SERENDIPITY
Design Trend How-To: Color Drenching
FEBRUARY 2025
In a recent article by Serendipity, Jocelyn Chiappone, owner of Digs Design Company in Newport, Rhode Island, shares her expertise on the sophisticated design technique known as color drenching. This method involves painting walls, trim, and built-in features uniformly in a single hue, creating a cohesive and immersive ambiance.
Chiappone emphasizes the importance of aligning color choices with the desired atmosphere of a space. She advises, "If you want a lively dynamic living room, I recommend a much lighter tone, such as a cream sofa against emerald-green walls. If you are going for a cozy space, a navy linen on a sofa in a small library bathed in navy grasscloth will fit the bill." This approach ensures that the room's mood resonates with its function and the homeowner's preferences.
In a recent project, Chiappone's team transformed a client's Cape Cod summer home, featuring a third-floor study entirely enveloped in blue. She notes, "I chose a medium gray blue for my client’s home office because it has just enough saturation without being too dark. The color changes with the light. I enjoy how that interaction with natural light adds a dynamic layer to the room." This highlights her attention to how natural light influences color perception throughout the day.
Chiappone also addresses the strategic decision of extending the chosen color to the ceiling, especially in rooms with unique architectural features. For the Cape Cod project, she explains, "Because the husband’s office had a pitched ceiling, color drenching the ceiling in the same blue helped prevent the room and windows from feeling low. It created an envelope, which further masked the low ceiling and window problem." This demonstrates her ability to use color to enhance spatial perception and address architectural challenges.
Through her thoughtful application of color drenching, Jocelyn Chiappone exemplifies Digs Design Company's commitment to creating spaces that are both visually striking and tailored to the client's lifestyle. Her insights offer valuable guidance for those seeking to incorporate this timeless design technique into their own homes.