by Cary Rogers

Have you noticed mustard yellow popping up everywhere lately? It’s such a warm and pretty color! I’ve bought some pieces to incorporate into my wardrobe, but I keep seeing it in home decor, too.

According to Southern Living, mustard yellow has shown up on virtually every 2019 trend report, and is gaining popularity as a wall color. If you’re not ready to commit to painting your walls, or if you rent and your landlord wouldn’t appreciate it, there are plenty of more flexible options for trying it out.

For example, how dreamy is this little corner of the courtyard at The Hoxton, Paris? Get the look inside and create your own seating nook with velvet armchairs and plenty of houseplants—try these wall-mounted planters or a vertical garden for extra impact.

Here are some more ideas… 

Bring in the color with couches.

A couch is definitely more of a long-term investment, but if you’re in the market, it makes a beautiful statement piece, and brightens up the room. I love the look of this one, and you could also add a chair like the one shown. If you’re going to color coordinate seating, stick with a simple palette for the rest of the room, with smaller touches of accent colors. If you’re looking for velvet, Urban Outfitters and ABC Carpet both have options.

[Images: Top/bottom]

With Throw Pillows.

If you’re looking for a smaller pop of color, try adding some throw pillows to you living room or bedroom. This one, from Joanna Gaines’s collection at Anthropologie, is so pretty! You could also try this solid one, or this velvet one, which comes in multiple sizes and fillings. A little can go a long way, especially when contrasting with cooler tones, like the blue on the chair and from the gorgeous view.

[Images: Top/Bottom]

In the Kitchen.

I love the unexpected yellow of the grout here. It’s such a unique way to add an extra burst of brightness. If you have a tile project coming up it would be a fun option to consider. The look is subtle but is complimented by the ceramics—you could easily add a plant in this pot or display these pretty mugs from west elm.

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Or the bathroom.

It’s easy to add little touches of color in the bathroom that make a big impact. This shower curtain warms and brightens an otherwise stark color scheme. To get the look, try one of these curtains, color blocked or solid, or add some really pretty, statement towels.

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With blankets. 

I love the mix of warmth and brightness in this bedroom! Between the duvet, the natural fibers, and that hanging plant… it feels so summery. While the duvet pictured from Kip & Co. is sold out, this one from Anthropologie is very similar.

Likewise, a throw blanket is a great way to add a little color and it’s so versatile—you could easily swap it out seasonally or use it in other rooms of the house. Here are a couple of options to consider in solid and striped. Or get cozy with this one in fleece.

And check out how the color is used in Ashley’s home to brighten up a children’s bed.

[Images: Top/Middle/Bottom]

With a rug. 

A rug can really tie the room together, (just ask the Coen Brothers) and make a space more feel more inviting. Again, keeping with a fairly neutral and natural theme keeps things from looking too loud or busy when adding a larger statement piece. The rug pictured also comes in a smaller size that can be hung on the wall.

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Display it.

Brighten up your walls by hanging some artwork, like this piece or this print. Compliment it with some pretty flowers. Or shop your bookshelves—don’t forget to check under the dust covers! Bringing in color can be as simple as grouping books together. Hint, hint: Try Swing Time by Zadie Smith, or the Wildsam Field Guide for Nashville.

A few accents go a long way to warm up an otherwise neutral space.

[Images: Top/Bottom]

Finally, paint it! 

If you are up for a painting project, try starting with a door or a piece of furniture, like a dresser. Try a paint in this color range that best matches your existing decor.

What do you think of the mustard trend? Have you brought it into your home?

P.S. What I learned from Marie Kondo and more Home & Design posts

Cary Rogers is a lifelong Northern Californian with a passion for design, from clothing to home decor. She lives in Sacramento, and when she’s not working for a local hop farm and brewery, she’s probably curating her Pinterest, creating a new playlist, reading, or exploring all that California has to offer. She escapes to the mountains any chance she gets, is never opposed to a solid nap, loves goats, and eats too much Mexican food—if that’s a real thing. See her previous posts, on small space design inside and outside. 

[Lead photo via Lizzy Hadfield; Doors at bottom; Velvet chairs in lead photo by Bastille & Sons]

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