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Let the sunshine in: 11 buys to make your home brighter
Yellow lifts the spirits like nothing else so now’s the time to introduce this summery hue into your decorating scheme
Whether it’s zingy canary or pale-banana-milkshake tones, yellow’s transformative power can boost a room just as a squeeze of lemon lifts a dish. Simply dialling up the presence of this versatile hue in a space can take the mood from relaxed to high-energy. For a contemporary feel, layer complementary warm woods like oak and walnut to enhance the cosy effect, and add a contrasting element – think glossy black lacquer, polished steel and pieces with a sharp angularity or a chunky silhouette, which will shine against comforting, custard-coloured walls.
‘Giovanna sofa’, Popus Editions
If you’re short on time yet want to make a big impact, then look no further than Popus Editions’ latest sofa. Called ‘Giovanna’, it has the power to totally transform a living room in one fell swoop. Relax in the knowledge that it’s made of solid beech wood and has a 5-year guarantee. From approx £3,260, popus-editions.com
‘Re-Mix’ fabric, Zimmer + Rohde
Everything about this upholstery fabric has been designed with sustainability in mind. It is composed of 52 per recycled polyester, 45 per cent recycled cotton textiles and just three per cent make up the rest. So if you’re hoping to update a room without a negative environmental impact, this is the perfect solution. £129 per m, zimmer-rohde.com
‘Oiled Oak’ bowl, Gary Allson
Warm woods in light colours complement bright yellows and offer a tactile accompaniment to a sunny interior. Cornwall-based designer Gary Allson’s hand-turned wooden bowls and plates are inspired by observations and insights into daily living. We love this striking oiled oak bowl, which can be used as a decorative piece or as a place for storing small trinkets. £210, maudandmabel.com
‘Anima Valet’ tray, Salvatori
Ground sunny tones with light greys and soft whites to create a balanced environment. This smooth, curling tray by designers Glenn Pushelberg and George Yabu is a subtle and sophisticated way to introduce contrast. £255, salvatoriofficial.com
‘Sisool Tric’ carpet in ‘Ivory’, Crucial Trading
The white keys of a grand piano were the inspiration behind the creamy white hues found in Crucial Trading’s ‘Sisool Tric’ carpet, while the interconnected golden threads give the it a more regal look. It comes in a variety of warm hues, but this colourway showcases the beautiful rustic nature of sisal. £155 per m, crucial-trading.com
‘Little Wenzhou’ fabric in ‘Bleu Misia’, Misia
Enlivening your home doesn’t always have to mean adding huge swathes of yellow upholstery. Why not go down a more delicate route with this ethereal fabric by Parisian design studio, Misia? Twisted metallic yarns made from silk, linen, natural viscose and cotton come together to form a floral pattern embued with gold. Oooh la la. £219 per m, misia-paris.com
‘J104’ chair, Hay
Buttery yellow rooms provide the perfect setting for sculptural or cocooning furniture and Jørgen Bækmark’s ‘J104’ chair ticks all of the above. Designed for Danish brand Hay, which is known for its clean lines and expert use of colour, the solid beech chair has a curved back for comfort and a light yet strong construction. From £255, hay,dk
‘Day Dreamer’ candle, Paul Smith
French lavender oil, clary sage and verbena make up the summery scents found in British designer Paul Smith’s canary yellow candle, ‘Day Dreamer’. The wax is contained in a tinted glass vessel with a contrasting blue lid that also serves as a coaster. Plus, once burned, you can keep the container and give it a new life as a pen or plant pot. £65, selfridges.com
‘Macaron‘ tile in ‘Pineapple’, Claybrook
Take your kitchen to the tropics with Claybrook’s vibrantly coloured ‘Macaron’ tiles. They’re crafted in sunny Spain and have a glazed finish, and would bring an energising feel to your home in a flash. £55, claybrook.co.uk
‘Calacatta Viola’ polished marble, Mandarin Stone
Richly veined marble is the ultimate counterpart to the warm and rich tones found in golden yellow. Line your bathroom walls or floors with Mandarin Stone’s opulent tiles and pair with yellow accents such as a stool or mirror frame. £92 per sq m, mandarinstone.com
‘Fleck’ bookend in ‘Ochre’, The Conran Shop
If yellow walls are a bit too much for you, pop this yellow bookend, which was made by craftspeople in India’s Agra region, on your bookshelf instead. While it’s made from engineered stone, its white speckles give it a terrazzo-like finish. £49, conranshop.co.uk
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