Yellow has quickly emerged as one of the colors to decorate with in 2025. Between the butter yellow surge and dopamine decor, the sunny shade has secured its place as a surprisingly versatile and trendy color choices for interiors.
This stands true as evidenced by Cynthia Nixon's kitchen. The Sex and the City and ...And Just Like That star recently shared a snap of her space on her Instagram page, and we were instantly drawn to her backsplash, which stands out in its bold, ochre glory.
While Cynthia's kitchen is otherwise quite neutral and modern, featuring wood cabinets, white countertops, and metallic appliances, the ochre provides contrast, a pop of color, and warmth to the area, proving that decorating with yellow is the ultimate mood-booster.
Shop yellow kitchen accessories
Olive oil adorns almost every home, and a good olive oil bottle – in a cheery butter yellow – is a must to liven up any scheme. Made from glazed earthenware, you will feel instantly transported to the Mediterranean.
This Italian-made, organic cotton kitchen towel provides ultimate functionality and beauty with a subtle yellow stripe.
This brightly colored mixing spoon has a vintage look that gives your kitchen a stylish, timeless feel.
According to experts, yellow's psychological impact on a space cannot be undermined; this is due to its association with the outside world.
'Yellow is often associated with happiness, optimism, and creativity,' explains designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'It reflects light beautifully, instantly brightening a space and making it feel more inviting. But beyond its psychological effects, yellow is a color deeply rooted in nature. It mirrors the golden glow of sunlight, the warmth of autumn leaves, and the vibrant petals of wildflowers. This organic connection makes yellow a perfect kitchen idea for those who seek to bring a sense of natural harmony into their homes. In an era where home design is increasingly focused on comfort and emotional well-being, the appeal of yellow makes perfect sense.'
Nina explains that muted or dark shades of yellow, like Cynthia's ochre tiles, look sophisticated and contemporary when paired with neutral colors in a space.
'Mustard, ochre, or golden yellow against a backdrop of white, beige, or soft gray walls creates a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere,' she states. 'Add natural materials, such as linen, wood, or rattan, to enhance the warmth without creating visual overload.'
Cynthia has executed this method perfectly with her backsplash complementing her wood cabinetry – it can be taken to the next level with linen napkins or rattan placemats decorating the kitchen table.
Alternatively, Nina suggests opting for a monochrome approach if you really want to make a statement in your kitchen.
'For the truly bold, layering different shades of yellow throughout the room (softer butter yellow hues on the walls, and pale yellow accents) creates a sun-drenched, cohesive look that feels uplifting year-round,' she suggests.
Whether you opt for an ochre accent in your kitchen with a backsplash or experiment with butter yellow accessories, this shade is worth implementing into the home for its warming and lively properties.
