Google searches for 'butter yellow' have soared worldwide in the past year, emerging as the go-to colour trend for interior designers and homeowners seeking to infuse their spaces with warmth and personality this summer. But how do you decide if butter yellow is the right colour for you and your home? Cassie Leisz, Creative Director at Ruggable, has shared her expert advice on incorporating this trending hue into your home
'Butter yellow is a versatile and inviting colour that can bring a real sense of optimism and cosiness to any space,' she says. 'It's much softer and muted than bright yellows, making it easier to incorporate into various design styles.'
'Celebrities from Rihanna to Hailey Bieber have been sporting this hue lately, helping drive its popularity in fashion. We also saw a lot of butter yellow tones in the latest season of Bridgerton, so it's no surprise that this trend is just as popular in interior design.'
How do you decide if butter yellow is the right colour for you?
'To determine if butter yellow is right for you, consider the mood you want to create in your space. This hue works well for those looking to add a touch of colour and warmth without overpowering a room. It's particularly suited for rooms that need a lift or areas that don't receive much natural light as it helps mimic the way sunlight bounces off walls, in the same way as a golden hour glow.'
'For those hesitant about committing to butter yellow, start small. Introduce it through accessories, florals or artwork accents, or refine it to just one space in the home like a study, downstairs loo or entryway. This allows you to experiment with the colour and see how it complements your existing décor before making a larger commitment.'
How to pick the right hue of butter yellow for your home?
'Consider the undertones in your butter yellow choice. Some lean more towards a creamy, warm hue, while others have a slightly cooler, more lemon-like tint. Ensure the undertone complements your existing colour palette and the natural light in your room. Rooms with ample natural light can handle cooler, more lemon shades of butter yellow, which will appear brighter and more vibrant. Whereas, spaces with limited natural light benefit from warmer, creamier tones that can add a cosy, inviting feel.'
'Use large swatches to see how the colour interacts with your room's lighting throughout the day. I recommend taking pictures of the sample at different points in the day and adding these to an album to compare how the hue changes from morning to evening and how it looks under artificial lighting at night.'
'Lastly, think about the overall style and mood you want to create. For a romantic, vintage-inspired look, opt for a butter yellow with a hint of creaminess that evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth. A brighter, cooler butter yellow can add a fresh, energetic touch for a more contemporary vibe.'
What colours pair well with butter yellow?
'When incorporating butter yellow, balance is essential,' Cassie advises. 'Pair it with neutrals like natural whites or warm beiges to create a harmonious look. These combinations allow the butter yellow to shine without dominating the space.'
'For a classic romantic look, combine it with powder blue or cool-toned pinks to lean into the regency style we've seen more frequently in recent years. Natural materials like walnut and polished concrete work well to offset the delicateness of this colour and add a more utilitarian feel. Exposed wood and natural beiges can offer a countryside, rustic look, whereas sage greens and light peach shades create a more earthy feel. You can also layer butter yellow with other shades of yellow, like pale butter and rich mustard, for a sophisticated monochromatic look.'
How do you incorporate butter yellow into existing interior design?
'You'll want to consider the fixed elements in your room, like flooring, countertops, rugs and large furniture pieces. Butter yellow has warm undertones that pair beautifully with wooden floors, but pairing the right shade may take more time and consideration if you're working with patterned carpets or tiles.'
'Butter yellow as an anchor piece can serve as a focal point and a springboard for your colour scheme, for example, a rug or piece of artwork. You can then pull out this exact shade in other accessories like lampshades, curtains and blinds throughout the room for a harmonious look. The key is to use butter yellow accents strategically to create subtle connections that tie the room together.'
More information:
Ruggable
[email protected]
www.ruggable.co.uk