Design world picks yellow as next big thing

Hotly anticipated in the design world, Robert Kaufman’s KONA Colour of the Year is usually a great indication of the sort of shades that will feature in interior trends for the year ahead.

This year a bright yellow called Highlight took out the coveted title. A vivid, sunny, clear yellow, it will be interesting to see what the prediction could bring in terms of the use of bold colour this year.

While yellow can be scary for some, it’s actually a hugely versatile colour with universal appeal.

Widespread application

From contemporary to traditional, Scandinavian, beachy, bohemian or minimalist interiors, yellow complements just about any scheme. While a bohemian interior usually demands a warm, rich yellow tone, a minimalist look would be perfectly complemented by a cool shade of the colour.

Ultimately it’s all about context and having the confidence to embrace this bright shade.

Style basics: The interior designer’s colour wheel

A sunnier yellow in the bathroom can warm up an otherwise cooler space.

Make a statement

While some of us will shy from this trend, others will be really keen to embrace it. Think statement yellow wallpaper, a bright front door or bold yellow upholstery on a sofa. In fact, reupholstering an heirloom piece in a fabulous shade of yellow could be just the modern update it needs. Check out the video below for some useful info on updating antiques.

Keep it subtle

It may just be a cushion or a feature chair, but a splash of yellow can inject a whole lot of vibrancy without having to be a particularly bright shade. If you shy away from bold colour, choose a buttery or dandelion shade of yellow for a softer, muted effect that is no less uplifting.

Complementary hues

Whether you pair it with strong colours like navy, aqua and hot pink or soft pastels like Pantone’s colours of the year, Rose Quartz (a soft blush pink) and Serenity (a gorgeous shade of hydrangea blue), the 2016 KONA Colour of the Year is super versatile.

Yellow and grey is a classic combination and yellow complements taupe tones too. In fact, yellow is the perfect addition to the modern colour palette – it’s often just the perking up that monochromatic interiors require.

Big picture: Choosing the right colour scheme for your home