The Sunshiny Color Rises Again in Home Decor
Daffodil, lemon drop, smiley face, canary.
Colors just don’t get any cheerier than yellow, and trend forecasters say the happy hue will be heading into homes in a big way soon.
“The warmth of the sun is an indisputable thing people long for,” says Leatrice Eiseman, author and director of Pantone Color Institute. “Yellow has a happy, sunny, radiating feeling. It’s a color people love to have in their surroundings.”
Yellow hasn’t been a dominant color in interiors for more than 30 years, and Eiseman says it will show up first in a supporting role. Think placemats, candles, glassware and china.
“It’s also coming on very strong in textiles and fabrics for upholstery and window coverings,” Eiseman says. “Yellow is great surrounding a window. It gives the illusion of more sun coming in.”
As often is the case with interior trend colors, yellow began its rise on fashion runways. As it moves into the home, however, the hues are shifting.
Leslie Harrington, executive director of Color Association of the United States, says: “On the runway, yellows were quite bright and saturated. That isn’t going to make it in interiors. It’s too abrasive to live with a long time.”
But that doesn’t mean we’re going back to harvest gold. “The new yellows are not the traditional spice tones,” Harrington says. “You’re going to see some stronger, brighter yellows, like mango, which has a bit of red but no greenness.”
Another way to make yellow look new and fresh is to stay away from strong contrasts, such as yellow-and-blue French provincial or yellow-and-green country cottage palettes. “You’re seeing much more harmonious combinations today,” Harrington said. “Yellow looks really fresh and new paired with other warm tones. We’ve seen pinks and oranges together; it’s a natural progression to see yellow coming into warm-warm combinations.”
Eiseman sees signs that yellow will shine especially bright in upscale applications. “Yellow diamonds have made their way back into the picture. Because that has been such a strong movement, there’s a natural crossover into luxury interiors,” she says.
Drink it In: “Yellow is great surrounding a window. It gives the illusion of more sun coming in,” according Leatrice Eiseman, author and director of Pantone Color Institute. Here are a few fabrics to choose from. From left; Duralee’s fun geometric print in Lemonade $29 a yard; Vervain’s “Nonnna” in Limoncello $153 a yard; Lelievre’s modern floral print in Curry $245 a yard; Kravet’s spring Toile “Drew” in color 419 $30 a yard; Pierre Frey’s “Ocean” in Curry $179 a yard, all from MLB Designs
Pretty Parsley: This “Cow Parsley” pattern wallpaper is from the contemporary collection by Cole & Son. One of the oldest wallpaper companys in England, it carries the Royal Warrant by supplying wallpaper to the Royal households. “Cow Parsley” wallpaper, $150 roll, available through interior designers at KDR Designer Showroom, 8510 Marshall Drive, 913-859-0400
Buttery China: Marc Jacobs’ “David” pattern, shown in Canary, is made of Waterford fine bone china. The pattern allows you to introduce a bit of yellow to your tabletop, with bright results. Dinner plate $40, salad plate $35, side plate $18; woven vinyl placemat by Chilewich, $12; linen napkin with scalloped edge $23; all from Halls Plaza
On the Cover: Small additions of yellow — in dinnerware, glassware or fabrics — will add cheer to your environment. Yellow ceramic flower pot by Barreveld International Inc., $20, Pierre Frey’s “Ocean” in Curry, $179 a yard, “Fire & Light” serving platter and bowl, platter $35, bowl $27, all from MLB Designs; Hand-blown Pean Doubulyu “Wonkie” pitcher, $295, Halls Plaza
Lemony Linens: Beautiful linens in fresh yellows will brighten your bedroom. This Ann Gish quilted silk coverlet, shown in “Buttercup,” is machine-washable. The pillow, in the yellow “Chance” pattern of three-leaf shamrocks, is available in duvet covers, sheets and shams. Also available in blue, green or pink flowers. Super queen coverlet, $372, Annabelles; “Chance” linens, starting at $145 for fitted sheet to $348 for king duvet cover, Annabelles; Marc Jacobs “David” Canary teacup and saucer, $35 and $18, Halls Plaza
Here's to Hue: The square cut base on this glass, called “Ice bottom,” describes the rich proportions. Designed in 1934, the “Bar” drinking set is by Moser. Moser Double old-fashioned glass $100, Halls Plaza
