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Is Yellow the Happiest Hue?
A pop of the cheery colour does wonders for a space
Nikki Hunt & Andrea Savage
6 April 2016
Houzz Singapore Contributor. A British National, I moved to Asia in 1990 and after brief stints in Hong Kong and Jakarta, I settled in Singapore and founded Design Intervention in 2004. Since then, the company has expanded to become one of Singapore’s most respected design consultancies. My work has been published extensively both across the region and internationally and has consistently been recognised amongst the industry’s best. For the last three consecutive years, my work has been selected for the International Design Review, a compilation of works from the top 100 interior designers from around the globe. I am the only designer in the Southeast Asian region to have achieved this honour. For the past two years, my projects have won the award for Best Interior Design (residential) in...
Houzz Singapore Contributor. A British National, I moved to Asia in 1990 and after... More
In today’s emoji pop culture, the smiley face symbol, perhaps more than any other, conveys a message of happiness and optimism. The use of yellow as background colour is an obvious choice: it is the colour of spring, sunshine, and songbirds. Yellow radiates with an unclouded happiness and optimism, so it is a natural preference for designers searching for ways to bring a positivity into our homes.
Sometimes, the merest touch of this sunny hue is all that is required to energise an interior.
Notice how the simple addition of yellow accessories can add a vitality that elevates this bedroom.
More yellow decorating schemes
Notice how the simple addition of yellow accessories can add a vitality that elevates this bedroom.
More yellow decorating schemes
In this kitchen of neutral shades, a simple, inexpensive shot of yellow is enough to add a welcome vibrancy that transforms the banal to novel.
This elegant drawing room uses yellow in abundance. Notice how the colour cuts through the formality of the room, balancing the imposing architecture and proportions of the room with a youthful energy.
Convinced of yellow’s ability to energise?
This yellow couch fills this room with sunshine. The neutral backdrop and select pink and orange accents temper the vibrant tones. I designed it for a client whose brief was for us to give them a home that would make them smile, and this room certainly does just that. What I like most about this room is that whilst it resonates with an optimism, there is a serenity too, that soothes as much as it inspires.
That’s right – playful colours and tranquility are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
This yellow couch fills this room with sunshine. The neutral backdrop and select pink and orange accents temper the vibrant tones. I designed it for a client whose brief was for us to give them a home that would make them smile, and this room certainly does just that. What I like most about this room is that whilst it resonates with an optimism, there is a serenity too, that soothes as much as it inspires.
That’s right – playful colours and tranquility are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
Here we see another bright yellow sofa … but it is surrounded by lashes of white, and balanced by soft tones of blues and greys. The room reverberates with a vibe that is as serene as it is joyful.
Check out this study: it is one of my favourite rooms. Here, tranquility, glamour and simplicity are all combined in one delightful space. Notice how the slight addition of the yellow on the back of the upholstered chair is enough to cut through the seriousness of the space, and add warmth and humour to the room.
If the earlier subtle pops of the happy hue are leaving you longing for more, then check out this decadent entry vestibule. US designer DKOR Interiors describes this space as the Sun Room, awash in head-to-toe yellow. Metallic and mirrored details up the luxe factor of this cheery room.
So who says yellow is too playful to be glamorous? This space is a rhapsody in yellow and certainly makes a stunning first impression.
TELL US
How do you feel about decorating with yellow?
MORE
Yellow in the Nursery? Yes or No?
A shade that’s called Minion Yellow
TELL US
How do you feel about decorating with yellow?
MORE
Yellow in the Nursery? Yes or No?
A shade that’s called Minion Yellow
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