The right wall color can be transformative.

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Apply that same hue to your ceiling and trim, too—and things start to feel even more inspired. This kind of “color drenching” gives interiors a sumptuous and intimate feel. It’s the kind of design that takes every little detail into consideration, to impressive effect. The best thing about it: All you need to pull it off are a couple of paint coats.

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Experts like Jake Arnold and Molly Kidd have employed this design strategy in a number of different ways. Color drenching can mean going all-in on one vivid hue, or it could mean bringing subtle serenity to a space with a buttery neutral that drenches the room in warmth. Endlessly versatile, this trend can have a powerful impact on any interior in your home, no matter what your design preferences may be. One thing is clear: white trims and ceilings are out.

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Take a look at these 10 Expert-designed spaces to see their varied takes on this inherently luxurious tactic.

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Quiet Luxury

An all-over wash of a warm cream color lends this living space by Haldon House an effortless, welcoming air. It’s a calm, neutral design that feels a touch more elevated than an all-over white, especially with luxurious details like floor-to-ceiling curtains and intricate crown molding.

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Butter Yellow

The cheerful yellow hue that covers this kitchen’s walls, cabinetry, and ceiling is impossibly effervescent, without being saccharine or trendy. Kobel + Co balances the bold color with a graphic tile floor and textural elements, like beadboard cabinets.

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Vivid Ruby

Deep red-colored walls are a bold design choice, especially when you wash your ceiling in the same hue. But this daring choice by Chused & Co** **makes this eclectic den feel so intimate and cozy. Plenty of graphic pops on the sofa and window shades bring a cool, contemporary contrast.

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Serene Sage

To make an office space look more considered, paint it a calming color that can keep your mind at ease while you work. With its sage green hue, this design by Jake Arnold is at once relaxed and refined. Color washing pairs especially well with built-ins like the bookshelves here.

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Steeped Gray

If you don’t have a lot of natural light in a space, you might consider leaning into a moodier vibe. Handelsmann + Khaw selected a warm gray to soften this smaller living space. Darker, coordinating textiles add to the monochromatic effect.

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Easy Green

Somewhere between olive and pistachio, the verdant wall color of this living room by Bespoke Only brightens the space and brings the outside in while also highlighting the sophisticated architectural details. With its classic appeal, this hue pairs well with both contemporary and traditional elements.

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Modern Brick

In this bedroom designed by Sebastian Zuchowicki, an unexpected—and arguably underrated—red hue creates a moody atmosphere that grounds the bright, open space. Darker than a typical terracotta, the brick-colored walls bring dimension to the space thanks to their subtle lime wash effect.

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Neutral Study

Expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows naturally brighten this study designed by Molly Kidd Studio, which means a darker brown gives it just the right contrast. The warmer hue makes this interior look stately and grounded.

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Elevated Farmhouse

It’s time to reimagine the potential of shiplap. This design from Yond Interiors is evidence that with the right paint color—like a super-subtle, green-tinged gray—the rustic walls can look fresh and inspiring. The space is complete with modern details that wink at their cottage inspiration, like an upholstered rocking chair and a plush tan sofa.

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Golden Cover

Drenched in golden yellow, this guest bedroom by Sebastian Zuchowicki is evidence that simple designs can be the most dynamic. The sumptuous wall color makes what could be an awkward space look more intentional. Only simple fixtures—like chrome bed frames and cream-colored bedspreads—are needed to make the room complete.

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