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
(Image credit: Getty Images / Michael Tran / Contributor)

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.

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.

living room painted in a gloss red with modern black double doors leading onto the connecting room

Similar red reading room

(Image credit: Future)

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.

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.

Jennifer Ebert
Editor

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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