Design dilemma: Bright sparks

How to make yellow complement, not overwhelm, your interior

Yellow helps brighten a space. Courtesy Andy Stagg

The colour yellow is bright and cheery, but can also be overwhelming. Is it possible to introduce this shade in a subtle way? Are there certain hues that you should combine it with, and are there any major no-nos when it comes to using yellow in the home?

It is no surprise that yellow has been named the world’s happiest hue. It can bring sunshine into a space. It is uplifting and bright, and supposedly liked by intelligent people who appreciate innovation and originality. But, it also happens to be one of the trickiest colours to use in interiors because of its high levels of brightness.

So how does one incorporate it in interiors? I recommend using it as an accent colour in small touches, be it in lamps, cushions or throws. Indian yellow, mustard and ochre are beautiful shades that are making a strong comeback, especially in fabrics such as velvet, which give a sense of comfort and warmth to an environment.

When it is used in a modern interior, with a muted palette of charcoals, greys and natural woods, yellow immediately counterbalances any dullness, and adds life to a space. One way to do this, is by opting for yellow dining chairs instead of neutrals. You can also imbue an all-white room with hints of yellow here and there. Imagine a bedroom with crisp white linen and just one throw pillow in yellow.

___________

Read more:

Design dilemma: The art of cosiness

Design dilemma: floral fancies

Design dilemma: Safe and sound - and stylish

___________

Alternatively, you can pair bright yellow statement pieces, like a rocking horse for example, with a palette of jewel tones, including variations of emerald green, aqua blues, purples and reds, for a peppy, vibrant and visually engaging kids playroom. Equally interesting, and trending now, is a combination of mustard yellow, in bedding for example, with toned-down pinks and mint green walls, plus black and white patterns. This combination will work particularly well in children’s rooms.

Navy blue is charming with yellow, too. Together, yellow and navy blue create a timeless, classic look. You can, for example, upholster the front of an armchair in solid yellow, and complement the back of it with a patterned navy and white fabric.

Feeling adventurous? Why not DIY and paint an outdated cabinet or mirror frame in a bright glossy yellow? You can even paint a huge canvas in your favourite shade of yellow and sign it for a one-off bespoke art piece. Additionally, you can introduce yellow through simple natural elements, like jars of lemons or by placing craspedia, tulips, solidago aster or sunflowers in simple glass votives.

All of the above suggestions tackle accessories, but you are in no way limited to these. You can use yellow on your walls, but in muted tones like ochre and butter. Jotun’s Anonymous 1864 is a good solution, and will brighten a dark corner where there is not much natural light. You can even apply it as an accent to white tiles in a bathroom. Imagine a thin strip of small yellow tiles set against larger white tiles.

So, no matter what your style is, contemporary or traditional, you will find that yellow works beautifully in interior schemes. It is incredibly versatile, so just remember, when you are looking for the perfect shade, that you can pick one that is sharp and bright or soft and muted, depending on the aesthetic you are looking to create.

Nisrine El Lababidi, creative director of Harf Noon Design Studio. Courtesy Nisrine El Lababidi Moghrab

Nisrine El Lababidi, founder, Harf Noon Design Studio, @harfnoondesignstudio,

www.harfnoondesignstudio.com

Do you have any design dilemmas? Send them to [e-mail] and we will get them answered by an expert