One of the top hues we’re seeing in homes and on the runway this year is “Illuminating,” which Pantone describes as “friendly and joyful, an optimistic yellow offering the promise of a sunny day.” 

Sounds like it’s exactly the dose of happiness we need as we redefine the way we experience the world after the events of 2020. 

Shop our curated Mellow Yellow selection of home and lifestyle accessories.

Why are we drawn to yellow in 2021?

When Pantone announced their Colour of the Year for 2021 (or, in this case, two colours), we expected a message of positivity – an unsaid global agreement to look forward to a brighter future. 

PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating is the light at the end of the tunnel, the dawn of a new day, the literal and proverbial summer after a dark, cold season.

How to decorate with yellow

Capturing this feeling of hopefulness, in theory, is one thing, but physically bringing yellow into our spaces to achieve the same effect is not as simple as a quick lick of paint. Yellow is a notoriously difficult colour to “get right” in both interior design and fashion. 

If you’re looking to embrace the colour of sunshine and happiness at home, here are 5 ways to decorate with yellow:

1. Pair yellow with grey for the ultimate colour combination

On its own, yellow is a stimulating colour and can often overpower a space. However, it’s a great team player, especially when it shares the spotlight with its 2021 Pantone partner, Ultimate Grey.

These two independent colours highlight how different elements come together to support one another. Practical and rock-solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, the union of Ultimate Gray and Illuminating is one of strength and positivity.

2. Pair yellow with blue and green

This is a vibrant colour palette that balances the warmth of yellow with the refreshing hues of cool blue and green. Whether you choose to go bold and bright or tone it down with softer tints, this palette is a showstopper.

3. Contrast yellow against dark walls

One of the easiest ways to showcase yellow is to use it as a contrasting element against dark walls (think deep indigo or navy blue). Not only does yellow get to shine in the spotlight, but it brings the walls to life too. 

4. Mustard yellow

If you’re more into muted yellow, tone it down to mustard. This spicy shade is equally at home in contemporary and rustic interiors. 

If you’re unsure about which yellow will suit your space, this article by Lick Paint breaks it down beautifully. 

5. Add yellow accents

You don’t have to “yellow-wash” the whole room or replace all your existing furnishings. A little bit of yellow can go a long way. Consider the rule of thirds when adding yellow accessories, for example, add two yellow throw pillows and one yellow vase. 

Some ways you can add yellow include:

Loose rugs

https://www.cezanno.com/zala-flax-rug-170-x-240-cm.html

https://www.cezanno.com/lighthole.html 

Accessories

https://www.cezanno.com/house-doctor-airy-vase-mustard.html 

https://www.cezanno.com/section-ceramic-plant-pot-mint-1.html 

https://www.cezanno.com/vase-ada-yellow-stripe-mouthblown-glass-by-broste-copenhagen.html 

Art

https://www.cezanno.com/framed-brutalist-painting-yellow-by-hk-living.html 

https://www.cezanno.com/shelia-mcneill-black-and-yellow.html 

Table linen

Bed linen

 

How to wear yellow

With yellow and grey brightening up our Instagram feeds and adding sunshine to our homes, it’s no surprise that this Pantone colour trend has also taken over the runway. While you may be thinking “I could never pull off yellow,” don’t write it off just yet. 

Here are 3 ways to bring yellow into your wardrobe line-up:

1. Pastel yellow

Pastel yellow can act as a neutral colour and will slip almost unnoticed into a minimalistic wardrobe. Pair it with creams for a soft colour scheme or combine it with another pastel hue, like pink. If you want to take a playful approach, couple the pared-back hue with brighter, bolder shades.

2. Butter yellow

Richer than pastel but not too bright, butter yellow is the warm, luxurious touch your wardrobe needs this season. Keep your look laidback by layering buttery yellow over neutrals, or brighten the mood with yellow-gold accessories. 

3. Lemon yellow

A colour for the summer, lemon yellow evokes a bright holiday mood. Pair it with black and white for a classic look, or luxe it up with tan and coffee shades.