You’ve heard of color drenching, but 2025 is here with a fresh, chic take on the trend that just might elevate your bathroom design: material drenching. Coined by designer Jake Arnold, this concept builds on the allover aesthetic popularized by color drenching, but with a tactile twist.
By wrapping a space entirely in a single material—whether marble, wood, tile, or plaster—designers can create striking, immersive spaces for the everyday that balance luxury, simplicity, and cohesion. Let’s dive into this tactile trend that offers not only a canvas for creativity but also a versatile approach to crafting spaces that exude personality and functionality.
Why Bathrooms Are Perfect for Material Drenching
Bathrooms, particularly powder rooms, provide an ideal setting for the material drenching approach. These spaces are often smaller and more intimate, making them perfect for experimenting with bold, cohesive designs and luxurious materials. As Ryder Reynolds, principal at Dowbuilt, observes, these rooms allow designers to tell a story through material selection, crafting environments that feel immersive and personal.
This trend provides an opportunity to transform the mundane into the extraordinary. A well-drenched bathroom is not merely a functional space; it’s a sculptural statement, a place where walls, floors, and ceilings dissolve into one harmonious vision.
Materials That Shine with This Trend
While material drenching embraces uniformity of the space, the key lies in selecting the right material to achieve the desired aesthetic and functional effect. Here are some standout materials to consider:
- Marble: Calacatta Monet marble, famously used in Chrissy Teigen and John Legend’s Beverly Hills home, demonstrates how this luxurious stone can elevate a bathroom to artful heights.
- Zellige Tiles: These textured, handmade tiles bring warmth and depth, offering a tactile experience that’s perfect for modern interpretations of the trend.
- Plaster: With its smooth, velvety finish, plaster creates a serene, minimalist vibe.
- Wood: Designers like Tommy Zung use Garapa wood to dissolve boundaries and evoke a spa-like sense of tranquility.
- Sustainable Options: The trend offers opportunities to incorporate eco-friendly choices as well. Tadelakt, for example, is not only beautiful but also a sustainable alternative to conventional plaster. Similarly, sourcing reclaimed wood or recycled tiles can align with a client’s desire for a greener home without compromising on style.
A common challenge here will be ensuring proper lighting to highlight the materials without overwhelming the space, emphasizing the importance of intentional lighting choices. We recommend strategies like concealed joints and continuous materials to create a seamless flow. By utilizing both natural and artificial lighting, you can highlight the textures and finishes of the materials you choose, enhancing the room’s sculptural quality.
Finding Inspiration
Material drenching often draws inspiration from hospitality design, such as chic restaurants and boutique hotels and spas. This nod to commercial interiors can bring a touch of high-end sophistication to residential projects.
Interestingly, the material drenching trend also taps into a sense of nostalgia, an overall trend we’re seeing for 2025. Many clients who grew up in the 1980s are drawn to the dramatic, enveloping designs reminiscent of that era. However, today’s designs lean toward understated elegance, focusing on the natural beauty and texture of materials rather than overly saturated colors or busy patterns.
Practical Tips for Incorporating Material Drenching Into Your Next Design
- Start Small: Powder rooms are excellent spaces to test material drenching. Their size allows for bold choices without the risk of overwhelming the client.
- Think Scale and Format: The scale of the material is crucial. Smaller tiles, for example, maintain a sense of human scale, while larger slabs create seamless, expansive surfaces.
- Embrace the Classics: Drawing inspiration from iconic designs, like Miles Redd’s mirrored bathroom by David Adler, can offer timeless references for contemporary projects.
- Experiment with Color and Texture: While monochromatic schemes are popular, consider introducing subtle variations in texture or tone to add visual interest without breaking the cohesive look.
A Narrative Experience
Ultimately, material drenching is about crafting an experiential journey. Every surface works in harmony, creating a tranquil, immersive environment that transcends mere aesthetics. It’s a design language that speaks to luxury, functionality, and storytelling, giving designers an opportunity to push creative boundaries.
For 2025, material drenching is set to redefine bathroom design. It’s a chance for designers to deliver everyday spaces that are not only visually impactful but also deeply personal and engaging. How will you be leaning into this trend for 2025?
