Adding a pop of yellow to your kitchen is an easy and affordable way to brighten up the space. Not only does yellow create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere, it can also make a small kitchen appear larger and more open. Here are six creative ways to incorporate the color yellow into your kitchen design.
Switch Up the Backsplash
One of the simplest ways to add a dash of yellow is by changing your backsplash. Backsplashes protect the wall behind a kitchen counter or stove from splatters and spills. Since they cover a relatively small area, backsplashes are an ideal spot to experiment with bold colors like yellow.
Consider installing a vibrant yellow tile backsplash. Subway tiles, peninsula tiles, and mosaic tiles all come in varying shades of yellow. For extra visual interest, mix and match different yellow tiles or combine yellow with neutral tones like white or gray.
If tile feels too permanent, stick-on backsplash panels offer a temporary and budget-friendly alternative. Peel-and-stick backsplash panels come in glossy yellow finishes that instantly liven up dull walls. Just clean the surface thoroughly, measure and cut the panels to fit, peel off the adhesive backing, and press onto the wall.
Update Kitchen Cabinets
Give your cabinets a makeover by painting or replacing them with yellow cabinets. Vibrant lemon-yellow cabinets make a cheerful statement. For a more mellow vibe, opt for pale yellow or soft buttercream cabinets.
Painting cabinets yellow is the most affordable option. Make sure to use a high-quality cabinet paint that will stand up to heavy usage and cleaning. Degrease cabinets, sand lightly to help paint adhere, prime, and apply two coats of yellow paint. Replace old hardware with shiny new yellow knobs or handles.
To splurge on brand new yellow cabinets, Ikea and online retailers offer quality options at lower prices than custom cabinets. Choose a durable finish like high-gloss laminate or polyurethane that will stay bright and resist staining over time.
Light Up with Yellow Pendants
Draw the eye upward and infuse sunny appeal by hanging pendant lights over your kitchen island or dining table. Yellow pendants cast a warm glow for a cozier ambiance.
For a retro feel, hang gleaming chrome, bell-shaped pendants fitted with round yellow shades. More modern conical or curved yellow pendants made from plastic, glass, or fabric mesh also supply ample lighting. Choose single large statement pendants or cluster smaller ones close together for maximum visual impact.
Position pendant lights low enough that they don’t interfere with cabinets when you’re prepping or cooking food. Place pendants 30-36 inches above the countertop or table for ideal ergonomic height.
Mix It Up with Yellow Kitchen Accessories
Yellow kitchen accessories like canisters, rugs, curtains, and decor provide quick and inexpensive ways to work more yellow into the space. Swap out white or boring kitchen linens and textiles for their yellow counterparts.
Some bright yellow accessory ideas include:
- Tablecloth
- Window curtains
- Chair cushions
- Teapot or kettle
- Fruit bowl
- Kitchen rug or mats
- Appliance covers
- Jar, canister, or storage containers
- Wall art and decor
Choose one or two yellow statement pieces, then fill in with smaller yellow accents. Stick to one or two shades of yellow so the space doesn’t become overly busy.
Paint an Accent Wall
Transform one wall into a bold yellow accent wall. Painting just a single wall yellow minimizes the commitment of covering all four kitchen walls. Plus, the pop of color attracts attention and provides cheery contrast to neutral cabinetry and countertops.
The best accent wall locations are opposite busy countertops, on the wall behind the stovetop, or behind kitchen banquettes. For variation, paint upper and lower walls different colors. For example, you could do lemon-yellow lower walls and bright white uppers.
Use painter’s tape to define edges and paint yellow with a satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss sheen. The subtle shine adds depth and makes the wall color pop compared to flat yellow paint.
Infuse Small Touches of Sunshine
Work in small flourishes of yellow through replaceable kitchenwares like appliances, cookware, utensils, and tabletop items. These tiny touches let you adjust and update the yellow elements seasonally or whenever you tire of them.
Some ideas for little bursts of yellow include:
- Stand mixer
- Blender, food processor, or toaster
- Mixing bowls
- Colander or strainers
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Kitchen utensils
- Salt and pepper shakers
- Dish towels
- Oven mitts or gloves
- Placemats
- Napkins
- Glasses or mugs
- Vase with yellow flowers
Don’t be afraid to mix yellow and white kitchenware for increased brightness. Scatter touches of yellow throughout for a layered, collected look.
Complementary Color Ideas
Yellow pops when paired with darker shades. Deep blue, navy, charcoal, black, or chocolate brown all make striking color combinations with yellow. For a softer but still vibrant look, pair sunny yellow with neutral whites, beiges, or greys.
Here are some suggested yellow and complementary color pairings:
- Sunflower yellow with navy blue
- Lemon or canary yellow with chocolate brown
- Soft buttercup yellow with beige and white
- Mustard or goldenrod yellow with charcoal grey
No matter which shade you choose, a touch of yellow is an easy way to liven up your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adding Yellow to Your Kitchen
How much yellow should I use in my kitchen?
Use yellow as an accent color and stick to one or two bold yellow features or collections of smaller yellow accents. Too much yellow can feel overwhelming in a small space. Focus yellow on one wall, the backsplash, pendant lighting, or cabinets for the biggest impact.
What yellow paint color should I choose?
Buttery yellows and sunny lemon yellows feel cheerful and inviting. Soft buttercream also works well for a mellow accent wall or cabinets. Deeper goldenrod and mustard yellows make bolder statements. Sample paint chips at the hardware store to find your perfect shade.
Should I choose glossy or matte yellow finishes?
Glossy yellow finishes reflect more light for added vibrancy. Matte yellow has a soothing, muted effect. Use high-gloss yellow on backsplashes, cabinets, or accents walls and pair with matte finishes like yellow curtains or rug for visual interest.
What colors pair well with yellow in the kitchen?
Deep blue, navy, black, brown, white, grey, and beige all complement yellow’s vibrant hue. Choose one darker color like navy backsplash tile to ground the space, then add pops of yellow through accessories. Or pair soft buttercream yellow walls with crisp white cabinets.
Is yellow outdated or trendy for kitchens?
Yellow is a timeless kitchen color that always feels fresh and fun. Vibrant lemon and buttercup yellows feel modern and contemporary. Mustard yellow evokes retro 70s style. Use yellow in classic applications like subway tile or pendant lights for staying power.
How can I add yellow to a rental kitchen I can’t paint or renovate?
Use removable peel-and-stick backsplash panels, switch out pendant lights, buy a yellow rug and accessories, or hang temporary yellow curtains to inject color. Check if you can paint cabinets – some landlords allow changeable updates like this. Stick to accents you can easily remove.
Final Thoughts on Yellow Kitchens
A bit of yellow goes a long way in brightening up your kitchen. Paint an accent wall or cabinetry, install a vibrant backsplash, update lighting and textiles, or go for bold yellow appliances and cookware.
Stick to one or two eye-catching yellow features against a neutral background. Soft buttercream to vivid lemon yellows work well in kitchens. Pair yellow with complementary navy blues, blacks, browns, whites, or greys.
Adding this cheerful hue creates an uplifting, inviting mood in your culinary space. With so many simple and affordable ways to work in yellow accents, there’s no reason not to incorporate this lively color into your kitchen.
