The Resurgence of Yellow Emerges as Our Preferred 2025 Color Fashion Trend
In my humble abode, the hue that's always brought a sense of comfort is none other than yellow. Nestled within the golden era of 1979 in my grandma's beach condo, the sunshiny laminate flooring of the kitchen set the stage for her magical culinary performances - melt-in-your-mouth fudge cubes, piles of perfectly cooked crab legs, and pots overflowing with her legendary hot dog chili. However, yellow, much like its fiery counterpart, red, hasn't always been a design staple, occasionally taking a backseat to the timeless blues and greens, and at times, the dubious greige. But, in 2025, the retro yellow is making a triumphant return, and we couldn't be more thrilled. Here's how contemporary Southern designers are adding a splash of this oft-neglected shade to their projects, and their expert advice on incorporating yellow into your own abode.
Meet the Mavericks
Amanda Louise Campbell, a decorated designer hailing from Greenville, South Carolina, and Courtney Davis, a creative force based in Palm Beach and Jupiter, Florida, share their perspective on why designers are embracing yellow like never before.
Yellow: A Love Letter to the Past and the Future
"Yellow has always been one of my favorite colors, and my team and I have seen a significant rise in clients falling in love with it over the past year," shares Amanda Louise Campbell. "It's an inviting and warm color that possesses a unique balance of energy and calm, evoking feelings of nostalgia. In contrast, Courtney Davis echoes similar sentiments, explaining how they used yellow to add a sophisticated yet past-era charm to a Palm Beach project, striking that perfect balance between timeless and modern."
Dive Headfirst into Decorating with Yellow
If the idea of incorporating yellow into your design scheme fills you with trepidation, take small steps to test the waters. "When decorating with yellow, avoid overthinking it. A pop of yellow adds dimension and personality to a space, even if it's in the form of a lamp, vase, or stack of books in a sea of blues and greens," Campbells assures us.
If you're ready to fully embrace the yellow revolution, then why not dive right in with a color-drenched space? "Yellow is the perfect color for color-drenching," Davis asserts. "The right hue can work beautifully on walls, trim, and even ceilings without feeling overwhelming. A warm, rich yellow with minimal sweetness is the way to go, like Farrow & Ball's Citron (74) or Benjamin Moore's Golden Groves (313)."
Take note from Campbell, who believes in the power of picking a grounded undertone when painting spaces yellow, such as Sherwin-Williams’ Convivial Yellow (SW 6393). "Color-drenching the room by treating walls and trim with the same paint creates a modern twist on this classic hue."
Don't forget to explore the full spectrum of yellow, from lemon yellow to mustard hues. "Layering different yellows in a single room adds depth and warmth, creating a welcoming and cozy atmosphere," Davis suggests.
When using yellow as an accent color, remember the 60-30-10 rule, recommends Davis. "60% of the room should be dominated by the main color, 30% by the secondary color, and 10% by the accent color, ensuring a balanced and harmonious look."
And finally, take inspiration from nature and its warm, sunny tones when introducing yellow into your design scheme. With these expert tips in tow, you're well on your way to unlocking the untapped potential of that misunderstood shade.
In the world of contemporary Southern design, Yellow has become a beloved color again, as noted by designers Amanda Louise Campbell and Courtney Davis. Campbell, from Greenville, South Carolina, has seen a surge in clients loving yellow due to its inviting and warm nature. Davis, based in Palm Beach and Jupiter, Florida, used yellow to add a charming throwback feel to a Palm Beach project.
When considering incorporating yellow into your own home, Campbell suggests starting small with a pop of yellow through items like lamps, vases, or books. For a full yellow embrace, Davis recommends using a warm, rich yellow like Farrow & Ball's Citron (74) or Benjamin Moore's Golden Groves (313).
In their approach to yellow, both designers stress the importance of grounded undertones, such as Sherwin-Williams’ Convivial Yellow (SW 6393) for painting spaces. They also suggest layering different yellows to add depth and warmth, following the 60-30-10 rule for balanced accent color usage. Ultimately, designers draw inspiration from nature's sunny tones to design with yellow, creating welcoming and cozy atmospheres.
