Audrey Hepburn was 50 years ahead of 2025's most energizing color trend – an archival photo shows how she expertly balanced yellow in her living room

It's certainly not every day that a photograph from 1971 offers a blueprint for design in the contemporary world, but not every space belongs to Audrey Hepburn. The actress has a reputation as a timeless style icon, and a look inside her Swiss home (named La Plaisible) only emphasizes this further.

Despite originating from the early '70s, the photograph perfectly demonstrates how to style one of 2025's most daring color trends. The majority of the living room exhibits a white color scheme, with one key exception: bright yellow sofas. These pieces bring an instant energy to the otherwise neutral room, but because they have room to breathe, they don't feel overwhelming. The vibrant yellow makes a statement, yet feels curated and effortlessly cool – something we likely all want from our living spaces.

It's unlikely that we would look to a 50-year-old image for lessons in design. However, as experts explain, decorating with yellow is an instant way to bring a hint of nostalgia to a room. Therefore, drawing inspiration from the past isn't as surprising as you might initially expect

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'The growing popularity of yellow in the interior space, especially the living room, is certainly one to watch as a trend for 2025. In fact, in the last month alone, Google searches for ‘yellow interiors’ have skyrocketed by +113%. Harking back to the nostalgic feel of childhood with the Scandinavian style yellow sofas, it is clear to see why it’s a popular option,' comments Monika Puccio from the Sofa Club.

Plus, Monika is not alone in her observations. 'With the sun finally coming out of its winter hibernation, there's no better time to celebrate yellow. From cheery buttercup and zingy lemon to elegant mustard, the joyful hue is one to watch this spring,' adds interior designer Rebecca Hughes.

'Depending on the shade, it can be used to create spaces that are fun and energizing, or restful and serene.'

It's no surprise that yellow sofas, especially those upholstered in vibrant variations of the color (like Audrey's), are a bold investment. To ensure your space doesn't feel too overwhelmed, ensure the rest of your room is a more subtle neutral. The rest of Audrey's room is color-drenched white, including the walls and fireplace, but you can create a similar impact with cream.

If you want to flirt with the color, you can get the look with a cushion or throw (like the ones above), or some flowers, just as Audrey demonstrates.

'Yellow accents such as cushions, picture frames, and lamp shades, for example, can then be used to inject personality back into the living room,' Monika adds. After some time enjoying these sunny hues through your accessories, we expect you'll be following Audrey's sofa example in no time. Watch this space.