Decorating
Decorating: Why Yellow and Grey are a Winning Combination
Want to inject some colour into your scheme in an easy-going way? This is your go-to mix of shades — and it works beautifully in every space
Chances are, you already have a bit of grey going on in your home, or are thinking of experimenting with the power of the dark side. But how can you keep this shade from looking a little gloomy? This is where sunshine yellow, mellow mustard and acidic brights come into their own, revving up grey and adding gorgeous contrast to any room. Welcome to the coolest colour combination around.
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This clever kitchen not only has tucked away storage, but the inset shelving and back wall are painted in an eye-catching shade of yellow. It’s a smart design trick that demonstrates how this space and scheme have been carefully planned to work hard and look good.
This clever kitchen not only has tucked away storage, but the inset shelving and back wall are painted in an eye-catching shade of yellow. It’s a smart design trick that demonstrates how this space and scheme have been carefully planned to work hard and look good.
Learn geometry
In a darker shade, this bedspread could feel hectic and brash, but in mellow yellow it simply looks bright and cheery. The geometric pattern is matched nicely by the button back headboard in a mink grey. Subtle but strong.
Discover 8 ways to decorate with geometric patterns
In a darker shade, this bedspread could feel hectic and brash, but in mellow yellow it simply looks bright and cheery. The geometric pattern is matched nicely by the button back headboard in a mink grey. Subtle but strong.
Discover 8 ways to decorate with geometric patterns
Make a central statement
This luscious statement of a chesterfield sofa looks ever so inviting in mango yellow, and it is allowed to sing out thanks to the grey wall shade and radiator. Fitting a matching radiator, or repainting it in a complementary shade, is a decorating touch that helps create a uniform backdrop for a standout piece.
This luscious statement of a chesterfield sofa looks ever so inviting in mango yellow, and it is allowed to sing out thanks to the grey wall shade and radiator. Fitting a matching radiator, or repainting it in a complementary shade, is a decorating touch that helps create a uniform backdrop for a standout piece.
Add a cushion
This kitchen adds restrained measures of yellow and grey for a style statement that doesn’t get carried away. Yellow seat pads (here, on design classic Bertoia chairs) add a flash of colour, and are teamed with deep grey bench cushions and glossy tiles as a splashback. It is a neat look, and the cushion covers can be easily updated whenever you fancy.
This kitchen adds restrained measures of yellow and grey for a style statement that doesn’t get carried away. Yellow seat pads (here, on design classic Bertoia chairs) add a flash of colour, and are teamed with deep grey bench cushions and glossy tiles as a splashback. It is a neat look, and the cushion covers can be easily updated whenever you fancy.
Boost a baby’s room
Yellow has traditionally been the safe colour of choice for baby clothes, but it is possible to take that slightly old-fashioned pale lemon shade and bring it up to date. Here it is reinvigorated with grey zigzags, creating a baby’s room that is totally fun and funky, and certain to look great into the toddler years and beyond.
Learn how to create a stylish nursery
Yellow has traditionally been the safe colour of choice for baby clothes, but it is possible to take that slightly old-fashioned pale lemon shade and bring it up to date. Here it is reinvigorated with grey zigzags, creating a baby’s room that is totally fun and funky, and certain to look great into the toddler years and beyond.
Learn how to create a stylish nursery
Consider cladding
The panels cladding this wall make a bold, original statement, with the yellow adding some extra punch. The Platner chairs are an easy mixer and the glossy grey floor unites the scheme. Note, too, how the cladding emphasises the off-centre position of the fireplace — this space is too eclectic for simple symmetry!
The panels cladding this wall make a bold, original statement, with the yellow adding some extra punch. The Platner chairs are an easy mixer and the glossy grey floor unites the scheme. Note, too, how the cladding emphasises the off-centre position of the fireplace — this space is too eclectic for simple symmetry!
Rise to the occasion
These acidic yellow stair risers announce that this is a design conscious, artistic home, and are revealed in all their glory thanks to a glass balustrade. The bright shade continues on the kitchen worktop trim on the ground floor, but is toned down a tad by the grey doors.
These acidic yellow stair risers announce that this is a design conscious, artistic home, and are revealed in all their glory thanks to a glass balustrade. The bright shade continues on the kitchen worktop trim on the ground floor, but is toned down a tad by the grey doors.
Walk this way
This rug is a quick and easy way to add on-trend pattern and colour, with bold lines that echo the Crittal-style glazing, as well as the more natural textures peppered through the room. Ikat weave cushions add to the yellow on grey scheme, creating a look that is bold, but still feels relaxed.
This rug is a quick and easy way to add on-trend pattern and colour, with bold lines that echo the Crittal-style glazing, as well as the more natural textures peppered through the room. Ikat weave cushions add to the yellow on grey scheme, creating a look that is bold, but still feels relaxed.
Go natural
The rustic, golden-yellow tones of timber and woven baskets shine out against this grey wall, which has the character of cool stone. It’s an inspired and original way to tap into the global side of yellow, and give this on-trend combination a timeless quality.
TELL US...
Are you a fan of a grey and yellow combination? Share your favourite way of applying these colours in the Comments below.
The rustic, golden-yellow tones of timber and woven baskets shine out against this grey wall, which has the character of cool stone. It’s an inspired and original way to tap into the global side of yellow, and give this on-trend combination a timeless quality.
TELL US...
Are you a fan of a grey and yellow combination? Share your favourite way of applying these colours in the Comments below.
The quickest and most simple way to inject the latest colour trend into your rooms is to invest in some cushions. This warm shade of mustard also introduces a folksy touch of pattern and benefits from the perfect backdrop of a midcentury grey sofa.