Not beige, not grey – this perfect 'new neutral' is what Josh Brolin, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Martha Stewart are decorating with instead

There's a touch of nostalgia appearing in schemes recently, and when reaching for heritage hues, there is no other color that is quite like butter yellow. This warm hue is shining a spotlight on our homes this spring and summer of 2025. As one of the most uplifting colors – one that reminds us of our youth – it is not surprising that decorating with yellow is having a renaissance.

The versatility of butter yellow makes it a favorite room color idea for interior designers. Francesca Rowan-Plowden, an interior designer and stylist, believes it works perfectly in both period and modern homes, no matter the size or shape.

‘Yellow is a color that people are often scared to use, but it’s a fantastic color to lift a space and create interest and features. It reflects all lights well and makes a room feel very warm and inviting. It’s known to induce creativity and playfulness, so it’s fantastic for busy spaces, but also works well in small snugs and powder rooms. It is a mood-boosting color that many color forecasters would argue is one of the best in the world.

It's not just designers who share our love for this popular color. American actor Josh Brolin, and actress and businesswoman Gwyneth Paltrow have recently used yellow in their latest projects. But it is television personality Martha Stewart who first brought butter yellow into the spotlight. Her famous yellow kitchen was – and still is – considered a food-themed triumph. The retail mogul is always ahead of her time.

It is not just interiors that have seen a yellow renaissance – you just have to take a look at the catwalk and the latest Oscars outfits to see that yellow is back and better than ever. But how simple is this delectable color to use in the home?

‘To use butter yellow, you need to think of it as the “neutral” in the scheme; as a foil to set off other colors, not to overpower everything else,' explains Susan Deliss, textile designer and interior decorator. 'Avoid anything that says canary or banana and go for something that sets off the architecture or warms up a cooler space.’

This cheery color imbues the room with optimism and is perfect for bringing a sense of positivity into the home.

‘Yellow room ideas are also very soothing, particularly when paired with cool, calming tones such as greys and pale, muted blues. The color creates a sense of calm with a feeling of well-being and restfulness.’

As well as considering the style of the room you wish to decorate, you should also think about how you use the space and the energy you wish to evoke. The paler, gentler butter yellow hue will create a calming atmosphere, but if you want more energy, try pairing it with a canary yellow for adding brightness. Tweak that energy further by opting for alternative finishes like chalk or glossy lacquer.

Shop the butter yellow edit

It would seem 2025 is the year many designers and decorators are inviting in the nostalgic shades from the past into their homes. Maybe intentional, maybe accidental, but the colors of the mid-1970s are most certainly back.