Colour Trend: Why Yellow Is 2023's Most Popular Paint Shade
Built-in cupboards in Carnaby Yellow by Annie Sloan.
From dijon mustard shades to muted buttercup tones, yellow interiors are everywhere this year. While the colour was an expected trend, 2023 has been the year that we’ve fallen in love with yellow kitchen cabinets, painted yellow playrooms and upcycled furniture in the bright, happy hue. Personally, I’ve also developed a love affair with using yellow in my home; it now features in both my bathroom and dining room. But, why has yellow become such a firm favourite within interior design? Here are five reasons why I think yellow home decor is here to stay:
This wonderful pantry by British Standard Cupboards looks incredible in yellow. Design: Sarah Brown Interiors. Photographer: Chris Snook.
Yellow works well with other colours
While yellow may not be considered a neutral, it’s a colour that works well alongside many other tones. Greens, burgundies, pinks and blues all look great with yellow and it is also a great accompaniment to white - yellow skirting boards or a yellow window look amazing when combined with chalky white walls.
The British Standard Cupboards cabinets in yellow work in harmony with the purple tones of the island and the rich blue and green featured in the far rooms. Design: Sarah Brown Interiors. Photographer: Chris Snook.
Yellow works well in kids’ rooms
As a happy colour, yellow is the perfect choice for kids’ bedrooms or playrooms. If you don’t want yellow walls, paint toy storage cabinets or invest in a yellow desk or a set of drawers to bring the colour into the room and make a real statement. Rather than using a bright sunshine yellow, choose a sophisticated yellow such as Farrow & Ball’s India Yellow that doesn’t feel too childlike so the decor won’t be outgrown too quickly.
A stunning scallop-detail playroom painted in ‘Morning Room’ by Paint & Paper Library. Design: A New Day. Photographer: Anna Stathaki.
This amazing scallop wardrobe and toy storage area was designed by House Nine Design. Photographer: Robin Quarrelle.
Yellow has a modern yet traditional feel
Yellow works really well with natural materials such as wood and rattan and can be used to create a modern yet traditional design scheme. Pair yellow with wood flooring, reclaimed chairs and tables and vintage furniture and accessories for a classic yet current look.
The beautiful muted yellow of ‘Hay’ by Farrow & Ball in the home of Folie Chambre owner Natalie.
A fabulous vintage sideboard sprayed in a fab yellow colour sold via Folie Chambre.
Yellow brightens up dark spaces
The bold, vivid pigments that make up the colour yellow instantly lift and brighten dark corners and small spaces without having to revert to using pure brilliant white shades. Yellow radiates and diffuses a glowing brilliance that will lighten areas typically known to be dark, such as under stair storage, alcoves, lower-ground rooms or small, windowless utility areas.
I brightend up a dark corner by painting a pine dresser in Yellow-Pink by Little Greene.
Yellow makes you happy
While it might be a cliche to associate yellow with sunshine, the emotional impact of having yellow in your home does feel the same as walking outside on a bright, sunny day. A little hit of yellow as you walk into a room can induce a cheerful and buoyant mood.
An elegant mustard-tone bathroom featuring Soane Britain Scrolling Fern wallpaper.
Wall and tiles, both ‘Bassoon’ by Little Greene. The tiles are a collaboration with Bert & May and can be purchased via Hyperion Tiles.