Long before dopamine décor and sun-drenched interiors took hold, Martha Stewart was already ahead of the curve. Her iconic 1970s butter yellow kitchen, with its soft, golden tones and timeless charm, is making a spirited comeback – and all signs point to this warm, nostalgic hue becoming one of 2026’s defining color trends.
Martha Stewart’s butter-yellow kitchen is a perfect fusion of nostalgia, charm, and clever design. It perfectly demonstrates how heritage hues can be both joyful and enduring in contemporary homes. This vibrant hue fills the room with warmth and is ideal for adding an uplifting, positive energy to your home.
It's official: the butter yellow kitchen is well and truly back for 2025.
Unlike the cooler grays and stark whites of years past, butter yellow offers something softer and more emotionally resonant. It brings a mood-lifting warmth that’s both sophisticated and approachable, perfect for spaces that serve as the heart of the home. Designers are now reimagining this retro classic in elevated finishes, from hand-painted kitchen cabinetry to serveware.
‘To use butter yellow in a residential property, 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, a 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.’
If you are wondering what colors to pair with butter yellow, expect to see this hue paired with natural textures, warm metals, and creamy off-whites, lending kitchens a sun-kissed, lived-in elegance. Whether in a traditional farmhouse or a modern rustic scheme, butter yellow is poised to lead a quiet revolution, ushering in a new era of color confidence, comfort, and nostalgic luxury.
With its comforting feel and understated elegance, butter yellow is more than a passing trend. It’s a return to warmth, softness, and the soul of the home. And as we look ahead to 2026, it’s clear: Martha had it right all along.
Shop the yellow edit
Brighten your home (not just your kitchen) with buttery yellow accents. Shop my favorite vibrant home décor that brings warmth, nostalgia, and a sunny vibe to every room.
Elevate your space with this elegant ceramic vase, perfectly sized (3.7" W x 7.7" H) for fresh or dried flowers, such as roses, tulips, or sunflowers. Featuring a smooth frosted finish and modern glaze, it’s a stylish accent for living rooms, dining tables, or offices. Available in three colors to suit any décor.
Bring café charm to your table with this vintage-inspired stoneware collection. Featuring handpainted details, playful script, and bold pops of color, each piece adds a touch of joy to everyday moments.
Add a touch of vintage charm with the Amaroso bolster pillow. Featuring subtle stripes and ruffled ends, it brings soft texture and pattern to any space. Made from breathable linen for a crisp, comfortable feel – perfect for layering on beds or sofas.
Add a vibrant touch to your kitchen with this set of two Cuisine Inverse Stripe kitchen towels in saffron yellow. Made from soft-washed organic cotton for extra absorbency, the thick-and-thin white stripes offer a fresh twist on a classic design – and only get softer with every wash.
Add a touch of European charm to your table with this cheerful gingham table runner by Galley & Fen. Made from 100% cotton with a textured heavy weave, it features playful ruffled edges and a pop of classic pattern. It is perfect for everyday elegance.
Elevate your space with the Cotton Scalloped Throw Pillow Cover, crafted from textured slub cotton for a soft, durable finish. The scalloped edge adds a serene, sculptural touch inspired by rippling water. This on-trend pillow cover will add elegance and color to any kitchen diner.
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