I used to think small spaces needed to stay light and neutral, like they were shy or something. But then I found out about color drenching, and everything changed. If you haven’t heard of it, color drenching is when you use one bold color across the walls, trim, and even the ceiling. It sounds intense, right? It is. In the best possible way.

So naturally, I went all in and painted our bathroom Salute by Sherwin Williams.

This space went from basic to bold faster than I could light a taper candle. I leaned into the drama with warm, moody walls in Salute by Sherwin Williams, wrapping the whole room in this deep, saturated red. It completely transformed the space into a little jewel box, that is rich, layered, and full of personality. It’s amazing what the right color can do in a small room.

Let’s talk about the details, because they really make the room. The gold mirror and vintage-style light fixture set the tone right away, but it’s the smaller touches that really bring it home. The curved brass faucet, the toilet lever, and the matching towel hook all tie into the warm, moody palette. The candles add that soft, cozy glow, and the shower curtain adds just enough drama. It’s giving "tiny royal retreat" in the best way.

Here’s something to keep in mind if you’re thinking about trying a bold color yourself: lighting makes a big difference. The same paint color can look completely different depending on the natural and artificial light in your space. Since this bathroom doesn’t get a ton of natural light, I leaned into the warmth and picked a rich red that glows under the sconces and candlelight. If your room gets a lot of sun, a deep navy or forest green might give you that same cozy effect without feeling too heavy. Cool light will bring out cooler tones, and warm bulbs will make everything feel a little more golden and soft.

People always say small rooms need light colors to feel bigger, but I think they just need confidence. This bathroom proves that going bold in a small space doesn't make it feel smaller. It makes it feel intentional. It makes it feel designed.

So if you’ve been tempted to try something dramatic, especially in a space that’s a little smaller, this is your sign. Go for the deep green, the inky blue, the moody plum. Or, if you’re really ready to have fun, go full red.

You just might fall in love with your house all over again.

Links at a Glance

Black Round Mirror (Before Picture)

Ruffled Shower Curtain (Before Picture)

Vintage-Inspired Light Fixture