Cooking Up Color: 7 Ways to Shine With Yellow in the Kitchen
Here’s what you can do with shades of yellow on cabinetry, accent walls, appliances and more
Continuing our series on accent colors for kitchens, we turn to happy yellow. The quickest way to add a burst of warmth and energy to your kitchen is through the use of vibrant hues such as yellow. But, especially with the brighter shades, careful consideration is needed about how much to use and where to use it. Here are seven places where you can introduce yellow into a kitchen.
I have fond childhood memories of kitchens lined with cabinets in sunny hues, so yellow in the kitchen feels very warm and welcoming to me. I can practically hear and smell the bacon and eggs cooking in this charming kitchen and in the previous example.
When picking a yellow color for the kitchen, take inspiration from your favorite flavors. Whether you favor soft and buttery hues, zesty lemon or a mellow banana yellow, you can’t go wrong surrounding yourself in a delectable color.
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When picking a yellow color for the kitchen, take inspiration from your favorite flavors. Whether you favor soft and buttery hues, zesty lemon or a mellow banana yellow, you can’t go wrong surrounding yourself in a delectable color.
Search the Houzz pro directory to find a local cabinetmaker or cabinet showroom
2. Island
If you fear your favorite yellow is too bold to be used in large amounts, limit it to the island. The busy hub of your kitchen deserves to take center stage, so consider giving it a splash of color that lets it stand apart.
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If you fear your favorite yellow is too bold to be used in large amounts, limit it to the island. The busy hub of your kitchen deserves to take center stage, so consider giving it a splash of color that lets it stand apart.
Shop for kitchen islands and carts
3. Accent Wall
Another way to bring in a small dash of fun yellow is with an accent wall or a partial accent wall. The bit of yellow above the backsplash tile really brings the zing in the otherwise very light and neutral space seen here.
Another way to bring in a small dash of fun yellow is with an accent wall or a partial accent wall. The bit of yellow above the backsplash tile really brings the zing in the otherwise very light and neutral space seen here.
Of course your accent wall needn’t be a wall at all. I love architect firm Mihaly Slocombe’s creative use of color on the ceiling in this Australian home. It draws the eye up and makes the room feel even more expansive than it is. It’s a rather soft shade of yellow, so it doesn’t feel too heavy or harsh. Rather, it mimics sunshine streaming in, which I imagine makes this a wonderful kitchen to be in.
4. Niche
I’m a big fan of small and strategic uses of vibrant color, and yellow is my go-to color when I really want to call attention to a detail in a room.
I’m a big fan of small and strategic uses of vibrant color, and yellow is my go-to color when I really want to call attention to a detail in a room.
It can also be called upon to help distract the eye. Elements that you wish to blend in should be painted a neutral hue that blends with the surroundings. Then a more eye-catching color, such as yellow, can help create a focal point.
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5. Backsplash
Don’t default to white subway tile merely because you feel overwhelmed by the numerous backsplash options. An interior designer can help narrow the choices for you, making the process faster and easier.
The yellow painted-glass backsplash gives this modern kitchen by designer-builder Luke Blackwell a great little boost of color. This type of backsplash allows you to select the exact color you wish to apply to the wall.
Find a designer to help you choose the right materials, colors and more
Don’t default to white subway tile merely because you feel overwhelmed by the numerous backsplash options. An interior designer can help narrow the choices for you, making the process faster and easier.
The yellow painted-glass backsplash gives this modern kitchen by designer-builder Luke Blackwell a great little boost of color. This type of backsplash allows you to select the exact color you wish to apply to the wall.
Find a designer to help you choose the right materials, colors and more
Lovers of subway tile can now find the material in just about any color imaginable — and in dimensions beyond the standard 3 by 6 inches.
The citrus yellow tiles really add personality to this light and bright kitchen by Gast Architects.
Shop for yellow tile
The citrus yellow tiles really add personality to this light and bright kitchen by Gast Architects.
Shop for yellow tile
6. Appliances
Here’s another daring use of yellow, this time more of a bold gold on the range and vent hood.
Typically I advise my clients to stick to neutrals for appliances, since you don’t necessarily want them to stand out. Statement-making appliances such as these, however, deserve to take center stage. If your goal is a non-cookie-cutter kitchen, this color move will get you there.
Here’s another daring use of yellow, this time more of a bold gold on the range and vent hood.
Typically I advise my clients to stick to neutrals for appliances, since you don’t necessarily want them to stand out. Statement-making appliances such as these, however, deserve to take center stage. If your goal is a non-cookie-cutter kitchen, this color move will get you there.
7. Flooring
I’m on a mission to get homeowners to consider interesting colors and patterns for their floors. Don’t get me wrong — I know that hardwoods are beautiful and neutral tile is practical, but vibrant, colorful flooring can be transformative. And while you may not want a bright yellow underfoot in your bedroom or living room, the peppy vibe it creates is perfect in a kitchen.
Your turn: How have you embraced yellow in your kitchen? Share a photo in the Comments.
More on Houzz
See more ideas for colorful kitchens: Green | Blue | Orange
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I’m on a mission to get homeowners to consider interesting colors and patterns for their floors. Don’t get me wrong — I know that hardwoods are beautiful and neutral tile is practical, but vibrant, colorful flooring can be transformative. And while you may not want a bright yellow underfoot in your bedroom or living room, the peppy vibe it creates is perfect in a kitchen.
Your turn: How have you embraced yellow in your kitchen? Share a photo in the Comments.
More on Houzz
See more ideas for colorful kitchens: Green | Blue | Orange
Get kitchen design ideas
Find a kitchen designer
Shop for kitchen products
I’m happy to see that homeowners are embracing colorful kitchen cabinets once again, and yellow is one of my favorite colors to use.