Let’s talk trends. Lately I’ve noticed a warm, butter-yellow shade showing up more in home decor. It appears as small accents and, in some rooms, as a bold statement on cabinets or walls. I’ve never been one to obsess over what’s “in,” but I enjoy watching how colors and styles cycle. Butter yellow has always appealed to me, so its reappearance naturally caught my eye. Could it be a trend this year? Quite possibly.
I’ve used butter yellow in several homes—walls, curtains and even tile. One dining room was painted butter yellow (I loved it), and two bedrooms in an old English cottage wore the shade to great effect: cheerful yet cozy. My mother favored yellow in many of her homes as well. Growing up, my yellow bedroom with vintage wallpaper and bedding would fit right into today’s trends.
As I’ve decorated over the years I’ve learned that many classic palettes return to popularity. English Country style and butter yellow are enjoying renewed attention now, but they were popular when I first embraced that aesthetic. It’s a delightful look, especially when it suits the house.
Advice for decorators new to trends: It’s easy to convince yourself you love a trending color because it feels fresh and comfortable—especially when influencers and trendsetters present it everywhere. Mainstream trends offer inspiration and make shopping convenient at big box stores, which can tempt you to adopt a look that isn’t truly yours.
If you want to avoid costly or time-consuming mistakes you may regret later, remember that even classic styles can feel dated to you over time. When a trend fades, you may suddenly feel the urge to redo entire rooms. That’s why a cautious approach often pays off.
Classic colors and styles endure, but if you’re unsure whether a look fits your long-term plans, try dipping a toe into a trend rather than committing fully. Avoid overinvesting in expensive pieces or permanent changes unless you’re certain the choice reflects your lasting taste.
A butter-yellow bedroom is relatively easy to repaint later, while an expensive yellow sofa or a fully yellow kitchen could become a regret if your preferences change. If you’re uncertain, opt for accessories and selectively chosen wall paint so you can update more easily.
If you love it and are comfortable changing it later, embrace what brings you joy. For some, playing it safe doesn’t spark enough happiness.
Do what makes sense for you and your home. That has always been my approach. Whether a look is trending or not, I include what I love as long as it suits the house. Instead of chasing every trend, I choose elements that highlight my personal style and suit each room’s character.
In one home that meant predominantly white walls; in another it meant blue, and sometimes butter yellow was the perfect choice. If I still lived in a home with butter-yellow walls, I’d likely keep them. I always consider the house’s architecture, fixed elements like wood tones, natural light, and how a color will harmonize with the surroundings.
Mixing what you love with what fits the house keeps a home feeling timeless and fresh.
Do you use yellow in your decor, or have you in the past? Would you consider it now?
I explore style and decorating ideas further in my books and in my member community, where I share practical tips and inspiration for making design choices that feel right for you and your home.
We gathered decor finds in many shades of yellow for this post. Seeing all that cheerful color on a cold winter day lifted my spirits and made me look forward to spring. Enjoy!
Sources: Yellow flower art, yellow toaster, yellow lamp with scalloped shade, yellow floral tablecloth, yellow reversible pillow sham, yellow striped pitcher, yellow planter pot, faux forsythia, floral cloth napkins and a yellow honey pot.
More Yellow Decor (click each thumbnail below for details):
Do you follow me on Pinterest? I started a board with inspiration rooms that use yellow.
Related posts: Seeing Green: 74+ Green Home Decor Finds; 5 Pretty Rooms Decorated with Green; Blue and White Decor (132+ pieces I love).