tile for this. The tile and the wallpaper, I think, were, like, the first indicators. Actually, the wallpaper migrated a couple times, too, but we ended up with this, like, really beautiful. Green is the majority of the field, this William Morris print for the ceiling. And again, it's just like, this tiny little pocket square of a thing on the ceiling, and you don't notice it until you actually get into the space and look up, which is so magical. And then you, like. But the tile, I think, was one of the first things that we found for this. And then we kind of matched the colors from there, and I just think it's so happy. I think food looks amazing on green. Yeah, people look amazing on green. I think the contrast is just really interesting. Like, I just. I love the space. And again, it's just like, this quarantine little pocket, you know, that you can, like, just, like, tuck away, take a call, tuck away, make a drink, whatever you need to do. And it's an experience. I think color is an experience that you should, like, allow yourself to explore. And I love.
Jess
I love pantry. Well said. That is so great. Love that. Do we have the butler's pantry on here of the Grand Tour estate?
Alice
No, we'll put it on here. I'll explain it, though. The Grand Tour estate, again, we had this, like, really, when you think of a butler's pantry, it kind of is the connection point between, like, a kitchen and a formal dining room. And we actually turned. It was like a closet. It wasn't that before. And so when we were kind of finagling the planet plans, we're like, this is actually a really great pocket. They should have a butler's pantry. Hello. It shouldn't just be an open doorway. And so we did the same thing where we had a dark green as, like, the cabinetry. And, like, we accented it with, like, the antique mirror, which is so much fun to use a mirror because it just reflects the color. So as far as the color drench, you still feel the color on that wall, but it's in this, like, beautiful, reflective finish. Kind of like that definition. How you play with the finishes to make it more interesting. Anything but, like, monotonous, right? Yeah, but just the glossiness of that, plus, like, the gold of this, like, floating shelf and the glass with their. I don't know, with their stemware and everything just, like, buried on top. It's just. It's so pretty, and it's small. It's not a big space, but it's an impactful little throwaway from space to space, which is so much Fun.
Jess
So beautiful.
Alice
So we'll put that picture on here.
Jess
Everything looks like black magic in that room. So good.
Alice
I know.
Jess
Okay, moving on.
Alice
Say like those spaces, that's where you go and talk your deepest secrets, like. Yeah.
Jess
That's where you're going to whisper.
Sue
Pregnant.
Alice
Yes. Yes.
Jess
That's the best. It's the best place for it.
Alice
Are you pregnant?
Jess
Yeah.
Sue
That's a tough question.
Alice
I know.
Jess
You're glowing. You're glowing. You've never been more beautiful. Are you in love? Yeah. Okay. We have two libraries we want to share. We've got a red one and we've got a blue one. And libraries are a place of sort of a seriousness. Right. Of study, of great conversation, great books. Yes. We should always color drench a library. Right.
Sue
Also just thinking, can you imagine, like.
Alice
Studying in a white library?
Jess
Ew, yuck. No.
Sue
Yeah, that's not yuck. Yeah, yeah.
Alice
Should we. Do you want to do. Which one do you want to do?
Jess
Let's do. I want to do the red one.
Alice
This is guys, so exciting.
Jess
This space just got published in Utah Style and Design. So this is on newsstands right now. Now. And just a freaking beautiful one. This is in Washington D.C. it's our.
Alice
Capitol Heights podcast, actually. Capitol Heights too, that you can find.
Sue
More information coming out the beginning of the month.
Jess
Yeah, that's right. Do you remember the shade of red? Just.
Alice
It's called deep and sexy Patriot Red.
Sue
If it's not, it should.
Alice
I know, I'm gonna. We'll link the pink colors on all this. For all these colors, I think it'll be important for you to know what color we used and found successful in these spaces. Again, this is like in our nation's capital. It's so beautiful. It's off of a very classical like white with black and white floors off the entry. And then you look in here and it's high gloss lacquered red. And we did the really, really great trick where the sofa we kind of case inside the built ins and so everything's red. And then we did this like kind of ox blood mohair sofa. And it's just.
Jess
And the reds kind of became each other.
Alice
They became. They adapt to each other. And yeah. So even the paint color, I could show it to you, but it might look even different in this room versus like on your wall. It's just because we put the sofa fibers next to it and it changes things.
Jess
It's crazy.
Alice
And it's like original Flemish painting. Pulls tones of that and just like the depth of it it's just so interesting. So very smart just looking at it.
Sue
I've said before that I don't love, like, deep reds for some reason like that. Seeing that, I'm like, yeah, I actually do, actually. This is totally a true story. I have always hated reds on, like, on myself. And when I was in, like, my mid-20s, I was single and I was wearing a red shirt, and a girl who I, like, had a crush on was like, red looks really good on you. And I was like, I guess it does.
Alice
Yeah.
Sue
So I must love. Yes.
Jess
Red. I love it because.
Sue
Yeah, that red.
Alice
That's a deep patriot red.
Jess
Yes.
Alice
Fantastic.
Jess
Okay, this next space is. This is Rachel and Drew Parcel's library. And we've got. You can see the built ins, the walls, the ceiling, and the drapes are all in blue. And the woods are. The floors are hardwood in here. And then we use, like, kind of jewel tones in the furnishings and a black marble mantle. But having that color just completely drench every single vertical surface and the ceiling and having the drapery panels in it was just so, like, gorgeous and stately and high end. And what a fun room to be developing. Yeah.
Alice
Again, off of a neutral entry, too. So you look in here, and it's this pocket of, like, opinion, which is so fun. I think if you look at this picture, the actual crown and the case and base is a, like a semi gloss or a high gloss. And like, just back to the sheen thing. Like, it's so important for you to, like, not just spray this place.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
In a flat finish, like, it wouldn't be nearly as interesting if that was dull. Yes. It needed to have gloss to it to reflect the light.
Jess
I'm so glad that that matte era is over, guys.
Alice
I think the heavens primer.
Jess
Do you remember makeup was matte too. Like, how terrible we all looked. That really mattifying. No dewiness. Thank goodness for all of the dewiness. Thank goodness for the gloss paints. Anyway, so the library podcast in there.
Sue
One time, and it was just very. I just remember feeling, like, very moody.
Alice
And I wish you had your guitar.
Sue
Yeah, I should have. That was missed opportunity for sure. But I mean, yeah, that room is dope. You guys did such a great job. So good.
Alice
It's such a mood.
Jess
Such a mood. Let's talk about bathrooms.
Alice
Okay.
Jess
The color drenching of bathrooms. Let's start with Lovers Lane. Down to Lovers Lane in the Dallas, Texas, area. This is a powder bath.
Alice
This. Okay. This one is so much fun because it started with the wallpaper. This is a Hand painted wallpaper from Porter Telio. That's P O R T E R.
Jess
T E L E. We just discussed this in our wallpaper video.
Alice
Go listen to that one if you.
Jess
Haven'T listened to it.
Alice
But they were. We were able to do this like custom color. So we found like the perfect tone of like the sea kelp. You know, kind of like a tuck away like a little cavern in the ocean. Right, right. Everyone's like what color is that? I'm like I will call it sea kelp anyway but it's just so beautiful and like there's like the front of this first picture that has the vanity is so beautiful because you can just really feel the pattern of the wallpaper and the depth of happening on the ceiling from the mirror reflection. Again that mirror reflection just gives you even more of that color. But then as you turn the corner and this like pocket where the potty is and the really cool slim Aaron's proof art is I love this, this little spot and I took a picture with my cell phone when we were installing it as well. And just the gloss of that paint next to the hand paint like rice paper but in that same color was just magnetic. It was so beautiful. And I'm like this might be my. One of my favorite rooms we've ever done and it's the one of the smallest.
Jess
It's a powder bath.
Alice
It's a powder bath. But that's how like I don't know informed a space can be. You know, to your history. It's just like it doesn't have to.
Jess
Be a big space and it's an at all. It's an experience because it is color and it's got movement because of the hand painted paper. But you just wouldn't be able to feel this in a room that wasn't completely all in. Even if the ceiling were white, it would lose its magic if the ceiling was white.
Alice
What a bumski that would be.
Jess
If the door, if the powder bath door and casings were left white and base molds. It wouldn't be the magic that it is so transported taking the full drench and just fully baptizing it. Baptize it.
Sue
Would you say maybe stay away from like deeper color drenching in like a deeper tone. If you're like going to be getting ready and stuff in that bathroom every single day. I mean that's probably it.
Jess
That's just off of the husband's office and in between her office. So this is like a guest bath that your guests are just going to go use or if they're working, that they'll go in and use. But I don't know that even the family will probably use a different bathroom if they're in, like, the family room or something like that. So you'd never get ready in this room.
Sue
Yeah.
Jess
You're just.
Sue
I'm just saying that for all the people, like, out, like, maybe that's not exact, like, you know. Yeah, exactly what we're saying.
Jess
It would be hard to do your makeup.
Sue
Yeah.
Jess
Yeah. You could probably comb your hair in the mirror, though, because you don't have to wear makeup.
Sue
Exactly.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
I mean, I've always called my makeup a Russian landscape, but yes, I did, like, I. I did kind of battle this for myself.
Jess
Suzanne's. Remember Suzanne's emergency remodel.
Sue
When I was asking that question, I was thinking of this. But I don't. I don't think this is a. A tone that's going to just really absorb all the light and, like, suck the light out of the room.
Alice
There's not a lot of light, guys. That's a small window.
Jess
Also, sue hall has to get ready in this space. Yep, yep. And sue did a green bathroom.
Alice
He did a green bathroom.
Jess
Tiles, wall color ceiling, the whole countertops. It's all green. It's all green with the exception of your threshold. And your casing is white marble, Your floors are white marble, and your toilet's white.
Alice
Yep. And then other than that. But it's like. It's a deeper space. It's. I don't think it's the darkest saturation, but it's definitely like a medium.
Jess
Yeah, you feel something in it, but.
Alice
Yeah, you do feel something in it, which was.
Jess
It feels vintage. It does. And it feels expensive.
Alice
Yeah, it's really, really good. And it feels like. And for me, it feels otherworldly. Yeah, it's. I don't feel like I'm in Highland, Utah.
Jess
Yeah. You know, but it's still really nice on your light complexion. It doesn't, like, overcome you.
Alice
Yeah, it's cool enough, but it has warm enough tones that I don't look like. Look too icy.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
Anyway, like, it's really important, so, like, you have to really pay attention to the saturation.
Jess
And you need to look good in your own space.
Alice
And you need to look good in your own space. Yes. So maybe I would. Maybe I would look cute in that color. I don't know.
Jess
I don't know. We'll put you in some of Tom's scrubs.
Alice
Whatever.
Jess
Yeah, there we go.
Alice
A little episode of Grey's Anatomy.
Jess
Yeah, yeah, definitely.
Alice
But such fun spaces to color. Drench.
Jess
Such fun spaces. To recap, we like the bedrooms, the mudrooms, the pantries, the butler's pantry, the libraries, the bathrooms, some of those accessory rooms. A dining room would be fabulous.
Alice
We have done that.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
Too.
Jess
Yeah. These are just some of the more recent projects that we thought we'd bring to the table. But we love going all in on color. Thank you so much for listening. If you are in a remodel or starting a new build, our interior design team is taking on new projects so you can reach out to them at Alice Lane Interior design dot com. We would love to work with you. And if you have any ideas or episode ideas, I should say for the podcast topics, we. We look around at each other sometimes I'm like, we recorded them all. Right, We've done it all. What more could we possibly talk about? Yeah.
Alice
And then our last episode, and then.
Jess
Topics come in and we're like, well, yeah, you know what? Let's. We haven't talked about that. So send in your topic ideas to Dear Alice at alice lane home.com.
Sue
That'S right.
Jess
I get it. Right. Awesome. And if you guys could do us a huge favor and leave us a review, like subscribe, you gotta go to.
Sue
Our show page in Apple and then down where the reviews are up just above that, there'll be a little like hyperlink that says write a review. And then that'll take you to be able to write a review for our show.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
And watch us on YouTube.
Jess
Yeah.
Alice
You can see all these visuals.
Jess
All my research projects.
Alice
You can see live, y'all.
Jess
Yes. So excited. Very good, guys. We're going to catch you next time. Hey, thanks for listening. If you like our show, please leave a five star rating.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.