Butter, honey, lemon, mustard, saffron… No, I’m not talking about pantry ingredients here, but the various shades of yellow currently stealing the spotlight in interior design.
Everywhere you look, you will most likely spot this shade, which got me wondering – why the sudden surge of interest? “Whilst it goes through waves of popularity, yellow has been used in interiors for centuries,” says Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook. “It was particularly popular in the 18th century due to the rise of Neoclassical style, and then again in the ‘60s and ‘70s when bright, bold colour and pattern was heavily embraced.”
This nostalgic hue symbolises hope and oozes positivity, so it’s no surprise it is taking over the interiors industry, but is it easy to decorate with?
We’ve got the lowdown on what you need to know about the colour of the moment…
How to choose the right shade of yellow
With the sheer variety of shades available now, how do you even find the right yellow for your interior design? Tash Bradley, director of interior design at Lick, says that it’s not as simple as picking a shade and splashing it on your walls. For example, while butter yellow is the talk of the season, Rob Green, founder of Coat Paints, says it’s actually harder to use than it looks.
“It’s all about mood, light, and balance,” explains Tash. “The secret lies in its undertone. Some yellows are more buttery and soft, others have a zingy citrus kick, and some lean towards mustardy or even slightly green. The way you experience them depends hugely on the room’s light,” she says. North-facing rooms tend to have a bluer natural light, so the yellow you choose should counterbalance its coolness. Meanwhile, south-facing rooms tend to be flooded with natural light, which is where you can opt for a buttery hue, says Tash.
Test samples
It’s always advisable to test paint shades in different lighting before committing to a specific tone. “Notice how it shifts and whether it gives you that ‘yes, this is it!’ feeling,” she adds. So, when it comes to decorating your kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom with yellow, Tash recommends being intentional. “It’s not about overpowering a room; it’s about inviting warmth in,” she says.
Consider accent shades
Also, during the design phase, William Durrant, owner of Herringbone House, advises considering accent shades. “To prevent it from feeling too sweet or one-note, pair it with earthy tones like deep greens, warm browns, or rusty reds. These richer hues help to ground the space and create a more layered, sophisticated look,” suggests Uns Hobbs, founder of the eponymous interior design studio.
So, whether you decide to accessorise your interiors with just a splash of yellow, or drench all your walls in this shade, be confident you’ll be creating a joyful, positive room, that’s bang on trend.
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