There is 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 yellow is shining a spotlight on our homes this summer. As one of the most uplifting colors – one that reminds us of our youth – it is not surprising that it is having a renaissance.
When American actor Josh Brolin revealed his Pierce & Ward-designed Malibu home, we knew we were in for a visual treat. Champions of the 'ugly' color trend, the design duo of Louisa Pierce and Emily Ward frequently throw out the rulebook with their adoration for unusual color combinations for rooms – this time, a yellow bathroom that welcomes the return of this seventies favorite.
Butter yellow sits happily alongside olive green accents and dark wood antique furniture. ‘Maybe intentional, maybe accidental, but these were the warm colors of my mid-1970s childhood all over again,’ says decorator Ben Pentreath.
All yellows tend to be warm, but buttery yellows can be refreshing yet also calming. They work very well with natural materials and wood tones of all kinds and can lift any pale neutral scheme, acting like an accent without shouting or popping excessively. Embraced in a big way or used in small doses, this subtly sunny shade is rich, and versatile and exudes positivity and warmth.
Decorating with yellow is a welcoming, joyful, vibrant choice, agrees Dominic Myland of Mylands. It works well as an accent color or as the main color within the room. Rich, golden butter yellows pair well with a range of accent colors.
‘Try monochrome accents for a modern interior – what color scheme could be more uplifting than yellow and white? Or look to nature for inspiration and pair it with soft greens for a fresh but calming feel. For bathrooms, yellow and green is a warm combination that feels calming and uplifting at the same time.
The versatility of butter yellow makes it a favorite element in decorating schemes for interior designers. Francesca Rowan-Plowden believes it works perfectly with period 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. It’s known to induce creativity and playfulness, so it’s fantastic for busy spaces, but also works well in powder rooms and cloakrooms.
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