When the home of American actor Josh Brolin, known for roles in Dune and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was revealed, one color stood out as a pleasant surprise, appearing throughout his Malibu residence. This mood-lifting and warm yellow brings energy, confidence, and optimism to the heart of the home, offering a bright contrast to the shorter, darker days of the autumn and winter months.
There's a subtle nostalgia in decorating schemes recently. Whether intentional or not, the colors of the mid–1970s are making a comeback, and decorating with yellow is enjoying a welcome renaissance.
At the lighter, bolder end of the spectrum, yellow is a color of optimism. ‘Yellow room ideas can create a mellow and uplifting interior all at the same time. It transports us back to long, lazy, sun-drenched days in the Californian sunshine, and it can brighten us up on gloomy days, which is particularly welcome as the weather turns colder.
Shop the Josh Brolin-inspired edit
In Brolin's kitchen, the soft, pale yellow is surprisingly calm and subtle – a modern version of the shade found in many '70s childhood homes.
An earthy golden yellow is a shade that shines, but it also creates rooms that are rich and enveloping – it is a hue that's like a warm embrace, perfect for nesting during the colder months. If you don't plan on repainting your kitchen, then shop the yellow edit instead.
Brighten your kitchen with a touch of sunshine. This cheerful vase, perfectly sized for a few stems such as roses, wildflowers, or the season’s boldest sunflowers, brings effortless charm to any shelf. With its sleek frosted texture and modern glazed finish, it’s the perfect way to experiment with yellow before committing to a full-color makeover.
Add a touch of cafe charm to your countertops with this stoneware butter dish. Stylish yet functional, each piece is a small celebration of everyday moments. Reminiscent of the vintage-inspired dish in Josh’s kitchen, it fits easily on any shelf and brings a bright accent to any corner.
Few things capture a retro vibe like this print, blending timeless floral motifs with uplifting words. Delicate pale yellow flowers on natural canvas complement any room, though we think it shines especially in the kitchen. You're in good company, as Josh similarly loves artwork on his counters.
Straight from the entrepreneur’s own collection, Martha’s hessian placemats with yellow trim are a must-have for any time of the year. The playful scalloped edges add a fresh, on-trend touch that’s perfect for brightening any table setting, including this fall.
I recently picked up these bowls and haven’t stopped using them for fruits and nuts. A versatile kitchen essential, this fan-favorite features a smooth, sleek glaze and is now available in a full range of colors for those who want something other than butter yellow.
A bright yellow vase is an effortless way to inject a fresh pop of color into a neutral or understated living space. This rustic ceramic design pairs beautifully with dried arrangements, from bunny tails and eucalyptus to baby’s breath, cotton stems, or pampas grass.
A champion of decorating with so-called 'ugly colors', the interior design duo at Pierce & Ward, who crafted this yellow kitchen, often seeks beauty in earthy, muddier room color ideas, which are certainly gaining popularity across the US.
Yellow is a color that people are often scared to use, but it’s a fantastic color to really lift a space and create interest and features. It reflects all the lights well and makes a room feel very warm and inviting. It’s known to induce creativity and playfulness, so it’s fantastic for busy spaces, such as kitchens.
The versatility of yellow makes it a favorite element for interior designers. In her book, Recipes for Decorating (available at Amazon), Farrow & Ball's color consultant Joa Studholme notes that we are embracing stronger shades when decorating our homes.
Much research has been done into how colors affect our mood. Yellow inspires optimism, creating a summery feel; team it with warm taupes and emerald green for a contemporary look that can carry its brightness through the seasons.
Architect Richard Parr suggests choosing a natural palette that will enrich yellow, rather than work against it. ‘We recommend pairing yellow with earthy and deep tones, from terracotta to rust, incorporating natural materials such as rich timbers and warm metals that will pick up and enhance the color.'
'Choosing the right yellow can make all the difference, adds Susan Deliss, textile designer and interior decorator.
‘To use yellow or ochre, you need to think of it as the “neutral” in the scheme; as a foil to set off other colors, not to overpower everything else. Avoid anything that says canary or banana and go for something that sets off the architecture or warms up a cooler space,’ making it feel cozier as the temperature continues to drop.
