Decorating in Yellow

A soft palette of crisp white and light yellow creates a calming vibe in this sun-drenched breakfast nook. The wooden dining chairs were given a fresh coat of paint in a muted shade of the yellow used in the artwork. Subtle pattern splashes across bench cushions and throw pillows atop the built-in banquette as well as the window shades. A few solid-color pillows break up the bank of pattern.

See how to use yellow in a color scheme.

Patterned wallpaper featured on just one wall of this bedroom creates a dramatic focal point. Coating the rest of the walls with the same buttery hue as the wallpaper’s ground color ensures the space looks vibrant yet restful. Ivory, beige, and dark wood furnishings fade into the background, allowing the accent wall to truly shine.

Move to the bold end of the yellow spectrum to create a space with real punch. The bold, electric lemon hue of the walls in this home office is sure to foster productivity and creative energy. Accents of blue and white create striking contrast against the bright hue of the walls.

This traditionally styled dining room gets a boost of freshness from bright yellow accents. The white-and-yellow diamond pattern on the floor sets the tone for the rest of the cheerful yet elegant elements throughout the room. Floral-pattern chair backs pair playfully with shiny vinyl seat cushions. Luxurious yellow draperies and a dramatic chandelier hung low above the table emphasize the traditional styling of the dining space. The interior of the hutch was painted green to lend a hint of contrasting color.

Without an element of surprise, a room can fall flat. Give life to traditional spaces, such as this combined kitchen and breakfast room, by adding bold color and personality pieces. Perky yellow walls set the stage for a colorful combo at the breakfast table. Orange banquette cushions are dotted with bright pillows in orange, yellow, and blue, a hue that is echoed in the glass-tile backsplash. Orange Eiffel chairs and a white drum table add a modern sensibility to the traditional architecture. A sculptural dandelion pendant fixture looks like a flower in a sunny meadow against the yellow walls.

An oversize art print served as the color inspiration for this pretty living room. The blue background of the painting is picked up on the soft blue color of the walls, while the more overpowering yellow tones are left for accessories scattered throughout the space.

A unique collection of thrifted furniture pieces combine to create this eclectic dining room. A reupholstered bench along one side of the dining table boasts a floral-inspired yellow-and-white motif. The interplay of colors and patterns adds character to the room’s neutral walls and trim.

The yellow-and-green backsplash tile was the inspiration for the color scheme in this inviting kitchen. For a sunny feel, the lower cabinets are painted a mustard yellow. To keep the bright shade from overpowering the room, the upper cabinets are painted a warm off-white. Textured green marble tops the cabinetry and adds character to the colorful room. Corner windows flood the space with natural light, and salvaged antique oak provides a warm base on the floor.

A trio of striking yellow bookcases adds visual appeal to a blank wall in this living room. The units not only provide a splash of playful color, but their open design creates a space that can be used for both storage and display. To create a pleasing arrangement, books are stacked both vertically and horizontally, and decorative elements are placed throughout.

Buttery yellow tiles dresses up the walls in this sunny kitchen. The sleek subway tiles reflect light streaming in from a wall of windows, which helps to visually expand the narrow kitchen space. A long, slender island in the center of the room provides extra prep space as well as a spot to sit and chat with the chef.

Yellow glaze gives these sitting-room walls a translucent look. Dominated by the vibrant citrus-hue painting, the walls provide a sunny backdrop for a white slipcovered sofa, bookcases of prized possessions, and an immense fireplace. Yellow plaids add pattern to the window shade, rug, and chair cushion. Chipper notes of cool blue come from a smaller painting over the fireplace and a large glazed ceramic vase.

Modern accessories enliven this traditional-style living space. The neutral walls and wood flooring begged for a splash or two of color, a request that was met by a blue slipcovered sofa, patterned accent pillows, and an oversize art print. Since they're both primary colors, the blue and yellow accent pieces coexist harmoniously.

A cheerful palette of grassy green, sky blue, and creamy yellow transforms this traditional-style living space into an energetic retreat. A variety of graphic patterns featured on the area rug, sofa, and accent pillows blend well together because of their relatively large scales. The sunny yellow draperies provide needed privacy when closed but are sheer enough that they never fully block sunlight streaming in from the large bank of windows.

From the furniture-style vanity and the marble countertop to the paneled wainscoting and the tiny hexagonal floor tiles, this sunny bathroom is bathed in vintage style. The pastel yellow walls and flooring not only blend well with the vintage styling, but they also create a warm and inviting feel. Replacing some of the yellow floor tiles with white ones adds custom detailing to the floor.

A palette of greenish yellow and cool turquoise recalls the look of sand and surf in this beach-side family room. The yellow wall color leans slightly green, which helps it blend better with the turquoise accents. Playing against such vibrant colors, the sand-color sectional offers a neutral backdrop. Patterned pillows jazz up the basic sofa. The dark brown ottoman, side table, and window trim provide needed contrast to the otherwise soft color scheme.

Pastel yellow tones drench this bedroom with youthful energy. Hot pink accent pieces, such as the bedding and painted nightstand, add a splash of playful contrast to the sunny wall color. Boldly patterned accent pieces scattered throughout the room feature different motifs but all blend together because of their similar scales.

A colorful island boosts style and character in any kitchen. In this kitchen, a colorful tile treatment on the walls served as the inspiration for the cheerful yellow hue of the island base. The rest of the cabinetry was painted white to allow the vibrant island to take center stage.

Touches of yellow bring a little brightness to this neutral bedroom. The graphic patterns on the bedding combine yellow with lots of blue and beige, striking a balance between masculine and feminine. Clean lines on the headboard and bench give the room a contemporary feel.

Cheery yellow curtains cast a warm glow in this dining room. The bright color of the window treatments lends a modern edge to the room’s traditional-style furnishings and neutral wall color. Sky blue accents provide a splash of contrasting color.

One of the best qualities of the color yellow is that it goes great with nearly every other color -- white, orange, green, pink, blue, brown. Pick one or two shades of yellow to use as accents, plus a dark neutral, and include doses of white for a balanced color palette.

Goldenrod hues bathe this bedroom in warm, cheerful color. Painting both the walls and the ceiling with the sunny yellow hue creates a continuous look from floor to ceiling. The black iron four-poster, draped with wispy white linens, adds contrast to the room's light palette. A burlap bed skirt and grass-cloth area rug add a splash of natural texture.

Pulled off a patio or sunroom and placed by a sofa, a wicker table helps carry off a fresh garden look initiated by a riotously colorful drapery fabric. Surrounded by a neutral base of pale yellow walls, a white sofa, and a putty-color table, the fabric, a yellow throw, and a yellow floral pillow set the tone for this living room. Collectible yellow McCoy pieces accent the table, adding personality with the color. A bright orange pillow on the sofa pulls a secondary color from the vivid curtains.

Painting the walls of this small bath a cheery yellow ensures that the room always looks sunny. Existing black and white tiles were in good condition, so they became part of the new color scheme. Punches of red, such as the striped stool fabric and the funky Roman shade, accent the palette. Wall decals suggest a pricey wallpaper and enliven the yellow walls without the moisture concern of real wallpaper.

In clothing, vertical stripes have a slimming effect. In decor, they have an elongating effect that gives the appearance of added height. The variegated stripe of this wallpaper brings subtle pattern to the wall, and the golden-yellow-and-white colorway complements the cobalt blue rug.

Setting up contrasts -- old and new, modern and classic, upholstery and wood, cool and warm tones -- gives a room energy because they’re unexpected. In this charming living room, warm gold matches up with cool blue and welcomes pops of orange and pink. Golden yellow bathes the walls in a sunset glow and covers the furniture in inviting upholstery. A pair of wood-frame chairs from a discount store got dressed up with backs re-covered in a blue velvet floral fabric. Blue and gold blend again in the striped drapery panels.

An accent wall of rich chocolate brown adds depth to the otherwise white walls of this bedroom. A geometric lattice print featured on the headboard and window treatments ties the hues together. A handful of yellow accents, such as the photo mats and throw pillows, introduce a pop of cheerful color.

Painting this kitchen didn't stop at the walls. A lighter shade of yellow was applied to the ceiling for added visual presence as a sunny cap on this already cheery kitchen. Yellow is repeated in the tone of the light oak flooring, creating a cohesive look from floor to ceiling.