Y’all, ROYGBIV is having quite the moment right now. Specifically, primary colors (red, yellow, and blue if I remember correctly) are IN and I’m not immune to the trend. The cerulean blue monologue from Devil Wears Prada rings through my head all the time when I see a trend forecast that I snub (ha, I will NEVER wear sneakers with dresses!), only to a year later embrace (while wearing sneakers with dresses). Now YELLOW has always been around (lol), what with the prevalence of the “sun”, but it’s fluctuated in and out of mainstream popularity due to its rather bold and bright hue. But my goodness is it a happy color that can make a room pop (similar to red, which I’ve always loved and had in our homes). Yellow is a very activating color, one that can really shift your mood upward (if you want) and certainly adds a burst of unbridled joy. So where-o-where can I put this sunny color in my home?? Sure, mustard and ochre are easy. Done. But the primary yellow that is happening now is harder for me to incorporate into the more permanent investment finishes or furnishings. I do fear that I will tire of seeing it prominently. So surely there is a spot that feels deserving of this risk in a less risky way?
My In Person Inspiration:
Last year I went over to Anne’s house (the lead interior architect of ARCIFORM) and she has an all-yellow sitting room. It was SO FUN and dare I say magical to be washed in that yellow. Now they live in a legit Georgian Mansion so they have extra rooms in which to explore these color “risks” where most of us don’t, but it did get in my head like an earworm song that keeps singing over and over. Yellow? Could I do yellow here? But what about here? I may not really execute any of these, but I thought it would be fun to show you the ideas and inspiration.
Birdie’s Room – A Couple Pops Already…
Birdie’s room has a few pops of color – on the wallpaper, vintage lamp, and throw. I love them. Last year I pitched to her to stripe her ceiling, picking up from the yellow butterflies on her wallpaper. She thought it was weird (preferring turquoise – her color du jour) and I’m sure glad I didn’t force it as her style has already changed 9 times since then, wanting a “cheer” themed room LOLOLOLOL. So instead we put these scallop decals in her closet:
It is such a happy fun detail that is totally removable (I bought from Etsy and they have a million colors and sizes). As I feel more and more drawn to this color I wondered if there were other places it felt appropriate, but less “kid”.
The Landing
If you are keeping tabs on my 2024 project list you will find that this was supposed to be done in January. I have been collecting and framing a ton of family photos, kids’ art, and memorabilia for a happy family wall, but had to prioritize other projects. But this landing feels like a great place to incorporate it.
One option is in the sconce shades. Rejuvenation has a bright yellow version of these glass ones that is sooooo fun. This might depend on the art that goes up here (and it’s VERY colorful).
Another option is to paint or wallpaper the skylight shaft. How fun would it be to look up and see a happy color/pattern up there? It also might be totally weird TBH, but it’s something I’ve thought about. I still need to stencil or paint the floor…
I’ve even thought about a large-scale mural on the floor that has yellow in it, but it’s a whole thing that would need to be really thought through). I’d have to be ok with it getting very scuffed over time which feels painful when it would be really time-consuming to execute. I keep thinking there will be a month or even a week of “downtime” where I can do it, but the kids wouldn’t be able to really sleep in their rooms and time keeps slipping by with other priorities. Perhaps I can partner with Racheal from Banyan Bridges to help me create and execute something up here with yellow in it? Paint can be a really temporary low-risk thing to do if you do it yourself (not when it’s on trim or woodwork or cabinets TBH) but I need to feel really solid about the idea before I invest my time in it.
Yellow In Charlie’s Room?
I owe you an update on Charlie’s room which I think will be very relatable to parents, but I think he could handle a pop or two of yellow. He has it in his skateboard “sconce” that we bought at the flea market and in the standing lamp. Maybe that will be it, we’ll see if he’s into me even being involved (LOL).
The Art Barn?
Oh, the art barn is turning out SO CUTE (we’ve made A LOT of progress since this photo). I actually did want more yellow in it (it’s very colorful) but there aren’t that many quilts with yellow in them that I liked. I just ordered a big arched sconce for over the table, which came in yellow and I almost got these pendants in yellow, but y’all I don’t love the yellow against the pine – it’s fine in person but it just doesn’t pop like a red or blue would in this space. But it’s still a color I want to bring in here along with the greens, blues, and reds that are on their way. Update: Anne of ADF upholstery is almost done with our quilt cushions and stools. I’m SO EXCITED.
My Nephews Room
My last opportunity as of now is my 6-year-old nephew’s room which my brother has said he wouldn’t be opposed to an Oregon Ducks bent (green and yellow). So I have been collecting pins of fun decor for walls, lamps, pillows, etc that could work. And I think the yellow would look so awesome against the dark blue/green (aptly called Studio Blue Green by Sherwin-Williams).
In case you need some convincing on yellow, I’ve collected a ton on Instagram of people who have executed it really well. I know myself well enough to know that a bold color like that can’t have a dominant permanent space in my home (like tile or cabinetry) but some of you might be able to handle it. Either way, I want to be in a restaurant or hotel that is all yellow!
Have a great rest of your day. xx
Opening Image Credits: Design by ARCIFORM | Photo by Christopher Dibble