Decorating With Yellow: Neutral Spaces Kissed by The Sun
Hello there! I'm Erika Ward, Owner and Principal Designer of Erika Ward Interiors. It's my greatest pleasure to inspire you to live well, to live in style, and to extinguish the myth that style and budget are mutually exclusive. Read more about my design philosophy and my work at http://www.blulabelbungalow.com
Hello there! I'm Erika Ward, Owner and Principal Designer of Erika Ward... More »
As we get deeper and deeper into fall, I find myself yearning the presence of bright sunshine. Make no mistake, I love the reds and oranges that come with the changes of the season. But nothing compares to the happiness and optimism I feel when in the company of yellow.
Consider the many shades of yellow...mustard, maize, marigold, and ochre. When used in moderation it can stimulate the nerves and evoke warmth. Conversely, yellow can go terribly wrong, especially when used in large doses and in high intensity. So how do you bring the sunshine indoors without making tempers flare or babies cry? Combine yellow with neutrals such as gray, cream, black, brown, or khaki.
Consider the many shades of yellow...mustard, maize, marigold, and ochre. When used in moderation it can stimulate the nerves and evoke warmth. Conversely, yellow can go terribly wrong, especially when used in large doses and in high intensity. So how do you bring the sunshine indoors without making tempers flare or babies cry? Combine yellow with neutrals such as gray, cream, black, brown, or khaki.
Create a rich, neutral backdrop with an espresso accent wall and glossy floors. Then invite vibrant yellow furnishings to take center stage.
Decorate using pillows that feature bold, graphic patterns as seen above. These are my favorite patterns to work with because you can find them at any price point. The gray, cream and yellow palette creates a modern look while the mirrored furniture adds a touch of glam.
Are you an art collector? Create a "museum" in your dining room. Here, creamy white walls and furniture allow the artwork to be the focal point.
Wood furniture also adds warmth and color to a "white space." To evoke an organic feel in neutral spaces, add natural elements such as wood, raw fabrics and plants.
The area rug and toss pillows add an element of fun in this bedroom, but it's the yellow accent pillow that really energizes the space!
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| Yellow is totally livable when paired with neutrals. Black, white and gray allow yellow to stand front and center yet coexist in harmony. Also note the use of the clean, simple Greek key pattern repeat on the ceiling and bedding. Design is in the details! |
So what are your thoughts on this citrusy color palette? Will yellow find a place in your home this fall?
Ideabook published on Oct. 26, 2010.
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In school, yellow was said to bring on depression...Ha! I've always LOVED yellow. It's a happy color! Thanks for the ideabook!
@ CobaltStar, So glad I could help you!
*Tania
i have inlcuded 3 of my fav'rity fave uses of yellow
And we're adding some yellow accents to our blue and white greek-villa inspired guest room that we just finished.
And we're pretty much set on a buttercream yellow exterior with wet sand accents.
Can you tell yellow is one of my favourite colours?!