Color drenching is 2025’s most sophisticated paint trend – and Johnny Galecki’s home library is the picture-perfect example
The actor’s rich, moody reading room, designed by Pierce & Ward, is a masterclass in how to use a single hue to create depth, drama, and warmth at home


Johnny Galecki’s Ojai, California, home is full of charm, but it’s his moody, cocooning library that’s making waves in the design world. Recently shared by acclaimed interior designers Pierce & Ward on Instagram, the space is a masterclass in one of 2025’s most compelling paint trends: color drenching.
For the uninitiated, color drenching involves painting every surface in a room – walls, trim, ceiling, and even built-ins – in a single, saturated hue. The effect is immersive, atmospheric, and deeply sophisticated.
In Johnny Galecki’s case, a rich, velvety red coats the entire space, creating a dramatic backdrop for vintage armchairs, a well-stocked bookshelf, and a cabinet of curiosities that reflect The Big Bang Theory actor’s eclectic taste.
What makes the red room particularly compelling is its finish – there’s a subtle sheen to the paint, likely a lacquer or high-gloss, which elevates the tone and catches the light in just the right way. The choice of room color feels luxurious and a little mysterious, perfectly suited for a library that invites quiet retreat. It’s also a reminder that small or low-lit rooms don’t always benefit from light colors; sometimes, embracing the dark can be transformative.
A post shared by Pierce & Ward (@pierceandward)
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Color drenching is gaining momentum for good reason. As design continues to move away from sterile minimalism and toward richer, more expressive spaces, this technique offers a bold yet cohesive way to work with color. By eliminating contrasting lines and framing elements, the eye is allowed to rest, and the result feels intentional, calming, and high-impact.
If you’re looking to try the interior design trend at home, start with a smaller space – think a study, powder room, or reading nook. Choose a shade that speaks to the mood you want to create, and don’t be afraid to go deep. A matte finish will add softness, while high-gloss or satin can lend a more refined touch. Add texture through furniture and accessories to keep the room dynamic.
Similar red reading room
Johnny Galecki’s library, as imagined by Pierce & Ward, is proof that bold color can be both timeless and on trend. It’s not just about making a statement. It’s about creating a space that feels completely, unapologetically yours.
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Shop the look
Take a cue from Johnny Galecki and embrace the impact of a single, statement shade – drench your space in rich, tonal red for a look that feels both bold and beautifully cohesive. Here are my favorite product selects to help you bring the look home.
Add a bold, artful accent to your space with the Fenwick table lamp. Featuring a sculptural ceramic grid base and a pleated paper shade, both in a rich red-on-red palette, this striking design brings warmth and personality to any room. Perfect for side tables, consoles, or nightstands, it offers a distinctive blend of color and texture that elevates your lighting scheme with effortless style.
Crafted exclusively for Terrain at Anthropologie, this vibrant wreath brings a warm, seasonal touch to your home. Designed with a richly textured mix of flax, eucalyptus, celosia, and bloom broom grass, it showcases deep red hues that evoke the spirit of autumn. Made from natural materials and assembled by hand in the USA, each piece features subtle variations that make it uniquely yours.
Effortlessly refined, this exclusive throw pillow brings everyday luxury to any space. Crafted from washed organic cotton velvet, it offers a soft, matte finish with subtle variations in tone – an earthy chestnut red inspired by the warmth of fall. The relaxed texture and flange edge detailing strike the perfect balance between casual comfort and elevated style. Perfect for layering on a sofa, armchair, or bed, this 20x20 pillow includes your choice of a plush feather-down or down-alternative insert for tailored comfort year-round.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for several years in both the US and UK, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing and occasionally dabbles in the social media, commercial, and the e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling houses designed by some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances, and even writing a few news stories or two.
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