The Evolution of Paint Trends Understanding the Color Drenching movement and can I still paint my trim white?

If you’ve opened Instagram or a design magazine lately, you might’ve noticed a bold shift in how we’re using color in our homes. Warm tones have replaced cool grays, and white trim is taking a backseat. We are seeing major design expression on the walls through bold paint choices and wallpaper. We continue to see deep, saturated tones from floor to ceiling—sometimes even on the ceiling itself. So what’s going on with paint trends? And what’s the deal with color drenching? More importantly: can you still paint your trim white?

Let’s break it down.

So, What Is Color Drenching?

Color drenching is exactly what it sounds like: drenching a space in one single hue. That means painting the walls, ceiling, trim, doors, and sometimes even furniture in the same (or closely related) color. The result? A cocooning, dramatic, and surprisingly modern chic look. It works well as a means to update a traditional space with stunning molding and reads as classic and timeless.

Room by Carrie Lucke Designs. Color drenching with a moody greenish blue @carrielucke Photography by Linda Smallpage; Boutique photographer

This approach isn’t just about being bold—it’s about cohesion and mood. A forest green room can feel serene and sophisticated. A terracotta-clad living room can feel warm and enveloping. Color drenching removes visual breaks, which can actually make a small space feel larger and more intentional. The look is less about making the woodwork "pop" in a color sense but instead letting it recede and be a more textural element versus a color statement.

While this room leans toward color drenching it has left the ceiling white. These all depend on the light quality and mood you are wanting to create in a space.

One of the reasons I love the color drenching trend so much is that while my innate design aesthetic leans very traditional, the color drenching move makes a strong, classic, and understated envelope (chic and even a bit modern) so the traditional elements... well, it does not get too traditional. It allows your tassel-fringed pinch pleat drapes to be clearly yours and not your grandma's.

This is an example from Brunschwig and fils IG that shows color drenching with paper on the ceiling. designer is @stephaniemolsterinteriors and photo by @julialynnphotography

But let's talk nitty-gritty. How do you achieve the look, and how far do you have to go?

The answer—in design, as always—is that it depends. Sometimes you want to wrap the whole room. This means skirting or base molding, walls, crown, and ceiling. Other times, that is a bit much, and the ceiling is better left white, or papered, or a softer neutral color.

Another consideration is whether or not you will vary the paint sheen on the wood surfaces versus the walls. For the purest sense of the look, you would not vary them. But—we are not slaves to trends. Depending on your functional desires, you may want to do the skirting, crown, and base in a satin or eggshell finish. That's okay too!

There are many variations on the theme.

Designers are embracing this technique to create immersive environments, often pairing it with natural materials, layered lighting, and bold textures to bring depth and balance.

This example of color drenching is complete with the skirt, walls, crown and ceiling all in the same color.

Why Is It Trending?

1. We’re craving comfort – After years of sterile grays and minimalist white boxes, homeowners are craving warmth, personality, and color that make a statement.

2. Maximalism is having a moment – Think layered patterns, statement lighting, and now, saturated color. Color drenching fits right into this movement.

3. It photographs beautifully – Let’s be honest: bold, cohesive spaces just look good on social media. And in a visual world, that matters.

Can I Still Paint My Trim White?

Maybe - yes. But be smart about it.

Absolutely. White trim is timeless for a reason. It frames your space, brightens the edges, and gives your walls a crisp, clean look—especially if you’re using mid-tone or pale wall colors.

However, here’s the modern twist: painted trim doesn’t have to be white anymore. Designers are increasingly using trim to either disappear (by painting it the same color as the walls) or to add contrast (by using darker or complementary tones).

You could try:

• Matching the white trim to the white wall color for a seamless, contemporary look.

• Painting the trim a slightly darker shade of the wall color for subtle contrast.

• Using soft neutrals like greige, taupe, or charcoal instead of stark white.

Ultimately, whether you go full-on color drenched or stick with classic white trim, the best choice is the one that fits your space, your light, and your lifestyle. In general, if you love white, just consider that you want to minimize the contrast between your white trim and your wall color choice.

When I use white trim, it's often alongside wallpaper that has a white ground color or white in it. That still works and feels very fresh. Often, I am working with a client who has existing white trim, and we do not want to repaint, but in the process of decorating their space, we will add wallpaper. This updates the room instantly, and the white trim looks fresh and current. Alternatively, if we are not able or interested in papering the walls, we just dial back the contrast and go with a subtle beige, taupe, or other warm soft neutral against the white trim, and in my opinion, that is always a current look.

Hot Tip: AVOID This

White trim gets really most dated looking when used in conjunction with a jewel tone like a navy, cranberry, or bold green color. That starts to feel very '90s or early 2000s.

But What About the Ceiling?

In traditional design, ceilings have long been left white by default—a safe, bright choice that reflects light and keeps things feeling open. But in current paint trends, the ceiling is no longer just the “fifth wall”—it’s a design opportunity.

Painting the ceiling the same color as the walls (or even a bold contrast) can make the room feel cozier, more cohesive, and surprisingly high-end. This works especially well in rooms with standard-height or lower ceilings, where a white ceiling might feel disconnected. Whether you go for a rich navy, a warm clay, or a soft tonal variation, ceiling color can complete the look and deepen the atmosphere of a space.

Final Thoughts

Paint trends will come and go—but your home should always feel like you. Color drenching is a bold, beautiful tool in the design toolbox, but it’s not a rule. Want to try it in a powder room or office before committing to your living room? Perfect. Love your crisp white trim and don’t want to part with it? Keep it. The best paint decision is the one that makes you smile every time you walk through the door.

www.carrieluckedesigns.com