Decorate with Yellow

February 16, 2012
Helen Norman
Enhance your home with decor in warm and cheery shades of yellow.
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Balance the Contrast

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Dark ebony-hued cabinetry anchors ivory-yellow wall color in this kitchen.

Paint: Buff (SW7683) by Sherwin-Williams; sherwin-williams.com.

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Brighten Things Up

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn, Robbie Caponetto

For a twist, keep your walls white and instead use color on doors and trim. Yellow is a sunny choice that generates warmth and lends a spirited feel to any space.

Paint: Spring Moss (3007-3A) by Valspar; valsparpaint.com.

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Get Inspired by Fabric

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Draw inspiration from a favorite fabric when selecting wall paint. A classic palette of blue and yellow gives this bedroom a punchy modern update.

  • Wall and trim paint: Dover White (SW6385) by Sherwin-Williams; sherwin-williams.com.
  • Ceiling paint: Martha Stewart Living collection, Salt Glaze; homedepot.com.
  • Headboard, bed skirt, and curtain fabric: Slubby Linen in Daisy; calicocorners.com. Duvet cover fabric: (top) DwellStudio collection, Vintage Plumes in Jade and (bottom) Slubby Linen in Azure; calicocorners.com.
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Mix Your Fabrics

Credit: Photo: Helen Norman

Mix your fabrics in varying shades of yellow to create a cohesive look.

Wall paint: Nantucket Breeze (521) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.
Trim paint: Super White (02) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.

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Display on Yellow

Credit: Helen Norman

Yellow lends a calm, plain backdrop for a collection of framed photos.

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Use All-Over Color in Small Spaces

Credit: Photo: Lucas Allen

The walls, ceiling, and trim coated in a sunny yellow hue open up this narrow laundry room.

Paint: Concord Ivory (HC-12) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.

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Freshen Up with Yellow

Credit: Photo: Erik Johnson

Instead of color on the walls, incorporate the hue in other ways, such as turning your floors into a statement. For a classic look, opt for a solid, stripe, plaid, or diamond motif.

Flooring: Vintage pine flooring; for a similar look, try vintagepineflooring.com or 866/203-6924.
Floor paint: Alternating diamond pattern in White Dove (OC-17) and Butter (2023-60) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.

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Brighten Your Porch or Patio

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Use yellow outside to liven up your patio, porch, or courtyard. It will create a warm and inviting feel.

Tablecloth fabric: Yarn Dye Handkerchief Linen in Blue and 18" Runner Yellow Striped Burlap; graylinelinen.com.

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Modernize the Classics

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Make a classic print—like houndstooth check—modern by playing with the scale of the pattern and using it in a bright, cheery yellow.

Chairs and table: Lily Chairs and Chanel Cocktail Table from Bradley Hughes; bradley-hughes.com

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Use Yellow for Your Accent Wall

Credit: Photo: Erica George Dines

Use a creamy shade of yellow as an accent wall in your living room. Artwork pops against the neutral background.

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A Cozy Cottage-Style Kitchen

Credit: Photo: Jean Allsopp

Buttery-beige walls are a nice complement to the slate green cabinets. The pairing makes the entire kitchen feel warm and cozy.

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