Josh Brolin just decorated with the trending color that is replacing gray and beige for 2026

Color is a powerful tool in interior design and can change the atmosphere of a space, making it feel warm and cozy or cool and modern.

Yellow is one such room color idea that has the power to transform. Mood-lifting and warm, decorating with yellow brings energy, confidence and optimism to a space. It can be used anywhere in the home but is particularly effective in busy spaces, such as kitchens and entryways, or north-facing rooms that lack light.

However, if yellow room ideas are your kryptonite, follow in the lead of American actor Josh Brolin, and use yellow – decorating with butter yellow is the color trend of the moment – in every single room in your home. I predict this color will take over our decorating choices, and replace gray in 2026.

Yellow is the shade of optimism and joy, so after the global turbulence of the past few years, it comes as little surprise that it is decorating’s color du jour. But it is so much more than a flash in the pan – the right shade can have surprising longevity and add richness to more traditional schemes.

Josh Brolin's Malibu home, designed by Pierce & Ward is a case in point. An amalgamation of rich full-bodied yellow and soft, subtle butter yellow, the entire home delivers an infusion of sunshine while remaining on the right side of sophistication.

From pretty primrose to zesty lemon, yellow brings warmth and sunshine to every surface it touches, according to paint and color experts.

‘This cheery color imbues the room with optimism and is perfect for bringing a sense of positivity into the home,’ says Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown. ‘Yellow is also very soothing and cocooning. 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. Paler, gentler shades will create a calming atmosphere while stronger sunnier hues offer a more high-octane energy. Tweak that energy further by opting for alternative finishes like chalk or glossy lacquer.

When it comes to deciding where and how much yellow to use, consider the light in the space. ‘As with any pigment, natural light will affect how your color choice looks in a room so I’d always recommend painting a sample onto the different walls in a room so you can see how it will look in different lights throughout the day,’ says Dominic Myland, owner of Myland Paints.

‘If yellow walls might be too much for you, introduce it into smaller areas such as kitchen cabinetry, window and door woodwork, the inside of a wardrobe, or by painting a favorite piece of furniture. For a north-facing room, yellows and yellow-based off-whites will imbue the room with warmth and counterbalance a cool light.’

The versatility of yellow makes it a favorite element in decorating schemes for interior designers and decorators. It works perfectly with period or architectural features such as old brick and beams. Yellow is a color that people are often scared to use, but it’s a fantastic color to really lift a space and create interest and features. It reflects all lights well and makes a room feel very warm and inviting.

A whole house color scheme may seem daunting, but get it right, and you'll never have to worry about color combinations ever again.

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Spread sunshine, positivity, and joy through all seasons and spaces with the uplifting hue. I've selected my favorite butter-yellow decor buys to make you feel happier at home without needing a full remodel.