How To Give The Wood Drenching Trend A Modern Twist

Drenching is a design trend that one either completely shuns or wholly embraces. There is no in-between, what with the level of commitment it takes to boldly immerse an entire room in a single color. But as it turns out, paint isn't the only option for this trend: Wood drenching is catching the eye of designers and homeowners, who are eager to explore the design possibilities of an all-wood interior. Just like color drenching, the wood drenching trend delivers a stunning visual impact. 

Perhaps the growing popularity of wood drenching shouldn't come as a surprise. 2025 kicked off with trends embracing modern organic materials and robust, earthy colors like Pantone's stunning color of the year, Mocha Mousse. With its natural qualities, wood nurtures a feeling of warmth through its variety of tones and textures.

Though wood paneling remains heavily associated with '70s interiors, its resurgence in 2025 needn't carry the same level of kitsch. Today, wood drenching is being reinterpreted in contemporary ways while still retaining its retro charm. Just as one would avoid certain shades when color drenching, the trend requires the careful selection of materials to successfully distance itself from memories of drab wood-paneled mountain chalets or dated country club lounges. Look to the tasteful lines of Scandinavian-inspired rooms or Japandi's Zen-like aesthetics for inspiration if you're aiming to create modern wood-drenched spaces.

When embarking on a wood-drenching project, remember that your choice of wood dictates the atmosphere you're trying to achieve. Light-toned wood kindles a sense of brightness and modernity, while a darker-hued material contributes drama and sumptuousness to a space. While the consistent use of a specific type of wood can create a seamless and streamlined look, there is some leeway for mixing and matching, as long as you don't stray too far away from your dominant wood profile. To add depth to your space, try orienting wood panels horizontally or vertically to widen or heighten a room's proportions; introduce textures through exposed beams or wooden slats; and match variations of wood tone and grain together for a layered look. Keep the contrasts simple and subtle to maintain a contemporary and seamless look. 

Wood drenching can be an expensive project to undertake, especially when starting from scratch. If you aren't planning on a renovation or are currently renting, luxury vinyl wood planks or wood-patterned peel-and-stick wallpaper can represent affordable and temporary solutions. If your space currently has dated wood paneling, give it a lick of paint to brighten and modernize it. Explore the creative ways to use wood to transform your ceilings with beams or panels. When it comes to furnishing a wood-drenched room, practice restraint: You don't want to overwhelm your space with too much wood. Instead, decorate with accent chairs, side tables, and other furniture pieces that have hints of wood in them.