Soft and inviting, butter yellow has been our favorite color trend since the beginning of the year. The soothing shade instantly brightens any space where it is used, but is it just a fleeting fad?
Two images of Gloria Steinem's living room, taken 25 years apart, say 'no.' If the iconic American journalist and activist's opinion is anything to go off, butter yellow will be around long after the typical trend has come and gone.
The first living room picture was taken for The New Yorker by Gillian Laub in 2025, and the second is from 1990. In both images, the most prominent feature is a yellow wall, highlighting the enduring power of the shade.
Gloria Steinem's living room in 2025
Decorating with yellow is a timeless option due to its mood-boosting properties; it's no wonder a highly successful person would want to incorporate it as part of their scheme.
Emma Bestley, Creative Director, Co-Founder, and color expert at YesColours explains: 'From a neuroscience and colour psychology perspective: pale yellows like this are known to stimulate serotonin, the feel-good chemical in our brains, helping to promote feelings of happiness, comfort, and creativity. It’s why buttery yellows often find a home in spaces made for gathering, cooking, and reconnecting, places that feed both body and mind.'
Shop the Butter Yellow Edit
Butter yellow and relaxed linen textiles go hand-in-hand. Lean into spring bedroom ideas and give your bed a sunny new disposition with this set of pillowcases from Pottery Barn, shown here in the 'Daffodil' colorway.
A really quick and easy way to introduce a new color into your space is with some new textiles like this fringed throw blanket from H&M. Made with wool content, it is plush and cozy to snuggle under on chilly spring days.
You must have seen the cult favorite salt and pepper shakers from Addison Ross by now, either from me or on social media. These little chubby bobbin designs have just been released in 'Butter Cream, ' a very happy yellow for your spring table.
For a really inexpensive nod to the trend, these tapered candles from H&M will add warmth to a pretty brass candle holder. With a burn time of 8 hours, bring them out for all your spring and summer hosting.
The sleek, Mid-Century-inspired table lamp is perfect for minimalists who want to bring a touch of butter yellow into neutral spaces. Standing 18 inches tall, it's perfect for adding some chic, contemporary flair to your desk or bedside table.
Splatterware is also going to be huge for 2025, and what better way to buy into it than with a durable enamelware pitcher that is also splatter-proof enough for hosting al fresco. Use it to serve up fresh beverages or as a vase on your kitchen island.
If you are thinking of decorating with a yellow room idea in your own home, there are many options in and outside of the living room to make the color shine.
Emma advises: 'Yellow is known to stimulate the left side of the brain which helps with clear thinking and decision making so it’s a hue to certainly consider in your home office environment, too. An option would be to use it as an accent colour on woodwork, within a window reveal or zoning a corner of that room in yellow.'
Butter yellow is more than a fleeting interior design trend due to its historical roots and long-lasting power. In 25 years, it will still look just as good.
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