The term ‘drenching’ has been taking over when it comes to interior design. Last year, color and tile drenching proved popular decorating styles, but as we head into 2025, it’s all about stone drenching.
An approach that sees rooms covered in statement stone, this interior design trend might feel most fitting in a bathroom, but plenty of other rooms can thrive with this decorating style, too.
To find out everything you need to know about this emerging trend, plus how to nail the look, we’ve turned to design experts to get the lowdown. Turns out, it’s the perfect balance of bold and sophisticated.
What is stone drenching?
(Image credit: Lapicida)
We are constantly seeking ways to balance timeless style and a bold, unique approach in our homes. Stone drenching plays into this desire perfectly – it blends enduring materials with an unexpected decorating style.
But what exactly is stone drenching? Rebecca Cherrington, head of projects at Lapicida, sums it up perfectly, explaining, ‘It’s the use of one material for all walls, floors, and units for a dramatic and cohesive look.’
While the obvious room to introduce stone drenching is the bathroom (and rightly so), it can pack a punch in plenty of rooms in your home – like the kitchen, for example.
(Image credit: Cullifords)
‘Stone drenching takes the concept of using stone beyond kitchen countertops and flooring by immersing entire rooms or key architectural elements in the beauty of stone surfaces,’ says Oli Webb, director at Cullifords.
Alternatively, hallways, laundry rooms, and even living spaces can be transformed with stone drenching – especially if you’re looking for a bold and unexpected design feature.
‘The technique is suitable for most spaces, from bathrooms and kitchens to bedrooms and living rooms,’ adds Oli, who explains that the stone and finish you choose have the biggest impact.
‘Stone drenching is about embracing the raw, textural quality of stone and allowing it to completely envelop a space. It offers a way to connect homes with the beauty of the outdoors, whilst creating an atmosphere which feels both grounded and timeless,’ he adds.
What type of stone works best?
(Image credit: Tamsin Johnson)
The stone you choose will greatly affect the overall look and feel of your space. A bold, heavily veined stone will feel statement and maximalist, while more muted, simple stones are more calming and lean more minimalist. So, which is best?
‘There is no one stone which works best. Marble, travertine, and granite are all great options, with their timeless allure, combined with contemporary design principles, making this decorative style popular with homeowners and designers alike,’ says Oli.
When choosing the stone you want to use, consider the style and aesthetic you want for your space. Do you want your scheme to feel polished and elegant or more tactile and organic?
‘This look can be achieved either with porcelain or stone. If using marble or marble-effect porcelain, opt for a larger format with a lighter veining, as a dark, dramatic veining can look extremely heavy depending on the room size. Limestone is also a good option as it has a wonderful tactile quality,’ says Rebecca.
How to bring the stone drenching trend into your home
There are more ways to introduce the stone-drenching trend into your home than you might think. Here are a few designs that prove how stylish and enduring this trend can be.
Frame a bath with statement stone
(Image credit: Laura Moss / Vanessa DeLeon Associates)
When you think about creating a focal point within a room, you’d probably make the feature the most eye-catching, and give everything around it a more pared-back look.
But in this marble bathroom, the approach has been reversed, and stone drenching is the chosen method. A strongly veined black and white marble covers the walls, floors, and ceiling, creating a dramatic frame for the freestanding bathtub.
By keeping the bath design simple – white, smooth, and curvaceous – it stands out amongst the more daring stone surrounding it by becoming the more pared-back detail.
Infuse rich color and texture with granite
(Image credit: Cullifords)
There’s a real misconception that a stone drenched room will feel cold, but the right choice of stone will infuse warmth and energy into a scheme, like in this bathroom that has been drenched in granite.
Bringing in plenty of warmth, texture, and visual interest, this bathroom vanity has been elevated with a dose of stone drenching, and it’s the perfect way to try this emerging trend.
‘For those who are looking to embrace this decorative scheme should start by focusing on a feature wall or statement piece. Consider a stone drenched shower enclosure or vanity unit in the bathroom, both of which will create a sense of calm whilst displaying a bold, design statement,’ says Oli.
Make an unexpected statement in a bedroom
(Image credit: Cullifords)
The room you’re stone drenching will have a huge effect on the stone you use. ‘Whether it’s a marble being used throughout the bathroom, granite in the kitchen, or travertine in the bedroom, designers and homeowners are experimenting with different finishes,’ says Oli.
In this bedroom, travertine is the stone of choice. While this might be a more unexpected place to introduce the trend, this scheme proves just how effective it can be.
The tones are warm and the textural detail has a softness to it that feels right at home in a bedroom. Plus, the tonal scheme feels cozy and inviting. ‘From polished and honed to more textured and raw, [they] bring an increased depth and dimension to homes,’ adds Oli.
Drench a walk-in shower with stone
(Image credit: Cullifords)
If a large bathroom feels like too daring of an endeavor, stone drenching a shower room or nook can be a stylish way to experiment with the trend without committing to a whole room.
This design is a perfect example. A bold, statement stone has been used for the walls, floor, ceiling, and shower ledge – it creates an encompassing nook that’s contrasted by a more neutral, calming main bathroom.
The stone drenching trend is one that’s here to stay. It’s bold, dramatic, and works a treat in almost any room of the home. Its enduring appeal and versatility to work in an interior design style make it an appealing design choice.
‘Try to go for a timeless look. It is important to choose something you genuinely love when living with a lot of the same material – unlike paint, it is not a quick change, and it should be a very considered design choice to make sure it flows with the rest of the house,’ Rebecca advises.
As with any interior design trend, how you approach it should focus on the style and finish that caters to your style – make sure it’s something you love, whether it’s marble or granite, to create a scheme that grows with you.
