If the design world’s collective fixation on all things brown is any indication, retro 1970s influences are back. Predictably, the muddy color’s golden complement is on the rise into 2025: yellow. From rich marigold to barely-there buttercream, this versatile color can function as a warm neutral, or make a striking statement.
So, it comes as no surprise that yellow is our official color of the year for 2025. As design tastemakers continue to embrace all things warm, colorful, and a touch unique, yellow offers subtle saturation and palpable comfort that can channel both the English countryside and mid-century modern abodes in equal measure.
Image credit: Lucy Williams Home
“In a world that often feels heavy, yellow offers balance – it’s cheerful without being overpowering; sophisticated yet approachable,” says Heather Goerzen, our Director of Design & Content. “Yellow has popped up in everything from Pantone’s color forecasts to high-end designer collections. Think golden velvet sofas, honey-hued ceramics, and soft lemony kitchen cabinets that feel bright, but not brash.”
Opinions aside, our color of the year predictions are based on actual market research. Thanks to countless client projects and the innumerable hours spent sourcing furniture, decor, paint, and artwork, we’ve got a pulse on design trends, color and otherwise. Yellow seamlessly marries the timeless with the trendy, and we think it’ll continue to reign supreme into 2025 and beyond.
Yellow paint colors we love
Image credit: deVOL Kitchens
Subtle yet saturated, we highly recommend painting your walls in shades of yellow in the new year. From kitchen cabinetry to cute half bathrooms and calming bedrooms, this shade feels right at home in countless spaces and design styles. Our favorites? You can’t go wrong with Farrow & Ball’s Hay or Benjamin Moore’s Mustard Seed for something rich yet restrained, New White or Linen Sand for more of a neutral yellow, and Cane or Goldenhurst for more of a rich, earth-toned yellow.
Colors that go with yellow
In addition to shades of brown and cream, yellow pairs beautifully with cool green and blue tones, as well as earthy shades of red, including burgundy, merlot, oxblood, and more. Overall, we suggest sticking to the “earth tones” camp when selecting both your shade of yellow and your complementary colors — picture a dark navy library paired with an ochre yellow accent chair.
Decorating with shades of yellow
Image credit: Eye Swoon
Decorating with yellow offers endless versatility. You can go the subtle route with yellow decor only, from throw pillows and blankets to ochre candle sticks, hints of brass, and gold-toned artwork. Or, you can go all-in on the sunny shade, with wall-to-wall yellow paint, eye-catching yellow wallpaper that channels cottagecore style, or yellow upholstery.
For a grounded, earthy approach, “pair yellows with natural textures and neutral tones,” says Heather. “Imagine goldenrod pillows on a linen sofa, or a buttercream-hued throw paired with warm woods and terracotta. This pairing creates a serene, organic vibe that’s cozy and approachable.”
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