Yellow (specifically ‘mimosa’ – an orange-hued, warm shade) has been declared thecolour of 2009 by Pantone, the global provider of professional colour standards to the design industries. Find out how to decorate with this season’s hottest hue.
1. Come out of the shadows
Everyone has dark areas in their home, especially if a room lacks natural light or is north-facing. Think of yellow as ‘sunshine in a paint tin’, says interiors author Stephanie Hoppen. But take heed; too much of the yolk hue can be nausea-inducing and irritating so opt for ‘soft, gentle shades of sand, maize, hay and straw for larger areas.
2. Build me up, buttercup
Thanks to the Darwin hype, nature is a hot trend right now. Kill two birds with one stone this season with a yellow floral print like Wolcott Wallpaper (£22) from Laura Ashley. Balance with a neutral shade in sand, white or cream on the other walls. To avoid a sickly feel, follow interior designer Kelly Hoppen advice that ‘the pinkiness of taupe’ clashes with yellow tones.
3. Lighten up
‘The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance,’ explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. Go the whole hog with this Oswald Armchair in Hakon Yellow Velvet (£2,885) from The Conran Shop for a good mood home.
4. Grown-up yellow
Yellow doesn’t have to be garish. ‘Warmer golds and tans bring the natural world inside to create a look of comforting and calming radiance’ says Dulex. For grandiose gold, check out the Raj furniture range by Homescapes, available from Amazon. Or for more subtle tans, try these Lintel Dining Chairs (£99 each) from John Lewis. This trend ‘evokes vintage glamour’ says Anderson.
5. How to use neon
Feeling brave? Make a style statement with edgy yellow retro pieces. Funk up your kitchen with Eiffel Chairs (£190) from The Conran Shop and this kitsch Yellow & Cream Retro Telephone (£63.62) from Heal’s. It’s a case of the brighter the better, but stick to furniture and accessories – don’t paint your walls in these electric shades. Overusing bright yellow makes ‘babies cry and grown-ups lose their tempers’ and hurts our eyes, says designer Kathy Barto of KMB Designs.
6. What does yellow clash with?
Be careful when pairing yellow with other colours. It looks dicey alongside reds and purples and when next to black, it runs the risk of looking like a building site. Teaming it with grey, however, adds a soft sophistication to the brighter hue. This Bold Spot Print Cushion (£25) from Marks & Spencer is very chic and will bring a spot of colour to your sofa.
7. Colour of change and creativity
Michelle Obama wore yellow for the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony earlier this year. The hue symbolizes new life, hope and change; she must have been confident about the result! Follow in the First Lady’s footsteps and bring optimism into your surrounding – drink to happy days with this Process yellow Pantone mug (£7.75) from John Lewis. ‘Yellow is a great colour to have fun with whilst decorating and can add freshness to your home with a vibrant energy and optimism’ says Anderson.
8. Create a sunny glow with lighting
Embrace the trend with a simple light shade. A yellow shade will fill the room with sunshine, like this Bright Yellow Drum Shade (£40) from Heal’s. Yellow ‘can make any area warm and inviting’ says Stephanie Hoppen. So expect your friends round more often.
9. Get motivated with colour help
It’s often underestimated how much colour affects our mood. ‘Yellow stimulates the brain and makes people open-minded, decisive and alert. It helps concentration and is therefore a good colour to use in rooms where you work or think’, explains Hoppen. Deck out your home office with this Caroline Yellow Glass Table Lamp (£97.87) from Heal’s and India Yellow Clock (£30) from Not on the High Street, and you’ll be the model worker.
10. Yellow brings out the fun in interiors
‘Whether it be a statement piece of furniture or a funky accessory, yellow is sure to lift any room and give it a new lease of life for Spring’ says Gillian Anderson, Trading Director at Heal’s. You can’t help but smile when you catch sight of this Puddle Table (£150) from Susan Bradley. Life is for laughing, after all.
About Author Annie is an expert furniture and interior design writer. Her current area of specialism is
floor tiles,
sheds and
wall clocks
