How to Use Yellow
Our eyes are naturally drawn to yellow. It is a color of power and energy. Large quantities can quickly overwhelm the senses. In smaller doses, it can be used effectively to highlight details.
Consider the way yellow is seen in nature. It is the color of sunshine and flowers. The warmth of the sun on our skin is wonderful, making us happier and healthier just to be in its presence. And yet, most people find it rather unpleasant to look at the source. We would be much more likely to let our eyes linger on daffodils. The grass around them seen, but not important. The flowers may be so attractive to us that we forget what it was we were thinking of. We might stop for a moment, enticed to gaze, and be reminded how lovely the world can be.
Nature is much older and wiser than us. We can reflect nature in our homes by implementing its lessons into home design. The use of yellow in home decor is prettiest with small details. But don’t worry if you absolutely love yellow, it can be used in larger amounts by choosing the right tones, and keeping the other present colors neutral.
Highlight Details
I bought this white ceramic Botticelli style Venus statuette years ago at the San Diego Kobey’s Swap Meet for around $5. Venus, the embodiment of love and prosperity, is one of my favorite pieces of decoration. I have to be careful about where I put her, because she gets easily lost amongst all the white walls in my home. Right now, she is in my china cabinet bookcase. I found that one way to help her stand out was to gather the books with yellow spines behind her.
Bookshelves often present a challenge in decor. Most homes no longer have a grandiose collection of encyclopedias to display, and books are eclectic by their nature. Would it be boring if all book spines were the same? My recommendation is to group books by colors of similar tints, tones, and shades whenever possible. This especially applies to yellow. The books shown here are grouped by Roman and Greek subjects first and by color second.
Keep it Neutral
Yellow is a primary color. When mixed with other primary colors, it can have a look that is a bit elementary. If you are redesigning your space, keep things simple by painting white walls. Yellow is lovely against black and white backdrops. If you go for a picture with yellow, try using a black frame.
Note: The wall paint is Bright White from Lowe’s Olympic One Collection in Satin.
This vintage Dobbs hat box is a classic yellow graphic on black.
Pale Yellow
A light golden color, like wheat or straw, can be used over a larger area than brighter shades of yellow. In keeping neutral, this tone is often paired with grey.
These curtains and pillows were an easy project I sewed at home. The fabric is from Joann and can be purchased by clicking this link. Pale Yellow Fabric
Easy Ways to Add Yellow to your Home Decor
If you are now feeling a lack of yellow details in your home, there are easy ways to incorporate them without breaking the bank on new things.
You can add a little yellow to your kitchen by placing a bowl of lemons on the counter.
Yellow is also a lovely color for fresh flowers. Calla lilies, daffodils, and sunflowers are all an easy way to bring some sunshine into the house.
Cats can also be a lovely shade of yellow. Though its not the easiest way to get some color in your home, I highly recommend it!
Notes on Decorating with Yellow
Home decorating is about creating visual harmony. We can look to nature for ideas on how to appeal to the eye. Small amounts of yellow can highlight our favorite decor items and make us pause to think about them. If you have pictures with yellow, place them in neutral or white spaces, and avoid getting too close to other primary colors. Your space should be a place of beauty and reflection. Use yellow effectively to help you in this endeavor.
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