The colour yellow is definitely having a moment. It’s not surprising as it has the power to bring so much joy to a room; automatically uplifting and cheering. Not to mention the myriad of colours that sit so beautifully alongside it.

Like all colours there are warmer and cooler versions of yellow and these tonal elements determine what other colours will work well with your chosen shade. Some yellows will look great alongside olive greens, whilst other cooler tones look fabulous with lavender blues.

Versatility in the natural world

It’s most certainly a colour of nature and in the natural environment yellow is mixed with virtually all colours, but to particularly great effect with blues and violets – the colours that sit opposite yellow on the colour wheel and are therefore complementary. Think forget-me-nots and winter pansies.

Using it in a room you can decide to go for a big yellow statement, as I did in this kitchen, where the client wanted something very bold and bright; reminiscent of the vibrant blue and yellow combination often associated with Sicily. Alternatively, you can use hints of it in a room on accessories such as cushions, throws, vases, ceramics, candles, artwork and rugs – or as a backdrop for bronze or brass accessories in a kitchen.

Yellow also works beautifully on ceilings – especially a more muted mustard tone, with a lighter colour on the walls, creating a soft, warm glow overhead. Looking at the way artists use colour in their work is a great source of inspiration for colour combinations. In Henri Matisse’s painting ‘The Dessert: Harmony in Red (The Red Room)’, he used tiny pops of yellow here and there to break up the vibrant, intense, raspberry red that would other-wise dominate the painting. The blue, raspberry and yellow are stunning together.

Although it does work really well with its complementary colours, don’t be afraid to try yellow with other more surprising options for your room. The photo below shows the different ways yellow will work with a wide variety of colours.
According to colour psych-ology, the colour yellow, with its association with the sun, is the colour of optimism, joy and enlightenment and who doesn’t need a little of that in their life?

Take inspiration from artists and don’t be afraid to choose bold and vibrant colours for your home. With a colour this versatile, is it any wonder that yellow is having its moment in the sun. Indulge and enjoy.